[cobirds] SW Colorado Trip Summary

Hi Colorado birders,

Last week I spent 5 days in SW Colorado, based in Mancos, and found some good birds:

 

Mon Jul 8: I visited Hovenweep Natl Monument, where I found Sage Sparrows (lifer!), Gray Flycatcher, several kestrels, Gray Vireos, Cassin’s Sparrows, and (in Utah) a Burrowing Owl.  Totten Reservoir near Cortez held 2 California Gulls and a Greater Yellowlegs.

Jul 9 I headed to Yellow Jacket Canyon.  The upper trail area held Brewer’s Sparrows, Juniper Titmice, and more Gray Vireos.  In the riparian area of the canyon were at least one Lucy’s Warbler, a chat, Yellow Warblers, and Lesser Goldfinches.

Jul 10 I made a productive trip to relatively unbirded Echo Basin, just east of Mancos.  There is some nice riparian lowland habitat lower down, then the road climbs up into the thick pines of the National Forest.  Highlights from Echo Basin were Virginia’s Warblers, Grace’s Warblers, a Lazuli Bunting, and excellent looks at Plumbeous Vireos.  I also birded back roads south of Mancos, producing birds such as Blue Grosbeak, Rufous Hummingbird, Bullock’s Oriole, Lewis’s Woodpecker, and Say’s Phoebe.

Jul 11 we took a trip to La Plata Canyon between Durango and Mancos.  There is a nice montane riparian area which held Western Tanager, Audubon’s Warbler, and Steller’s Jay.  When I was there last year, a pair of Golden Eagles flew over.  After the canyon, we drove east to the Lake City area.

Jul 12 was the final and best day of the trip.  We climbed a 14er, Handies Peak, which is between Ouray and Lake City.  The trail begins around 10,600 feet and climbs through aspens and pines at first.  Here there were Cordilleran Flycatchers, Wilson’s Warblers, etc.  Just before treeline, we were treated to a pair of American Three-toed Woodpeckers!  Later, near the peak, a White-tailed Ptarmigan foraged on the side of the trail, and on the summit, at least 3 Brown-capped Rosy-finches (another lifer!)!  All in all a very successful trip!  Thanks to all who responded to my RFI a few weeks ago J

 

Good birding!

 

Caleb Frome

TX Century Club Member

Dallas, TX