Tuesday, 31 December 2013

[cobirds] Rosy-Finch, Boulder County

Greetings birders,

This afternoon my wife, Barb, and I drove up to Allenspark, where at the Fawn Brook Inn we saw some Brown-capped Rosy-Finch, one Black Rosy-Finch, as well as a few Evening Grosbeak and Cassin's Finch. Also the regulars: Pine Siskin, Pygmy Nuthatch, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, Steller's Jay, Dark-eyed Junco, White-breasted Nuthatch, and American Crow. Allenspark now has a public restroom on highway 7 between the Fire Station and the Old Gallery—a new, clean outhouse, very welcome in a town with no MacDonald's. :-) 

We then drove up highway 7 to beautiful Wild Basin and hiked for an hour or so. (Hiking boots work fine on the Wild Basin roads— only light snow today.) We were on the lookout for American Three-toed Woodpecker, but no luck. The Forest Service recently cleared almost all the snags and dead wood from the basin, piling the debris into countless large teepees, which I guess they will burn when conditions are safe.

Beautiful drive home as we watched the sun set above the mountains and its opposite eastern version with beautiful blues, grays, and pinks in the winter sky. So ended the auld lang syne,  the good old days, of 2013. Wishing you all a happy 2014. 
BTW, please join Colorado Field Ornithologists, or renew your membership, to ensure a very happy new year in the study, conservation, and enjoyment of Colorado birds.

14 recent pics: http://bit.ly/1clBbkw

Best,
Tom Wilberding
Treasurer, CFO
Boulder, CO

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[cobirds] Long-tailed Ducks / South Platte Reservoir

There are now not two, but three Long-tailed Ducks on South Platte Reservoir,
two males and a female.

Dave Cameron
Denver

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[cobirds] American Dipper at Clear Creek and Lowell

Hi CoBirds
I saw an American Dipper this mourning in Clear Creek at Lowell Blvd. (Adams Cty) at 10:13 am. I then walked to the l-76 bridges where I saw a dipper at 10:37 am. It could have been the same bird, as I didn't find one when I returned to Lowell Blvd.
Bob Canter, Denver CO

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[cobirds] Barn Owls

Hi All,

I am in search of Barns and out buildings where I can place Barn Owl
nest Boxes. If anyone either has a barn or knows of one I might be able
to use to place a barn owl nest box on/in, please contact me privately.
I am in search of barns from Loveland to boulder for a long term
research project.

Thank You,

Scott Rashid
Estes Park
website www.CARRIEP.org

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[cobirds] Re: South Platte - C470 vicinity



On South Platte Park, If you continue walking north of Mineral Ave next to South Platte river, there is quite few ducks. This last Sunday (sorry for late post) I saw: a northern pintail, several buffleheads, common goldeneyes,several common/Hooded mergansers , 1 ring-necked duck, green-winged teal, 2 Lesser Scaups.

Happy new year!

Paulo Tabares
Littleton

On Tuesday, December 31, 2013 10:09:00 AM UTC-7, David Suddjian wrote:
This morning there were 3 LONG-TAILED DUCKS on South Platte Reservoir, all firmly in the Jeffco pocket south of the boat facility. Two stuck side by side (likely the two that have been there a few weeks) and the third was in their company. Very few other waterbirds on the reservoir.

I walked up the effluent stream that flows to South Platte just upstream of C470. I flushed a WILSON'S SNIPE among many ducks, which included 1 male WOOD DUCK. Blackrock Lake at South Platte Park had 8 GREATER SCAUP with a flock of Lessers.

David Suddjian
Littleton


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[cobirds] South Platte - C470 vicinity

This morning there were 3 LONG-TAILED DUCKS on South Platte Reservoir, all firmly in the Jeffco pocket south of the boat facility. Two stuck side by side (likely the two that have been there a few weeks) and the third was in their company. Very few other waterbirds on the reservoir.

I walked up the effluent stream that flows to South Platte just upstream of C470. I flushed a WILSON'S SNIPE among many ducks, which included 1 male WOOD DUCK. Blackrock Lake at South Platte Park had 8 GREATER SCAUP with a flock of Lessers.

David Suddjian
Littleton


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[cobirds] Help for year list milestone

COBirders,
After striking out on Pine Grosbeak in Georgetown, Silver Plume, and Moose Visitor Center over the last couple days (and barely missing Nick Komar's Iceland Gull yesterday afternoon) I find myself one shy of a pretty significant year list milestone for me (though not to John Vanderpoel, Sandy Komito or Neil Hayward!)

Though I know there are no guarantees in birding, I would greatly appreciate any solid advice on finding one of the following today (preferably fairly close to the metro area):

Dusky Grouse
Northern Goshawk
Iceland Gull
Northern Pygmy-Owl
Long-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Williamson's Sapsucker
American Three-toed Woodpecker
Northern Shrike
Juniper Titmouse
Pine Grosbeak
Carolina Parakeet

Any advice would be most appreciated.

Happy New Year,

Chip Clouse
Arvada, CO

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[cobirds] Jumbo Aleutian Cackling Goose

Greetings All

Photos of the Jumbo Reservoir Aleutian Cackling Goose from Sunday can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/36088296@N08/  Note that the photostream starts with shots of Aleutians from California and Baja California with the Jumbo bird following.

