Tuesday, 18 December 2012

[cobirds] Clear Creek Dippers

During the Evergreen CBC, 8 Dippers were observed along Clear Creek between tunnels 3 and 6.  Two more were observed along North Clear Creek (CO 119) between the confluence of North and Main Clear Creek and the Central City Black Hawk Sanitation District (CCBHSD) facility.  North Clear Creek continues to look pretty uninviting - a sickly ochre color.  However, I was told by a CCBHSD employee that heavy metal remediation has been largely successful, though it seems to be slightly acidic for some reason.  I was surprised to find any Dippers along it at all.

Chuck Aid
Evergreen, CO
On Dec 18, 2012, at 1:34 AM, cobirds@googlegroups.com wrote:

Group: http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds/topics

    "bomaanka@yahoo.com" <bomaanka@yahoo.com> Dec 17 09:18PM -0800  

    I saw a single American Dipper in Clear Creek just east of Lowell Blvd.
    (Adams Co.) today at 4:05 pm This is the regular location. I was looking
    off of the Lowell bridge near 55th Pl.
    Also saw an American Kestrel from same spot.
    Bob Canter, Denver Colo.
     
    birderbob <birderbob@comcast.net> Dec 17 07:30PM -0800  

    Hello COBIRDERS,

    For birders who utilize Family Radio Service (FRS) walkie-talkies (channel
    11-22 the "Birder Channel") here is some food for thought -

    Channel 11-22 has been designated as the Birder Channel, however, since
    finding this split frequency on your device often poses a challenge
    (especially for some of us "senior birders") I would propose changing the
    channel to channel 21 for a few reasons.

    Channel 21 is easier to find and dial into on your radio.
    Channels 15 and higher (15 up to 22) have superior transmission range. More
    bang for your buck . . .
    Using an un-split frequency means you can buy cheaper radios (the
    split-frequency capable radios are usually a few bucks higher).

    In all my experience using FRS radios while birding, I have never
    encountered other birders on the channel 11 -22. Maybe they can't find it?


    Bob Santangelo (aka BirderBob)
    Wheat Ridge CO

    (p.s. @ Todd - sorry for my error earlier today - I've refreshed myself on
    COBirder etiquette for posting)
     
    "Nick Komar" <quetzal65@comcast.net> Dec 17 07:58PM -0700  

    Staging gulls this afternoon at Lake Loveland included:
    Ring-billed Gull – approx. 400
    Herring Gull – 18
    California Gull – 2
    Lesser Black-backed Gull – 2 (1 ad, 1 1st-cycle)
    Vega Gull – 1 adult
     
    The candidate Vega Gull is discussed and photographed at http://www.pbase.com/quetzal/mysterygullae.
     
    Nick Komar
    Fort Collins CO
     
    <melgoff@comcast.net> Dec 17 02:42PM -0700  

    Greetings all!
     
    Last night I got a call from Debbie Barnes about a Eurasian Wigeon found on Sunday's CBC by Bill and Dan Maynard.
     
    This morning we followed her directions and came upon a small pond that had about 16 wigeons in it. We parked and had just found the Eurasian Wigeon in the group when all but one of the birds lifted off and flew to the west then circled around toward the north (to the river?). The one bird that stayed, amazingly, was the object of our trip. We had a good 8-10 minutes to watch it before it, too, took off. We waited for a while to see if any of the birds would return, but none did.
     
    The best part of all was that this Eurasian Wigeon (excuse me not knowing the proper 4-letter abbreviation) was our 350th species for Colorado this year. What a thrill it was!
     
    To see this pond, take US Hwy 50 west to Canon City. Turn left on Mac Kenzie (south) and drive to the junction with CO Hwy 115. Turn right and go west on 115 to Willow Road. Turn right and go north to Willow Lane. Turn right on Willow Lane and go until it dead ends at the entrance to a dairy farm. There will be two tiny ponds on the right, and the birds were right there. (Lots of "rights".) We also saw a Belted Kingfisher, several Common Ravens around town, some Black-billed Magpies, not to mention the NEW McDonalds.
     
