I just got back from a week in Lamar, primarily to run my two BBS routes (Ninaview and Villegreen), which are mostly east and west of Highway 109, respectively, well south of LaJunta near the little village of Kim. Both are in the northeast quadrant of Las Animas County.
Highlights and impressions from these BBS Routes:
NINAVIEW
The area is still very dry. Recent measurable moisture will probably help things like grazing cattle but may be a bit too late for nesting birds that weeks ago had to make a choice to stick and stay for a breeding cycle or two. To emphasize the dire nature of ranching down there and the fact the prairie in that specific locale has not yet responded to the little rain it has received, I offer the following anecdote. One of the few vehicles encountered on June 11 was driven by a rancher. He asked me what I was doing and was cool with my explanation. When I asked him what he was doing, he said he was looking for the lone cow-calf unit he hadn't sold, so he could give them a little pail of pellets for breakfast. We nodded respective "good luck"s and parted ways. Shortly, I passed his pair of bovines on the road, and noted him pouring out his treat (or rather, sustenance) for them in my mirror. Numbers of curlews, Grasshopper Sparrows (zero), and nighthawks were down. Interesting birds noted this year were Curve-billed Thrasher (territorial in a patch of cholla cactus), Chipping Sparrow (apparently breeding in junipers west of Highway 109 north of CR66), Lewis's Woodpecker (apparently responding to a fire last summer that killed a small patch of rare-that-far-east-in-CO ponderosa pine: location west of Highway 109 just north of CR66 (= milepost 15)), and Orchard Oriole (in a ranchhouse yard with trees). A brood of Swift Foxes sunning themselves near a cluster of burrow entrances was a treat, and one of the things that makes getting up at 2:45AM worth it.
VILLEGREEN (route starts west of Kim on Highway 160, near mp 404, and runs north for 25 miles up CR179/177.9). Magnificent country, greener than the Ninaview Route a mere 25-30 miles to the northeast. All coveted by the Army but mostly "Not For Sale!", per the local opposition slogan to Pinon Canyon Expansion. June 12, 2014, the date the federal government officially declares me old. 5:02, time to get started. Over the southern half of the route, Cassin's Sparrow song becomes borderline "white noise", so much so a bird surveyor has to force hearing them for fear of USGS declaring them in serious decline. One roadrunner heard in the far distance. Would I have known that 25 years ago, or would the Mourning Dove tally have increased by one? Two Curve-billed Thrashers in appropriate, tall cholla "forests". Wonder if that "whit weeet!!" I heard earlier was really just a mockingbird? As with the Ninaview Route, the conspicuous ravens are frustratingly unidentifiable. Lots of Long-billed Curlews this year. I fear destruction of their eggs, and perhaps young, by ravens, coyotes, and cow hooves is a major breeding success issue for this charismatic species. This year, as in years past, I have noticed distressed curlews chasing ravens. All part of the deal, I suppose, and certainly easier threats to potentially survive than tank treads and artillery. The northern part of this route skirts the eastern edge of the amazing Chacuaco Canyon and other canyons making up the overall area called "Purgatory/Pinon Canyon". Species occurring on this route that are just outside (north and east of) the ranges generally depicted in "Bob and Bob" are Rock Wren, Virginia's Warbler, Juniper Titmouse, Lesser Goldfinch, Chipping Sparrow, Canyon Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, and Western Scrub-Jay. Out of place species noted this year were Northern Flicker, Great Blue Heron (circling high over a canyon), Mallard (pair waddling out into the prairie from a temporary playa), and Broad-tailed Hummingbird (heard male). Birds NOT seen this year but that do occur: Hepatic Tanager, Scott's Oriole, Summer Tanager, White-throated Swift, Brewer's Sparrow. This route has both Black-headed Grosbeak and Hepatic Tanager. I challenge anyone to tell these birds apart by voice, without playing both songs side by side, outside a "Stump The Chumps" contest at a Holiday Inn, with at least 6 other types of bird song mixed in. Throw in the fact Northern Mockingbirds, capable of matching all manner of sounds, including those of these and most every other bird, occur on at least half the 50 stops, bird inventory of this sort is profoundly difficult and distinctly an art form. The 3-minute timer went off. Times up, Bucky.