Cheers
Steve Mlodinow
Longmont, CO

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[cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert, 31 January 2013

Compiler: Joyce Takamine
Date: December 31, 2013
email: rba AT cfobirds.org
phone: 303-659-8750
 
This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Tuesday, December 31, 2013
sponsored  by the 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 (* indicates new information on this species in
this report):
 
BRANT (Douglas/Jefferson)
TUNDRA SWAN (Boulder)
SWAN spec (Mesa)
Long-tailed Duck (Arapahoe, Arapahoe/Jefferson, Grand)
Barrow's Goldeneye (Adams, Boulder, Pueblo)
Thayer's Gull (Arapahoe, Denver, *Larimer, Pueblo)
ICELAND GULL (*Larimer, Pueblo)
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Arapahoe, Denver, *Larimer, Pueblo)
GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL (Aurora)
Glaucous Gull (Arapahoe, Pueblo)
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (Arapahoe,  Boulder, Pueblo)
White-winged Dove (Pueblo, Weld)
Black Phoebe (Pueblo)
Chihuahuan Raven (Pueblo)
Northern Parula (Pueblo)
EASTERN TOWHEE (El Paso)
Swamp Sparrow (Pueblo, Weld)
Harris's Sparrow (Pueblo)
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (Jefferson)
Lapland Longspur (Arapahoe, Elbert, *Kit Carson)
Rusty Blackbird (Adams, Teller)
White-winged Crossbill (Clear Creek)

ADAMS COUNTY:
--A m Barrow's Goldeneye and Rusty Blackbird were reported by Sheeter on the S Platte N of 88th and Colorado on December 25.
 
ARAPHOE COUNTY:
--On December 26 at Aurora Reservoir, Suddjian reported 4 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS (3 ad, 1 3-rd cyc), 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (3 ad, 1 1-st cyc), 1-st cyc Glaucous Gull, 4 Thayer's Gulls (3 1-st cyc, 1 ad), 1-st cyc GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL, and f Long-tailed Duck.  On December 27, McConnell reported Thayer's Gulls, GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS and Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Aurora Reservoir.
--A Lapland Longspur was reported by Suddjuian on the Kiowa-Bennett Road on December 26.

ARAPAHOE/JEFFERSON COUNTIES:
 --On December 26, Suddjian reported two Long-tailed Ducks at South Platte Reservoir.
 
BOULDER COUNTY:
--A GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was reported by Dowell at Valmont Reservoir on December 23.
--The TUNDRA SWAN was reported by Dowell at Valmont on December 23 and 24.
--A f Barrow's Goldeneye was reported by Kaempfer on S St. Vrain looking east from 119th St. Bridge on December 25.
This is near CO 119.  

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY:
--A m White-winged Crossbill was reported by Commercon in the Mt Evans Wilderness Area on the Rest House Trail on December 27.  

DENVER COUNTY:
--At Marston Reservoir on December 27, Suddjian reported ad Lesser Black-backed Gull and 2 Thayer's Gulls (1 ad, 1 juv).
 
DOUGLAS/JEFFERSON COUNTIES:
--A BRANT was found by Stachowiak at Chatfield open water on the Denver CBC
on December 14.  On December 27, McConnell reported that the BRANT continues at Chatfield.

ELBERT COUNTY:
--2 Lapland Longspurs were reported by Suddjian at CR 53 & CR 162 on December 27.

EL PASO COUNTY:
--A f EASTERN TOWHEE was reported by Diana Beatty in the open space behind the Fountain Library on December 27.
 
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
--On December 26, Parsona reported that the GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW continues at Red Rocks Trading Post.
 
LARIMER COUNTY:
--An ad ICELAND GULL,  3 juv Thayer's Gulls, and 2 ad Lesser Black-backed Gulls were reported by Komar at Lake Loveland on December 30.
 
MESA COUNTY:
--2 Swans flying were reported by Henwood at Walter Walker SWA on December
23.
 
PUEBLO COUNTY:
--A pair of Black Phoebes was reported by Leppek at Swallows State Wildlife Area in Pueblo West  on December 24.
--On December 26 on the Pueblo CBC, Percival reported:  Silverman found an ad ICELAND GULL on gravel pit pond in Blende, Truan found a 2-nd cyc GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL at Runyon Lake, and also seen were m Barrow's Goldeneye at South Road Pond, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Glaucous Gull at Runyon Lake, White-winged Doves, Harris's Sparrows and Swamp Sparrows, Thayer's Gulls, and Chihuahuan Ravens.

TELLER COUNTY:
--2 Rusty Blackbirds were reported by Jeff Jones 200 - 300 yards north from Manitou Lake Dam on December 26.
 
WELD COUNTY:
--A White-winged Dove was reported by Sheeter at Frederick Recreational
Area on December 21.
--A Swamp Sparrow was reported by Mlodinow at Frederick Recreational Area
on December 22.
 
DFO Field Trips:
No Field Trips this week because of Christmas Bird Counts. Please consider
helping on a CBC
 
Good Birding,
Joyce Takamine
Boulder

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Monday, 30 December 2013

Re: [cobirds] Adult Iceland Gull currently at Lake Loveland, Larimer

Photos of the adult Kumlien's Iceland Gull, with additional details and discussion of key field marks, are in the 2013 gallery at http://www.pbase.com/quetzal/icgularimer. After about 20 min at the Lake Loveland swim beach, it flew to the Carter Lake nocturnal gull roost. I was able to spot it there among 600+ gulls at dusk. Other interesting gulls in the large flock included 3 juv. Thayer's, 2 adult Lesser Black-backed and 1 adult California. And a Merlin flew over. Hopefully these will all be recorded on Wednesday for the Loveland CBC.
 
Nick Komar
Fort Collins CO


From: "Nick Komar" <quetzal65@comcast.net>
To: cobirds@googlegroups.com
Sent: Monday, December 30, 2013 3:31:43 PM
Subject: [cobirds] Adult Iceland Gull currently at Lake Lovrland, Larimer

Nick Komar
Fort Collins

Sent from my iPhone

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[cobirds] Pipits Adams

Diane Carter observed about twenty pipits today along the South Platte Trail south of 88th Avenue.