    Thanks to Debbie for calling and to all who have wished us well over the last couple of weeks.
     
    Good Birding!
     
    Mel and Jeanne Goff
    Colorado Springs
     
    "Brandon K. Percival" <bkpercival@yahoo.com> Dec 17 02:31PM -0800  

    If the wigeon isn't at the pond on Willow Street, another couple of places in the Canon City area, that have wigeon, are Centennial Park and Sell's Pond.  There are always a lot of wigeon during the day on the grass and pond at Centennial Park in the west part of Canon City, and early in the morning yesterday, there were quite a few wigeon at Sells Pond off Sells Road in Canon City, though they left fairly early, before sunrise, probably heading to Centennial Park.  There are other ponds around Canon City, so the wigeon could turn up somewhere else too.  Many birders were able to see the Eurasian Wigeon yesterday during the Penrose CBC, and I think this is the first one to be found in Fremont County!  Hopefully the bird stays for the winter, some have in the past in Colorado.  Another great find by Dan Maynard and Bill Maynard.
     
     
     
    Brandon Percival
    Pueblo West, CO
     
    "Kayleen A Niyo" <kay@kayniyo.com> Dec 17 01:52PM -0700  

    CO Birders,
     

     
    Just received this fascinating post by Matt Wetrich, Carroll Co., IA biologist, about the release of a satellite-tracked Snowy Owl. The new facility and SOAR project is new since I left IA! Bob Anderson of Raptor Resource Project has helped along with many others.
     

     
    Should be fascinating to see where this rehabilitated Snowy Owl goes if she and her tracking device survive the winter. She was brought in for rehab in Jan 2012 and just released Nov 28.
     

     
    Kay
     
    Kayleen A. Niyo, Ph.D.
    Niyo Scientific Communications
    Kay Niyo Photography
    <mailto:Kay@KayNiyo.com> Kay@KayNiyo.com
     
    <http://www.KayNiyo.com> www.KayNiyo.com
    ______________________________
    5651 Garnet Street
    Golden, CO 80403
    Phone: (303) 679-6646
    Fax: (866) 849-8013
     

     
    From: bounce-ia-bird-7915@lists.iowabirds.org [mailto:bounce-ia-bird-7915@lists.iowabirds.org] On Behalf Of Matthew T. Wetrich
    Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 12:14 PM
    To: IA-BIRD
    Subject: [ia-bird] Satellite-tracked Snowy Owl in Iowa
     

     
    Birders,
     
    I wanted to inform you that the Snowy Owl that was reported Friday morning (12/14) near the Onawa Exit on I-29 is a bird that is a rehabilitated owl from last winter's irruption event. The reason I know this is because she is wearing a satellite tracking device that will help scientists learn more about Snowy Owl behavior. She was returned to the wild in late November at Owego Wetlands south of Sioux City. She seems to have found her way down to the Onawa area and has set up shop there for over a week now.
     
    This is a project partnered by Raptor Resource Project (of Decorah Eagle fame) and Saving Our Avian Resources (SOAR) with assistance from Carroll County Conservation.
     
    If you happen to see her, please report sightings to me so we can add the sightings to the data base. There is an antenna comimg off her backpack that will let you know it is her.
     
    As with all birds, please remember your birding ethics regarding distance of viewing, not approaching, etc.
     
    This is a very excitng project and when there is some additional information regarding her travels and about the project in general, I'll post links to the partnering webpages.
     
    A photo by IOU's head man and a quick synapsis can be seen at SOAR's webpage. www.soarraptors.org
     
    Here is a link to Raptor Resource Project's Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/mobileprotection#!/pages/Raptor-Resource-Project/103786266324668?fref=ts
     
    Bird On...
     
    matt
     
    "Bill Maynard" <bmaynard99@gmail.com> Dec 17 12:14PM -0700  

    COBirders,
     

     
    I watched the Colorado Springs female Acorn Woodpecker for about 30 minutes
    this a.m. As reported previously, it was found by the Marty Wolf party on
    Saturday's Colorado Springs CBC. Although I first saw the woodpecker
    pecking on a low branch of a silver maple along Willow Circle near Cheyenne
    Blvd (not Cheyenne Rd and not Cheyenne Mtn Blvd), it eventually came to a
    hanging wooden cylindrical suet feeder at the house on the corner of
    Cheyenne Blvd and the lower end of Willow Circle near the previously
    mentioned coffee store. This house has a bigger than life-sized inflated
    green animal Santa (I am sure it has a name) with a red hat and red
    waistcoat in the front yard.
     