At the end of these routes, I always feel exhausted and wanting a do-over. B+ this year? Can't wait until next June.
Other items not mentioned here or in the 6/9/14 post from Lamar:
Painted Bunting pair continues at Picture Canyon (Baca) along the canyon wall on either side of the main parking/picnic area. Observed on 6/10. Female appeared to be gathering food to feed nestlings (mostly from junipers or netleaf hackberry/grape thickets). When I saw him, the male was either singing or following her everywhere she flew.
Rufous-crowned Sparrow seen along the Higbee Valley Road (Otero 804) about 2 miles west of the cemetery.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird continued in Willow Valley Subdivision, Lamar (Prowers) at a feeder and obtaining nectar from a thriving patch of Texas Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) thru at least June 12th. This, plus the sighting at Stop 50 of the Villegreen BBS Route, makes me wonder if there is local breeding going on this year far east of where they are known to do so.
Caspian Tern - one occurred briefly near the gravel ponds by the Arkansas River at the north end of Main Street in Lamar (Prowers) east of the Cow Palace Motel on 6/13. It was apparently chased off by a pair of Mississippi Kites (seen only by Janeal Thompson and Jane Stulp).
I have photos of a recently-fledged raven (nest was in a rocky outcrop northwest of the turnoff from Baca GR18 to enter Picture Canyon). If anybody is still reading and is interested in guessing which species this might be, I would be glad to send the pics. My guess, based mostly on the cliff/rocky outcrop nesting site, was Common.
Lastly, I also have pics from Picture Canyon of a small toad I am calling Red-spotted. The books do not do a good job of distinguishing Red-spotted Toad from Woodhouse Toad juveniles, which can also have red spots. Anybody know how and who would be willing to look at my pics? If so, thanks.
Dave Leatherman
Fort Collins
Highlights and impressions from these BBS Routes:
NINAVIEW
The area is still very dry. Recent measurable moisture will probably help things like grazing cattle but may be a bit too late for nesting birds that weeks ago had to make a choice to stick and stay for a breeding cycle or two. To emphasize the dire nature of ranching down there and the fact the prairie in that specific locale has not yet responded to the little rain it has received, I offer the following anecdote. One of the few vehicles encountered on June 11 was driven by a rancher. He asked me what I was doing and was cool with my explanation. When I asked him what he was doing, he said he was looking for the lone cow-calf unit he hadn't sold, so he could give them a little pail of pellets for breakfast. We nodded respective "good luck"s and parted ways. Shortly, I passed his pair of bovines on the road, and noted him pouring out his treat (or rather, sustenance) for them in my mirror. Numbers of curlews, Grasshopper Sparrows (zero), and nighthawks were down. Interesting birds noted this year were Curve-billed Thrasher (territorial in a patch of cholla cactus), Chipping Sparrow (apparently breeding in junipers west of Highway 109 north of CR66), Lewis's Woodpecker (apparently responding to a fire last summer that killed a small patch of rare-that-far-east-in-CO ponderosa pine: location west of Highway 109 just north of CR66 (= milepost 15)), and Orchard Oriole (in a ranchhouse yard with trees). A brood of Swift Foxes sunning themselves near a cluster of burrow entrances was a treat, and one of the things that makes getting up at 2:45AM worth it.