- Chuck Lowrie, Denver

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[cobirds] Crook CBC

Hi All,

The Crook CBC was held on Saturday the 28th. 16 observers in six parties totaled 76 species, with three new to the count, and 45440 individuals. The new ones were a Gray Catbird, Bufflehead and American Coot! We totaled over 19000 Snow Geese and 2300 Ross's Geese both highs for those species. There was a lot of damage to the understory along the river from this Fall's floods. As a result there were far fewer birds along the river. All in all it was a pretty good outing though.
Steve Larson

Northglenn, CO

[cobirds] Adult Iceland Gull currently at Lake Lovrland, Larimer

Nick Komar
Fort Collins

Sent from my iPhone

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[cobirds] Flagler CBC

The 3rd Annual Flagler Christmas Bird Count was held Sunday December 29th with 12 participants helping out.  Flagler is fairly unusual for a Colorado CBC in that it there are no mountains and no water!  That combination was apparent in the species total for the count—39.  But still, we managed 15 species new for the count (okay—it is only the 3rd year).

 

Of note was the 99.69% reduction I the number of Lapland Longspurs; down to 70 from 22,374 recorded in 2012.  Even so, this count remains what is probably your best bet for actually seeing one of these nifty winter birds in Colorado and I think that all of those who wanted to see one, got to see one yesterday.  Other species of note were three Snow Geese, our first ever recorded and the only waterfowl whatsoever; four Long-eared Owls;  and our first ever Black-billed Magpie.

 

Bill Kaempfer

Boulder

[cobirds] Re: Marston Lake

Thanks, Joe, for very helpful spots to view Marston Lake in Jefferson County.
Here is a map showing Joe's five places. Zoom in or out as needed: http://goo.gl/maps/90PGL 

Tom Wilberding
Boulder, CO


On Friday, December 27, 2013 5:16:36 PM UTC-7, David Suddjian wrote:
Late this afternoon (12/27) gull flocks at Marston Lake included an adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL at the northeast side, and 2 THAYER'S GULLS (adult and juv.) at the northwest side. Three BALD EAGLES, and 1 GOLD EAGLE were looking on. Also 5 REDHEADS. 

David Suddjian
Littleton

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Re: [cobirds] Marston Lake

5 places to park at Marston Reservoir. Sort of rank order. Suggest using a good map and an ebird hotspot map to help
follow these directions:
This time of year, the choice among those 5 places depends on where water is open. Use a scope to avoid frustration.

1)  There is an ebird hotspot right along the fence on the west end of the reservoir. Park on S Wadsworth,
which is NOT the main thoroughfare, but a two lane road with the same name that runs east of the wide S Wadsworth Blvd.. 
THere is an eBird hotspot there you can find at ebird called 

Marston Reservoir complex--Marston Reservoir West End. 

- easy to find on a map. On street parking.
You need to look thru chain link fence, but if water is open, the birds are close.

2) Continue south a short ways on S. Wadsworth, take a left into the neighborhood at S Upham Ct  and park in the next 
25 yards near a large grassy field. It is permissible (as far as I know) to walk toward the lake on a berm there and scope the lake. 

3) Continue east on S Upham Ct, stay left and park at end of cul-de-sac. Public parking on that street, but scope from street.

4)  The next place is at the southeast corner of the Reservoir is another eBird hotspot called:

Denver--Isthmus Park. (This will soon have a better name, like, "Marston  Reservoir complex--Isthmus Park."


It is on the isthmus between Marston and Bowles Lake and is an open space with on street parking.
Get there from the intersection of S Wadsworth Blvd and W Bowles Ave by going east, and what was W Bowles Ave is renamed
Grant Ranch Blvd. THen turn left on S Jay Court and watch
for on street parking at the park just before you reach S. Ingalls.
Short walk to larege gazebo and scope lake. An excellent vantage point for most of the south end of this large reservoir.

5) Old time spot where we used to park is reached by going south on Sheridan from Hampden,
go right at a T, heading west on Bow Mar Drive, and park near its intersection with Yellowstone.
Gendarmes there are a little picky. Something about parking with two wheels on the grass, facing south
and Tina Jones can give advice. I prefer NOT to park here, as it does not feel totally public, tho it is.
If you go there first and see that the water is 100% frozen, then come back another day.

Hope that helps.
Joe Roller, Denver




On Mon, Dec 30, 2013 at 6:04 AM, Jane Ringer <blueraven54@gmail.com> wrote:
Where do you park at Marston lake?
Jane Ringer
Littleton

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[cobirds] Marston Lake

Where do you park at Marston lake?
Jane Ringer
Littleton

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Sunday, 29 December 2013

[cobirds] 29 December in Logan County

Greetings All

On Sunday, Sean Walters and I wandered around Logan County. The highlight was an ALEUTIAN CACKLING GOOSE at Jumbo Reservoir, Logan County side. It was with a few Richy Cackling Geese and next to a massive swarm of 30,000+ white geese, mostly Snows, but with about 2000 Ross's.

At Tamarack SWA, we had 2 Myrtle Warblers, one Myrtle x Audubon's, 1 Montane WB Nuthatch, 20+ Townsend's Solitaires.

At N Sterling Reservoir, there still was some open water (none at Jumbo, Red Lion, nor Prewitt). 15,000 or so Snow Geese, an AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, and a Common Loon where the highlights. Nary a gull to be seen.

RL Hawks seemed everywhere, with > 20 during the drive from Jumbo to N Sterling (along with 8 or so Ferruginous and 3 or so Harlan's).