     
    Also, the Colorado College "Western" Palm Warbler is back skulking in its
    usual spot by the science building adjacent to the pink brick Palmer
    Building, the bird staying mostly hidden on the ground or in the low
    shrubbery by the bicycle racks. Photos of both birds will be posted to the
    CFO Group on Facebook, a good spot to post single photographs.
     

     
    Bill Maynard
     
    Colorado Springs
     
    William Schmoker <bill.schmoker@gmail.com> Dec 17 11:05AM -0700  

    Folks- scores of volunteers fanned out across 30 territories yesterday for the 71st iteration of the Boulder CBC. It will be a while before the tally is final, but we have a preliminary 109 species found on the count, with three more ticked for count week. We added one species to the historic total, with the long-staying Northern Cardinal in NW Boulder marking #210 for the count. Other birds judged scarce as being seen 10 or fewer previous times on the count included Clark's Grebe, Barn Owl, Marsh Wren, and Common Grackle (10 prior), Fox Sparrow (9 prior), Tundra Swan (6 prior, the 8 birds previously at Baseline Res seen at Valmont yesterday), Lesser Black-backed Gull and Northern Saw-whet Owl (5 prior), Chihuahuan Raven and Golden-crowned Sparrow (3 prior), and Common Yellowthroat (2 prior.) Birds seen on at least half the Boulder counts but not found yesterday (to my knowledge so far) include Rough-legged Hawk (seen on 58 prior counts), Ring-necked Pheasant (53 prior), Cassin's Finch (46 prior), Clark's Nutcracker (44 prior), and Red Crossbill (35 prior.) The Boulder foothills have a very poor cone crop this year. Finally, I think we will exceed triple digits for Common Redpoll, likely setting a high count for the Boulder Count (though currently I can't get the re-tooled Audubon site to give me historic results…
     
    Thanks to all of the leaders, participants, and feeder-watchers for another successful Boulder CBC!
     
    Enjoy- Bill Schmoker, Longmont
    ______________________
    • Bill Schmoker •
    ______________________
    http://schmoker.org
    http://brdpics.blogspot.com
    bill.schmoker@gmail.com
    720/201-5749
    ______________________
     
    The Walters <waltersintherockies@gmail.com> Dec 17 10:32AM -0700  

    Hello CoBirders,
     
    Around 9 this morning my family and I went over to Lake Loveland to make
    another attempt (after a week and a half of searching) to see the Brant.
    Not that long after we arrived, we were able to spot it with a few other
    geese that were standing on an ice shelf off of the north shore of the
    lake. After we had been watching for a few minutes, half of the group of
    geese (the Brant included) decided to take off and head over to a field
    immediately southeast of Loveland High School. Over at the field, the Brant
    stayed for about an hour before leaving with 400 or so other geese.
     
    Sean Walters
    Loveland,CO
     
    Joyce Takamine <jabirujt@gmail.com> Dec 17 05:05AM -0700  

    Compiler: Joyce Takamine
    Date: December 17, 2012
    email: rba AT cfobirds.org
    phone: 303-659-8750
     
     
    This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Monday, December 17, 2012,
    sponsored by Denver Field Ornithologists and the Rocky Mountain Bird
    Observatory. If you are phoning in a message, you can skip the recording by
    pressing the star key (*) on your phone at any time. Please leave your
    name, phone number, detailed directions, including county and dates for
    each sighting. It would be helpful if you would spell your last name.
     
