[cobirds] Update on Big Green Year, Fort Collins

Greetings -

As I mentioned in a post earlier this year, I am doing a low key "Big Green Year".  I am trying to see as many birds as I can from my home in NW Fort Collins, either on foot or by bike.

Today was my best single day of the year, with 64 species in a 4 hour bike ride mainly along the Poudre River and out to Cottonwood Hollow and Riverbend Ponds.  The past few days, post storm, have brought a lot of new birds.  All expected species of swallows are back, many sparrows are moving through, my sightings include White-crowned, Lincoln's, Vesper, and hundreds of chipping sparrows.  I have seen several broad-winged hawks, numbers of ospreys, and Coopers and sharp-shinned hawks, among other raptors.  Yesterday and today I added several shorebird and wader species, including solitary sandpiper, willet, American avocet, long-billed dowitcher, whimbrel, and white-faced ibis.

Along the Poudre River trail, I encountered John Shenot (Field Trip Coordinator, Fort Collins Audubon) and he kindly pointed out a palm warbler he had spotted.

Today, I also saw two common redpolls at the Discovery Center (as Rob Sparks reported earlier).  I am wondering how long they will stick around.  Seems late, but our wintry weather may be holding them back.

My year list is now at 116, so it will be interesting to see what I can get to by year's end.  Certainly the next month will be a good one to be out and about.  I am thoroughly enjoying my Big Green Year, and all the exercise it brings with it!  I will report back on this adventure as the year progresses.

Good birding to all,

Rick Schroeder

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