Good Birding and Good Night
Steve Mlodinow
Longmont CO

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[cobirds] Brief Encounters at Valmont Reservoir and Teller's Farm, Boulder

Hi All,         There were 3 Snow Geese within a sitting flock of Cackling + Canada's at the eastern end of the reservoir and one hundred or so Common Merganser. At Teller's Farm Open Space we had 10 Bluejay's mobbing a pair of Great Horned Owl that were deep and low in trees just south of the farm animals. A Northern Harrier and adult Bald Eagle flew by as we were exiting the parking lot.   Good Birding to all,
         Carl Starace   and  Sally Swain,   Longmont

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[cobirds] raptor surveys, Weld, Boulder, Adams counties

Cobirds:
                About a week of raptor surveys for upcoming tours.  Some data below.  I'm not going to post all the data - way to time consuming.  But hopefully this will give birders some idea what's out there and what the trends are for the eastern front range area.


From yesterday's Walks With Nature tour - Boulder and Weld counties:
Bald eagle - 19
Red tailed hawk - 27
American kestrel - 12
Prairie falcon - 1
Rough legged hawk - 5
Northern harrier - 2
Great horned owl - 1
Notes:  Prairie falcon plucking and devouring a bird, up close and personal.  High concentration of immature bald eagles at Sandbench Ranch Park in Weld County; get there early to see them.   And close looks at several rough-legs in Boulder County.

From December 25th - Boulder and Weld counties, slightly different route:
Red tailed hawk - 7
Ferruginous hawk - 2
Prairie falcon - 2
American kestrel  - 9
Bald eagle - 16
Northern harrier - 1
Rough legged hawk - 5
Notes:  Every kestrel seen was a male.  Bald eagles at close range right along roadsides.

From December 22nd, Boulder County; quick pass through:
American kestrel - 6
Bald eagle - 7
Red tailed hawk - 14

From December 21st:  Boulder, Adams, and Weld county - completely different route from previous mentioned:
Rough legged hawk - 14
Bald eagle - 6
Red tailed hawk - 16
American kestrel - 8
Northern harrier - 1
Ferruginous hawk - 1
Notes:  Again kestrels, all males.  Good numbers of rough legged hawks east of I-25;

Noted trends:  rough-legged hawks are in good numbers this year, especially east of I-25, but are now moving into more westerly regions in Boulder and Adams Counties.
American kestrels are turning out to be 9 males for every 1 female - I have no idea why this is - anyone shed some light on this?
Northern harriers look like they are (sadly) still in decline.
Bald eagles in very good numbers this year, especially lots of immatures.
Ferruginous hawks - in very low numbers this year.  I saw lots more last summer.


Don't miss Gary Lefko's trip to "Raptor Alley".  He always pulls in a lot of good raptors on that trip. 

I intend to do another independent tour again January 4th.  If interested, contact me via email, but don't post to entire Cobirds group, so you don't clog the site.  Thanks.

John T (Tumasonis) of Louisville CO 




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[cobirds] Today Bushtits and Bluejays lately

This morning about 7AM before sunrise there were a dozen Bushtits in the Chokecherry and 2 of them in the Sunflower feeder round cage.
They were all fluffed up in the 18 o f cold with tiny beaks and long narrow tails twittering. Plumage details not showing mostly back lighted.

Last week Thursday I had 4 Bluejays at once show up. First time I had seen that many in the yard at once. Usually 1 or 2 come to check on
unsalted roasted peanuts in the shell I throw out on the patio 3 or 4 now 5 every day ration. In the last few years they would show up once or twice
a month fall to Spring. Before that not at all.

I wish you all great birds for the new ear.

Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden

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[cobirds] New Yard Bird - Arapahoe County Pheasant

Just had a nice ten minute visit from a female Ring-Necked Pheasant.

Becky Campbell
Just south of Cherry Creek State Park

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[cobirds] Snow Bunting--Larimer (nearly Wyoming)

Hi All,

Yesterday (Dec 28) afternoon, we found an adult Snow Bunting at Hohnholz Lakes SWA in extreme northern Larimer County, at the parking area for Hohnholz Lake #2. There were no other birds that we saw besides a handful of Common Ravens and Rough-legged Hawks.

To reach Hohnholz, drive north to Laramie on 287 (Wyoming!), drive west to Woods Landing/Jelm on WY230, south from Jelm on WY10 (which turns into CR103 once back in Colorado), and then a righthand turn at a large, green Colorado Division of Wildlife sign. After turning off of CR103, stay on the main dirt road for a mile or two and look for the sign for Hohnholz #2. This is about a 3 hour trip from Denver. CR103 does continue on to Fort Collins/Poudre Canyon, but we've heard that it's impassible in the winter.

Good birding!

Marcel and Joel Such
NW of Lyons, CO

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Saturday, 28 December 2013

[cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert, 28 December 2013

Compiler: Joyce Takamine
Date: December 28, 2013
email: rba AT cfobirds.org
phone: 303-659-6750
 
This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Saturday, December 28, 2013
sponsored  by the 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 (* indicates new information on this species in
this report):
 
BRANT (*Douglas/Jefferson)
TUNDRA SWAN (Boulder)
SWAN spec (Mesa)
Long-tailed Duck (Arapahoe, Arapahoe/Jefferson, Grand)
Barrow's Goldeneye (Adams, Boulder, Pueblo)
Thayer's Gull (*Arapahoe, *Denver, Larimer, Pueblo)
ICELAND GULL (Pueblo)
Lesser Black-backed Gull (*Arapahoe, *Denver, Larimer, Pueblo)
GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL (Aurora)
Glaucous Gull (Arapahoe, Larimer, Pueblo)
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (*Arapahoe,  Boulder, Larimer, Pueblo)
White-winged Dove (Pueblo, Weld)
Black Phoebe (Pueblo)
Chihuahuan Raven (Pueblo)
Winter Wren (Larimer)
VARIED THRUSH (Larimer)
Northern Parula (Pueblo)
EASTERN TOWHEE (*El Paso)
Swamp Sparrow (Pueblo, Weld)
Harris's Sparrow (Pueblo)
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (Jefferson)
Lapland Longspur (*Arapahoe, Elbert)
Rusty Blackbird (Adams, Teller)
White-winged Crossbill (*Clear Creek)

ADAMS COUNTY:
--A m Barrow's Goldeneye and Rusty Blackbird were reported by Sheeter on the S Platte N of 88th and Colorado on December 25.
 