    Highlight species include: (* denotes that there is new information on this
    species in this report)
     
    BRANT (Larimer)
    TRUMPETER SWAN (Larimer)
    TUNDRA SWAN (Boulder, Denver, Freemont, Larimer)
    EURASIAN WIGEON (*Fremont)
    Surf Scoter (Weld, Denver)
    White-winged Scoter (Denver)
    Long-tailed Duck (Denver, Jefferson, *Larimer, Pueblo)
    Barrow's Goldeneye (Pueblo, Summit)
    Pacific Loon (Pueblo)
    MEW GULL (Pueblo)
    Thayer's Gull (Pueblo)
    Lesser Black-backed Gull (*Arapahoe, Pueblo)
    Great Black-backed Gull (Pueblo)
    White-winged Dove (Boulder, *Fremont, Pueblo)
    SNOWY OWL (Weld)
    ACORN WOODPECKER (El Paso)
    Red-bellied Woodpecker (Yuma)
    YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER (*El Paso, Fremont)
    Hammond's Flycatcher (*Fremont)
    Eastern Phoebe (Boulder)
    Chihuahuan Raven (Boulder, Denver)
    Winter Wren (Boulder, Morgan)
    Common Yellowthroat (*Boulder)
    Pine Warbler (Pueblo)
    Palm Warbler (El Paso)
    Fox Sparrow (*Adams, Yuma)
    Swamp Sparrow (Pueblo, Yuma)
    White-throated Sparrow (Freemont, *Larimer)
    Harris's Sparrow (Boulder, *Larimer, Pueblo, Yuma)
    GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (Jefferson)
    VARIED THRUSH (*Jefferson, *Archuleta)
    Snow Bunting (Pueblo, Sedgwick, Yuma)
    Northern Cardinal (Boulder, Yuma)
    Rusty Blackbird (Morgan)
    Grey-Crowned Rosy-Finch (Jefferson)
    PURPLE FINCH (Yuma)
    Common Redpoll (Boulder, *Jefferson, *Larimer, Pueblo, Rio Blanco, Weld,
    Yuma)
     
    Adams County:
    --A red Fox Sparrow was reported by Mlodinow at the Barr Lake feeders on
    December 16.
     
    Arapahoe County:
    --On December 11, Hudak reported a Lesser Black-backed Gull at Centennial
    Park. On December 16, Hudak reported that the Lesser Black-backed Gull
    continues at Centennial Park.
     
    Archuleta County:
    --A f Varied Thrush was reported by Dexter in Pagosa Springs downstream
    form the walking bridge at the hot springs on December 15.
     
    Boulder County:
    --At Baseline Reservoir in Boulder on November 17, the BBC field trip led
    by John Vanderpoel had 5 TUNDRA SWANS (2ad, 3 juv). On December 11, Nunes
    reports the TUNDRA SWANS are still at Baseline Reservoir.
    --On December 13, Dowell reports 14 TUNDRA SWANS (ad) at Boulder Reservoir.
    There is major construction at Boulder Reservoir, but birders are still
    welcome. Just stop at the temporary entrance gate on your way in.
    --A Chihuahuan Raven was seen by Mlodinow along Valmont Rd., not far west
    of Teller Farms, on December 11.
    --A Northern Cardinal was found by Jinx Cooper in Hawthorne Gulch in
    Boulder on November 11. From Broadway, turn N on Hawthorn and drive to the
    end and park. Continue on the trail for about 200 yards. Bird was near pump
    house. On December 13, Heinrich viewed the Northern Cardinal in Hawthorn
    Gulch.
    --A White-winged Dove was reported by Mlodinow at the corner of Oxford and
    119th near Panama Reservoir on December 15.
    --On the Longmont CBC on December 15, Prather reported an Eastern Phoebe at
    St Vrain Park in South Central Longmont. Good
    numbers of Harris's Sparrows were seen as well and Common Redpolls and
    Winter Wren.
    --A f Common Yellowthroat was reported by DeFonso in the Qualcomm parking
    lot in N Boulder on December 16.
     