VILLEGREEN (route starts west of Kim on Highway 160, near mp 404, and runs north for 25 miles up CR179/177.9). Magnificent country, greener than the Ninaview Route a mere 25-30 miles to the northeast. All coveted by the Army but mostly "Not For Sale!", per the local opposition slogan to Pinon Canyon Expansion. June 12, 2014, the date the federal government officially declares me old. 5:02, time to get started. Over the southern half of the route, Cassin's Sparrow song becomes borderline "white noise", so much so a bird surveyor has to force hearing them for fear of USGS declaring them in serious decline. One roadrunner heard in the far distance. Would I have known that 25 years ago, or would the Mourning Dove tally have increased by one? Two Curve-billed Thrashers in appropriate, tall cholla "forests". Wonder if that "whit weeet!!" I heard earlier was really just a mockingbird? As with the Ninaview Route, the conspicuous ravens are frustratingly unidentifiable. Lots of Long-billed Curlews this year. I fear destruction of their eggs, and perhaps young, by ravens, coyotes, and cow hooves is a major breeding success issue for this charismatic species. This year, as in years past, I have noticed distressed curlews chasing ravens. All part of the deal, I suppose, and certainly easier threats to potentially survive than tank treads and artillery. The northern part of this route skirts the eastern edge of the amazing Chacuaco Canyon and other canyons making up the overall area called "Purgatory/Pinon Canyon". Species occurring on this route that are just outside (north and east of) the ranges generally depicted in "Bob and Bob" are Rock Wren, Virginia's Warbler, Juniper Titmouse, Lesser Goldfinch, Chipping Sparrow, Canyon Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, and Western Scrub-Jay. Out of place species noted this year were Northern Flicker, Great Blue Heron (circling high over a canyon), Mallard (pair waddling out into the prairie from a temporary playa), and Broad-tailed Hummingbird (heard male). Birds NOT seen this year but that do occur: Hepatic Tanager, Scott's Oriole, Summer Tanager, White-throated Swift, Brewer's Sparrow. This route has both Black-headed Grosbeak and Hepatic Tanager. I challenge anyone to tell these birds apart by voice, without playing both songs side by side, outside a "Stump The Chumps" contest at a Holiday Inn, with at least 6 other types of bird song mixed in. Throw in the fact Northern Mockingbirds, capable of matching all manner of sounds, including those of these and most every other bird, occur on at least half the 50 stops, bird inventory of this sort is profoundly difficult and distinctly an art form. The 3-minute timer went off. Times up, Bucky.
At the end of these routes, I always feel exhausted and wanting a do-over. B+ this year? Can't wait until next June.
Other items not mentioned here or in the 6/9/14 post from Lamar:
Painted Bunting pair continues at Picture Canyon (Baca) along the canyon wall on either side of the main parking/picnic area. Observed on 6/10. Female appeared to be gathering food to feed nestlings (mostly from junipers or netleaf hackberry/grape thickets). When I saw him, the male was either singing or following her everywhere she flew.
Rufous-crowned Sparrow seen along the Higbee Valley Road (Otero 804) about 2 miles west of the cemetery.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird continued in Willow Valley Subdivision, Lamar (Prowers) at a feeder and obtaining nectar from a thriving patch of Texas Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) thru at least June 12th. This, plus the sighting at Stop 50 of the Villegreen BBS Route, makes me wonder if there is local breeding going on this year far east of where they are known to do so.
Caspian Tern - one occurred briefly near the gravel ponds by the Arkansas River at the north end of Main Street in Lamar (Prowers) east of the Cow Palace Motel on 6/13. It was apparently chased off by a pair of Mississippi Kites (seen only by Janeal Thompson and Jane Stulp).
I have photos of a recently-fledged raven (nest was in a rocky outcrop northwest of the turnoff from Baca GR18 to enter Picture Canyon). If anybody is still reading and is interested in guessing which species this might be, I would be glad to send the pics. My guess, based mostly on the cliff/rocky outcrop nesting site, was Common.
Lastly, I also have pics from Picture Canyon of a small toad I am calling Red-spotted. The books do not do a good job of distinguishing Red-spotted Toad from Woodhouse Toad juveniles, which can also have red spots. Anybody know how and who would be willing to look at my pics? If so, thanks.
Dave Leatherman
Fort Collins
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