ARAPHOE COUNTY:
--On December 26 at Aurora Reservoir, Suddjian reported 4 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS (3 ad, 1 3-rd cyc), 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (3 ad, 1 1-st cyc), 1-st cyc Glaucous Gull, 4 Thayer's Gulls (3 1-st cyc, 1 ad), 1-st cyc GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL, and f Long-tailed Duck.  On December 27, McConnell reported Thayer's Gulls, GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS and Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Aurora Reservoir.
--A Lapland Longspur was reported by Suddjuian on the Kiowa-Bennett Road on December 26.

ARAPAHOE/JEFFERSON COUNTIES:
 --On December 26, Suddjian reported two Long-tailed Ducks at South Platte Reservoir.
 
BOULDER COUNTY:
--A GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was reported by Dowell at Valmont Reservoir on December 23.
--The TUNDRA SWAN was reported by Dowell at Valmont on December 23 and 24.
--A f Barrow's Goldeneye was reported by Kaempfer on S St. Vrain looking east from 119th St. Bridge on December 25.
This is near CO 119.  

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY:
--A m White-winged Crossbill was reported by Commercon in the Mt Evans Wilderness Area on the Rest House Trail on December 27.  

DENVER COUNTY:
--At Marston Reservoir on December 27, Suddjian reported ad Lesser Black-backed Gull and 2 Thayer's Gulls (1 ad, 1 juv).
 
DOUGLAS/JEFFERSON COUNTIES:
--A BRANT was found by Stachowiak at Chatfield open water on the Denver CBC
on December 14.  On December 27, McConnell reported that the BRANT continues at Chatfield.

ELBERT COUNTY:
--2 Lapland Longspurs were reported by Suddjian at CR 53 & CR 162 on December 27.

EL PASO COUNTY:
--A f EASTERN TOWHEE was reported by Diana Beatty in the open space behind the Fountain Library on December 27.
 
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
--On December 26, Parson reported that the GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW continues at Red Rocks Trading Post.
 
LARIMER COUNTY:
--An ad m VARIED THRUSH was reported by Sean Walters in his yard in
Loveland on December 5 through 25. If you would like to try to see the
bird contact him at waltersintherockies AT gmail.com for updates and
directions.  The Varied Thursh was NOT seen on December 26.
--A Winter Wren was reported by Sparks along the Poudre River Bike Trail
about .25 miles east of Shields on December 20.
--At Lake Loveland on December 19, Rashid reported 3 Lesser Black-backed
Gulls, 1 ad Glaucous Gull, 1st-cycle GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL, and Thayer's
Gulls. On December 20, Komar reported Lesser Black-backed Gull and 2 (1
ad, 1 juv) Thayer's Gulls.
 
MESA COUNTY:
--2 Swans flying were reported by Henwood at Walter Walker SWA on December
23.
 
PUEBLO COUNTY:
--A pair of Black Phoebes was reported by Leppek at Swallows State Wildlife Area in Pueblo West  on December 24.
--On December 26 on the Pueblo CBC, Percival reported:  Silverman found an ad ICELAND GULL on gravel pit pond in Blende, Truan found a 2-nd cyc GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL at Runyon Lake, and also seen were m Barrow's Goldeneye at South Road Pond, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Glaucous Gull at Runyon Lake, White-winged Doves, Harris's Sparrows and Swamp Sparrows, Thayer's Gulls, and Chihuahuan Ravens.

TELLER COUNTY:
--2 Rusty Blackbirds were reported by Jeff Jones 200 - 300 yards north from Manitou Lake Dam on December 26.
 
WELD COUNTY:
--A White-winged Dove was reported by Sheeter at Frederick Recreational
Area on December 21.
--A Swamp Sparrow was reported by Mlodinow at Frederick Recreational Area
on December 22.
 
DFO Field Trips:
No Field Trips this week because of Christmas Bird Counts. Please consider
helping on a CBC
 
Good Birding,
Joyce Takamine
Boulder

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Friday, 27 December 2013

[cobirds] White Winged Crossbill in Mt. Evans Wilderness Area

Mt. Evans Wilderness area, on the Rest House Trail four miles in from the Echo Lake trailhead. I found one adult male White Winged Crossbill atop a tall Lodgepole, singing. I heard others nearby, but I didn't see them. They moved on quickly, as crossbills do. I saw Red Crossbills in the area as well. This was my first White Winged, but as I saw it in very good light (I was even able to discern the crossed bill) I can be confident in the identification. 

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[cobirds] West Slope birder on the Front Range

It's really fun to come to the Front Range at Christmastime where there are lots of waterbirds, a little open water and warm temps.  The trip over produced three species of Summit County Rosy-Finches in the snow.  Front Range lakes produced a six-pack of geese and a six-pack of gulls.  The geese represent a Colorado slam!  The white geese at Aurora Reservoir were among about 10,000 Cackling and Canadas that all lifted off at once this morning, a really exciting experience in sight and sound.  The gull show at Aurora Res was pretty awesome as well with Thayer's, Great and Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  The Brant was the only goose on the Chatfield marina ice this morning and flew to join the Canada Geese grazing in the campground loops.

Thanks to all who post these birds, they are a really great wintertime treat for us west slope tourists.