    Denver County:
    --7 TUNDRA SWANS were reported by T. Jones at Marston Reservoir on December
    13, on the west side of the lake, off of Old Wadsworth Blvd. next to the
    wire fence They were in a group. All were in Ad. plumage. The Swans were
    bobbing their heads up and down, continually, the whole time they watched
    them. They were in the middle of the lake and then were in the south part
    of the lake and flew once. The swans were seen around 4pm. You could see
    how the eye looked separate from the bill somewhat, unlike in a Trumpeter.
    --A juv White-winged Scoter was reported by Tina Jones at Marston Reservoir
    on November 22. On December 14, T. Jones relocated the White-winged Scoters
    in the northern section of Marston Reservoir. Tina recommends when viewing
    birds at Marston Reservoir, please beware of signs in this area especially
    if viewing from the SW, PLEASE let's not give birders a bad name and PLEASE
    watch the birds from the sidewalk or right next to the sidewalk.
    --On December 15, Sanders reported 2 White-winged Scoters and a Long-tailed
    Duck at Marston Reservoir.
    --A Chichuahuan Raven fly by was reported by Sanders at Fort Logan on
    December 15.
     
    El Paso:
    --A Western Palm Warbler was reported by Farese on the Colorado College
    Campus. It was found by Surano on December 12 and was seen again on
    December 15 several times. It has been seen on the S side of Barnes
    Science Hall and on the E side of Palmer Hall.
    --A f ACORN WOODPECKER was reported by Marty Wolf on the Colorado Springs
    CBC in the North Cheyenne Canyon area on December 15. It was on the N side
    of W Cheyenne Blvd and W from 21st/Cresta.
    --An adult m Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was reported by Drummond at the
    Turkey Creek Picnic Area on December 16.
     
    Fremont County:
    --On December 11, R. Miller reports 8 TUNDRA SWANS in the east Valco Pond
    on MacKenzie Ave. in Canon City. S. Moss also saw the TUNDRA SWANS on
    December 11. She recommends if coming to see them if they are out on the
    pond that viewing will be very difficult, as the ponds are on private
    property, access past the gates and fencing is trespass. Walking along the
    road, (very busy) traffic, driving 50 mpg. to try to see them will be
    difficult. There is not much room to walk along the road and the irrigation
    ditch. S. Moss reports the TUNDRA SWANS were flushed from the pond
    yesterday. "They circled higher and higher as if they were leaving the
    area." Swans were not seen by S. Moss on December 13.
    --On December 9, S. Moss found a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER at Veteran's Park
    on Hwy 50.
    --On December 8, S. Moss refound the White-throated Sparrows along the
    Canon City Riverwalk near the MacKenzie Ave parking area.
    --A m EURASIAN WIGEON was found by Dan Maynard on the Penrose CBC on
    December 16.
    --A White-winged Dove was reported by Percival at Rouse Park in Canon City
    on December 16.
    --A Hammond's Flycatcher was found by Bill and Dan Maynard in Canon City on
    December 16.
     
    Huerfano County:
    --Neldner reports viewing 9 TUNDRA SWANS (8ad., 1juv) taking flight at
    Martin Lake at Lathrop State Park on December 14.
    --Neldner reports there are 3 Harris's Sparrows at their feeders in La
    Veta, on December 14.
     
    Jefferson County:
    --Skot reports a female Long-tailed Duck is being seen on the South Platte
    River, probably in the area near the Carson Nature Center. It is being
    regularly photographed at decently close range from the river (posted by
    visitors on the South Platte Park facebook page) on December 10.
    --Henwood reported on November 26 that the GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW continue
    at Red Rocks Trading Post. On the morning of December 14, after waiting 30
    minutes, Henwood saw the GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW at Red Rocks Trading Post.
    --On December 13, Carrier reports a (m)VARIED THRUSH coming to their
    hanging feeder tray, nearest their cabin, since Monday, in Conifer.
    Directions: Highway 285 to Conifer, south on Foxton Road to Platte River
    Road, left on Platte River Road 3.9 miles to drive way. At 3.8 miles you
    will see our cabin and yard feeders up the hill on your left. You will find
    room to park along Platte River Road or on the drive way up to our cabin.
    Her day phone is 303-302-6125 and home number after 1pm is 303-838-0239.
    Cruz reported seeing the Varied Thrush on December 16.
    --On December 9, Henwood reported a small group (6-10) of Rosy-Finches at
    the feeders at Red Rocks Trading Post, there were Brown-capped and
    Gray-crowned (including Hepburn's), but no Black Rosy-Finches were seen.
    --3 Common Redpolls were reported by Hackos in Soda Creek on the CBC on
    December 16.
     