Tom McConnell
Glenwood Springs

[cobirds] Marston Lake

Late this afternoon (12/27) gull flocks at Marston Lake included an adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL at the northeast side, and 2 THAYER'S GULLS (adult and juv.) at the northwest side. Three BALD EAGLES, and 1 GOLD EAGLE were looking on. Also 5 REDHEADS. 

David Suddjian
Littleton

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[cobirds] East and southeast from Auarora Res. 12/26 - Arapahoe and Elbert

Funny Chris Rurik should mention birding Elbert County, as I found myself there yesterday. I had decided to explore the open country east and southeast of Aurora Reservoir, and just drove and picked roads and made a series of 5 min stops at varying intervals. Most of them were in Elbert County, although I did not even know there *was* an Elbert County before yesterday. (I'm still pretty new here in Colorado). Now I know. And simply based on eBird data for Elbert it looks like it is not too often birded (or at least eBirded).

I think one of the better finds was a SHORT-EARED OWL in Arapahoe flying east of the rest stop that is along I-70 a short way north of Arapahoe's southern border. A MERLIN was in Agate, Elbert Co.

I encountered TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRES at several spots in the wide open where there were plantings of junipers near houses, and several in some natural juniper / ponderosa pine habitat in Elbert. I had one LAPLAND LONGSPUR in Arapahoe (Kiowa-Bennett Road), and two in Elbert Co (CR 53 and CR 162), and two NORTHERN SHRIKES in Elbert Co. Other than those mentioned above, raptors included 7 FERRUGINOUS HAWKS, 1 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, 1 HARLAN'S RED-TAILED HAWK, and 1 GOLDEN EAGLE. 

David Suddjian
Littleton

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[cobirds] Eastern Towhee in Fountain Colorado

Hello all,
Unfortunately I could not get photos to document, so I am hoping some other birders may be able to relocate this bird.
My friend Beth Payne and I saw a female Eastern Towhee today around noon in the Adams Open Space behind the Fountain Branch Library in Fountain, Colorado (El Paso County).  There were Spotted Towhees in the area, but this bird was distinctly unspotted and chocolate brown where it should've been black.  It was located just west of the main trail in a brushy area immediately south of the library's feeders.  
This open space is a lovely birding area surrounding Jimmy Camp Creek that is not very well known yet, and I recommend it in general.  Other good birds seen there this year include a Brown Thrasher on the Fountain Christmas Count, lots of Townsend's Solitaires now, Evening Grosbeak earlier this fall, Blue Grosbeak , Mississippi Kites, and Indigo Bunting this summer.
- Diana Beatty

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[cobirds] Pueblo CBC

Hi all,

The final total number of species for the Pueblo CBC, that was held yesterday, is actually 98 species.  My spreadsheet was counting too many Yellow-rumped Warbler species, and I miscounted the species total by one during lunch.  So, we didn't make it to 100, unless some magical feeder watcher, I don't know, reports something else.  98 species is good though for this count!  I don't think too many Colorado CBCs are reaching the 100 mark this year, as I only know of three so far.  It appears we have some new high counts for a few species, like Eurasian Collared-Doves, American Crows, Snow Geese, and some others. 

Thanks again to everyone who helped out.  

Brandon Percival 
Pueblo West, CO

[cobirds] Saturday, January 11, 2014, "RAPTOR ALLEY" with the, "NUNN GUY"

Please join Boulder County Audubon and Gary Lefko to for an outing on the eastern plains for wintering Birds of Prey. 

"RAPTOR ALLEY" WITH THE "NUNN GUY"

Saturday, January 11, 2014: Join Gary Lefko, Nunn resident and great eastern plains birder, for a trip down raptor alley.  It will be possible to see up to 10 species, including many Ferruginous Hawks, Eagles, Northern Harriers, Kestrels and Prairie Falcons. You will also have a great opportunity to sort through the Red-tailed Hawks many different color morphs.  Who knows what owls might be lurking in the wind-breaks?  Meet at 8:30 a.m., at "Honey's Café" (previously the Nunn Café), on the south side of Nunn, on Highway 85. Come earlier if you would like to first enjoy breakfast there.

Meet at the Niwot Park and Ride, on Colorado 119, at 7 a.m. to car pool.

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[cobirds] What Are Your 2014 Colorado Birding Goals?

Cobirders --

In the spirit of the New Year spread before us, I am curious how Colorado's birders intend to learn more about the state's bird life in 2014. What are your goals for the new year?

Yes I am interested in listing goals if people are willing to share, but I am much more interested in goals related to bird habits, natural history, diet, distribution, etc. as well as coverage of "under-birded" areas, year-round focus on certain patches and connections to other aspects of the natural world. I think if we are all aware of what everyone else is trying to accomplish and learn, we can multiply our understanding and enjoyment of CO's avifauna exponentially.

Here are mine:

- Continue to focus on Denver County. Find new micro habitat. Go carbon-free as often as possible. See more species than 2013. Try to correlate migrant distribution with habitat corridors.

- Continue to learn CO tree species and watch which species prefer which trees.

- Go birding in Elbert County.

- Do a carbon-free Big Day.

Good birding to all,

Chris Rurik
Denver, CO
(currently Tacoma, WA)

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[cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert, 27 December 2013

Compiler: Joyce Takamine
Date: December 27, 2013
email: rba AT cfobirds.org
phone: 303-659-6750
 
This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Friday, December 27, 2013
sponsored  by the 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 (* indicates new information on this species in
this report):
 
BRANT (*Douglas/Jefferson)
TRUMPETER SWAN (Pueblo)
TUNDRA SWAN (Boulder)
SWAN spec (Mesa)
Long-tailed Duck (*Arapahoe, *Arapahoe/Jefferson, Grand, Pueblo)
Barrow's Goldeneye (Adams, Boulder, *Pueblo)
RED-THROATED LOON (Pueblo)
Pacific Loon (Pueblo)
Thayer's Gull (*Arapahoe, Boulder, Douglas/Jefferson, Larimer, *Pueblo)
ICELAND GULL (*Pueblo)
Lesser Black-backed Gull (*Arapahoe, Boulder, Larimer, Pueblo)
GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL (*Aurora, Pueblo)
Glaucous Gull (*Arapahoe, Larimer, *Pueblo)
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (*Arapahoe,  Boulder, Larimer, *Pueblo)
White-winged Dove (*Pueblo, Weld)
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER (Pueblo)
Black Phoebe (Pueblo)
Chihuahuan Raven (El Paso, *Pueblo)
Winter Wren (Bent, Boulder, El Paso, Larimer)
Wren Spec (El Paso)
VARIED THRUSH (*Larimer)
Bohemian Waxwing (Routt)
Northern Parula (Pueblo)
Swamp Sparrow (Bent, El Paso, *Pueblo, Weld)
White-throated Sparrow (Bent, El Paso, Pueblo)
Harris's Sparrow (*Pueblo, Routt)
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (Boulder, *Jefferson)
Northern Cardinal (Bent, Pueblo)
Rusty Blackbird (Adams, *Teller)

ADAMS COUNTY:
--A m Barrow's Goldeneye and Rusty Blackbird were reported by Sheeter on the S Platte N of 88th and Colorado on December 25.
 
ARAPHOE COUNTY:
--On December 26 at Aurora Reservoir, Suddjian reported 4 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS (3 ad, 1 3-rd cyc), 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (3 ad, 1 1-st cyc), 1-st cyc Glaucous Gull, 4 Thayer's Gulls (3 1-st cyc, 1 ad), 1-st cyc GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL, and f Long-tailed Duck.

ARAPAHOE/JEFFERSON COUNTIES:
 --On December 26, Suddjian reported two Long-tailed Ducks at South Platte Reservoir.

BENT COUNTY:
--On December 17 on the John Martin CBC, Duane Nelson reported Winter Wren,
White-throated Sparrow, Swamp Sparrows, and 1 m Northern Cardinal.
 
BOULDER COUNTY:
--On December 15 on the Boulder CBC, Schmoker reported Winter Wren,
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW, TUNDRA SWAN, Thayer's Gull, and Lesser Black-backed
Gull.
--A GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was reported by Dowell at Valmont Reservoir on December 23.
--The TUNDRA SWAN was reported by Dowell at Valmont on December 23 and 24.
--A f Barrow's Goldeneye was reported by Kaempfer on S St. Vrain looking east from 119th St. Bridge on December 25.
This is near CO 119.  
 
DOUGLAS/JEFFERSON COUNTIES:
--A BRANT was found by Stachowiak at Chatfield open water on the Denver CBC
on December 14.  On December 26, Suddjian reported that the BRANT continues at Chatfield.
--An ad Thayer's Gull was reported by Suddjian at Chatfield SP on December
16.
 
EL PASO COUNTY:
--On December 16, Floyd reported the following at Fountain Creek Regional
Park: Chihuahuan Raven, 2 Winter Wren, one Pacific/Winter Wren, 3 Swamp
Sparrows, 1 White-throated Sparrow.
 
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
--On December 26, Parson reported that the GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW continues at Red Rocks Trading Post.
 
LARIMER COUNTY:
--An ad m VARIED THRUSH was reported by Sean Walters in his yard in
Loveland on December 5 through 25. If you would like to try to see the
bird contact him at waltersintherockies AT gmail.com for updates and
directions.  The Varied Thursh was NOT seen on December 26.
--A Winter Wren was reported by Sparks along the Poudre River Bike Trail
about .25 miles east of Shields on December 20.
--At Lake Loveland on December 19, Rashid reported 3 Lesser Black-backed
Gulls, 1 ad Glaucous Gull, 1st-cycle GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL, and Thayer's
Gulls. On December 20, Komar reported Lesser Black-backed Gull and 2 (1
ad, 1 juv) Thayer's Gulls.
 
MESA COUNTY:
--2 Swans flying were reported by Henwood at Walter Walker SWA on December
23.
 
PUEBLO COUNTY:
--On December 14 on the Pueblo Reservoir CBC, Percival reported Long-tailed
Duck, Barrow's Goldeneye, RED-THROATED LOON, Pacific Loon, Thayer's Gull,
Lesser Black-backed Gull, White-winged Dove, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER,
Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, TRUMPETER SWAN,
GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL.
--A pair of Black Phoebes was reported by Leppek at Swallows State Wildlife Area in Pueblo West  on December 24.
--On December 26 on the Pueblo CBC, Percival reported:  Silverman found an ad ICELAND GULL on gravel pit pond in Blende, Truan found a 2-nd cyc GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL at Runyon Lake, and also seen were m Barrow's Goldeneye at South Road Pond, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Glaucous Gull at Runyon Lake, White-winged Doves, Harris's Sparrows and Swamp Sparrows, Thayer's Gulls, and Chihuahuan Ravens.
 
ROUTT COUNTY:
--On December 14, on the Steamboat Springs CBC, Litteral reported 419
Bohemian Waxwings, Harris's Sparrow, and Rosy-Finches.

TELLER COUNTY:
--2 Rusty Blackbirds were reported by Jeff Jones 200 - 300 yards north from Manitou Lake Dam on December 26.
 
WELD COUNTY:
--A White-winged Dove was reported by Sheeter at Frederick Recreational
Area on December 21.
--A Swamp Sparrow was reported by Mlodinow at Frederick Recreational Area
on December 22.
 