    Larimer County:
    --On December 12, Lutomski reports a BRANT GOOSE on the small lake just
    north of Lake Loveland, west of Loveland High School. It was spotted in
    flock of about 500 Canada and Cackling Geese. Easily identified based on
    small size, black body, and white necklace.
    --On December 15, Mlodinow reported a Black Brant at Cattail Creek Golf
    Course. It was seen from the parking lot.
    --On December 9, Mammoser reported 10 Swans, 6 TUNDRA and 4 TRUMPETER, at North
    Poudre Reservoir #3.
    --Biggerstaff reports seeing a Common Redpoll at Dixon Reservoir in west
    Fort Collins, on the morning of December 11, between 8:00-8:30. It was with
    a flock of American and Lesser Goldfinches, and House Finches. The flocks
    were seen just south of the upper parking lot.
    --3 White-throated Sparrows were reported by Leatherman at the Plant
    Environmental Research Center in Fort Collins on December 15.
    --A Long-tailed Ducks was reported by Leatherman at the N end of Horsetooth
    Reservoir on December 15.
    --A Harris's Sparrow was reported by Sparks along CR 54 on December 15.
    --24 Common Redpolls were reported by Sparks behind the Museum of Discovery
    in Fort Collins on December 15 and Sparks reported that the Redpolls were
    at the same location on December 16.
     
    Morgan County:
    --At Canfield Park in Fort Morgan, Dowell reported 12 Rusty Blackbirds and
    a Winter Wren on December 15.
     
    Pueblo County:
    --On the Pueblo Reservoir CBC on December 15, Percival reported 2 f
    Long-tailed Ducks, 1 m Barrow's Goldeneye, 1 Pacific Loon, 1 MEW GULL, 1
    Thayer's Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 ad GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL,
    White-winged Doves, imm male Pine Warbler, Swamp Sparrow, Harris's Sparrow,
    Snow Bunting, and Common Redpoll.
     
    Rio Blanco County:
    --On December 11, Hollowed reports a flock of 58 Common Redpolls at DOW's
    Cowdrey Lake property in North Park, "tamely" feeding on roadside weeds.
     
    Sedgwick County:
    --On December 8, Mlodinow reported a Snow Bunting on the shore of Sedgwick
    portion of Jumbo Reservoir; (the point that sticks into reservoir from w.
    side)
     
    Summit County:
    --23+ Barrow's Goldeneyes were reported by Nims at the Silverthorne Blue
    River Water Treatment Plant on December 15.
     
    Weld County:
    --On December 11, Mlodinow reports seeing 1 Common Redpoll at the southeast
    corner of Union Reservoir.
    --On December 13, N. Lewis reports a flock of 30 Common Redpolls at the
    office/maintenance facility up the road to the north of Crow Valley. The
    birds were hanging around the north side of the property around a row of
    junipers. They spent most of their time perched in a couple of dead trees
    by the junipers, and didn't seem to be doing any feeding, just perching.
    During the hour I followed them as they moved from tree to tree (they would
    perch in the tree nearest the road, flush every time a vehicle came by, fly
    to the farthest tree, and then return to the original tree. No one ever
    said finches were all that bright), they did no feeding, although they did
    visit a small patch of snow to "drink". They seemed to be staying in that
    area and may be "chaseable.
    --A SNOWY OWL was reported by Himmel on December 15 near the intersection
    of CR 52 and CR 43.
     
    Yuma County:
    --On the Bonny CBC on December 15, Walbek reported 28 Red-bellied
    Woodpeckers, 1 red Fox Sparrow, 3 Swamp Sparrows, 1 Harris's Sparrow, 6
    Northern Cardinals, 1 Snow Bunting, 2 PURPLE FINCH, and 4 Common Redpolls.
     
    *DFO FIELD TRIPS: HELP WITH CBC's..*
     
    Good Birding,
    Joyce Takamine
    Boulder
     

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