DFO Field Trips:
No Field Trips this week because of Christmas Bird Counts. Please consider
helping on a CBC
 
Good Birding,
Joyce Takamine
Boulder

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Thursday, 26 December 2013

[cobirds] Aurora, Cherry Creek, Chatfield and So. Platte Res., 12/26

I began at Aurora Reservoir early this morning. Most of the gulls were near the boat launch and also some at the east end of the dam. Many began flying off north (to the landfiill?) around 8:45. Gulls included 4 GREAT-BLACK-BACKED (3 adults, 1 3rd cycle), 4 LESSER BLACK-BACKED (3 adults, 1 1st cycle), 1 GLAUCOUS (1st cycle), 4 THAYER'S (3 1st cycle, 1 adult), 1 GLAUCOUS-WINGED (1st cycle), 3 CALIFORNIA, and of course Ring-billed (2575+) and Herring (209). A female LONG-TAILED DUCK was foraging near the dam, east of the tower. Also noted were 7 ROSS'S GEESE, 1 ROSS'S X CACKLING, 1 SNOW GOOSE, 2 KILLDEER, and 1 BALD EAGLE.   

In the afternoon I went to Cherry Creek SP. No gulls of note there, but 1 female RED-BREASTED MERGANSER and 1 BALD EAGLE. 

At Chatfield SP the Gray-bellied BRANT was still present,foraging with Canada and Cackling on the south side of the main Marina parking lot.  A TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was nearby, allowing me to enjoy the simultaneous viewing of a Brant and a Solitaire. No gulls or ducks of note.

Two LONG-TAILED DUCKS continued at South Platte Reservoir, and a PRAIRIE FALCON was perched at the NW side of the reservoir.

Hopefully another report tomorrow, if I have time, on some birds seen SE of Aurora Reservoir....

David Suddjian
Littleton 

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[cobirds] Red Rocks Park--Trading Post, Dec 26, 2013

Hi all,

I have been visiting your great state since the 22nd and, alas, must leave in the morning.  My birding time in Colorado was even briefer and more limited than usual this visit.  I did, however, finagle the use of a vehicle and spent an enjoyable 10 minute visit to Red Rocks today, December 26th.  I was fortunate to have a look at the Golden-crowned Sparrow.  Other than juncos, I only saw one other sparrow, a Song Sparrow.  The juncos were awesome--Colorado birders are so lucky to have such an array of forms of junco!  I saw all the types I could reasonably expect, except for White-winged (and I saw them in Conifer a couple of days earlier, right in my sister's yard!)

Sorry to not see any of my Colorado birder friends this visit.  I hope to do better in this regard next year!

I append my ebird list for anyone interested.

Cheers,

Rob Parsons
temporarily in Arapahoe County near Cherry Creek, but usually
Winnipeg, MB
Canada
parsons8@mymts.net

 Date: Thu, 26 Dec 2013 23:29:50 -0500
 From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
 To: parsons8@mts.net
 Subject: eBird Report - Red Rocks Park--Trading Post, Dec 26, 2013

 Red Rocks Park--Trading Post, Jefferson, US-CO
 Dec 26, 2013 1:35 PM - 1:45 PM
 Protocol: Stationary
 8 species (+4 other taxa)

 Western Scrub-Jay 8
 Black-capped Chickadee 3
 Townsend's Solitaire 1
 Song Sparrow 1
 Golden-crowned Sparrow 1 Continuing adult bird, seen by dozens of birders and frequently photographed. Assuming it's the same one, this is the third year I have seen the bird wintering at the trading post feeding station. Fairly large and long-tailed sparrow, typical Zonotrichia shape. Breast and belly clear pale grayish-white. Upperparts fairly rich brown streaked. Broad central yellow crown stripe, flanked by two bold black stripes. I have marked it as sex unknown, but many feel it's a male and I have no argument with that.
 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 2
 Dark-eyed Junco (Cassiar) 1
 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 1
 Dark-eyed Junco (Pink-sided) 3
 Dark-eyed Junco (Gray-headed) 4
 House Finch 11
 House Sparrow 3

 View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S16084881

 This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

[cobirds] Pueblo Christmas Bird Count Results (26 Dec 2013)


We had pretty much prefect weather for today's 46th in a row Pueblo Christmas Bird Count!  We also had a great turnout of people, 20 some people.  A big thanks to all of them for helping out and and another big thanks to many of them that got up quite early to be in the circle before sunrise to count birds at roosting sites .  

This count circle includes Lake Minnequa, Runyon Lake, Arkansas River, Fountain Creek, CF&I Lakes (private), Roselawn Cemetery, the towns of Blende and Vineland (out to 40th Lane), South Road Pond, Huerfano Reservoir, Doyle Road, Lime Road, Comache Power Plant (private), and Salt Creek.  A big thanks to the landowners who let us onto their private properties.  There's a lot of residential areas in this circle.  

The total number of bird species found today, by the very skilled birders, appears to be at 100 I think!  We've only reached 100 species on this CBC, twice before, last year (106 species) and two years ago (108 species).  The average for this count is around 86 species.

Highlights are as follows:
Two new species for the Count, an adult ICELAND GULL found by Dave Silverman on a gravel pit pond in Blende and a second year GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL found by Van Truan at Runyon Lake in Pueblo.

Other rare ones for this count (six or less times for the Count):

Ross's Goose (South Road Pond, many with the Snow and Blue Geese)
Trumpeter Swan (private property)
Tundra Swan (private property)
Barrow's Goldeneye (South Road Pond -- male)
Wild Turkey
Eared Grebe (Count Week)
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Runyon Lake)
Glaucous Gull (Runyon Lake)
White-winged Dove (several found)
Say's Phoebe (two found)
Rock Wren (private property)

Other things found:  Harris's and Swamp Sparrows, Thayer's Gulls, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Mountain Bluebirds, Chihuahuan Ravens.  There were a good number of Rough-legged Hawks!

Brandon Percival 
Pueblo West, CO