Friday, 4 December 2015

Re: [cobirds] Digest for cobirds@googlegroups.com - 9 updates in 6 topics

Has any effort been made to plant replacements of trees with other species, prior to removal of Russian Olives at Two Buttes (or elsewhere where birds use them)? Virginia Simmons, Del Norte
 
 
Sent: Friday, December 04, 2015 1:36 AM
Subject: [cobirds] Digest for cobirds@googlegroups.com - 9 updates in 6 topics
 
"SeEttaM ." <seettam@gmail.com>: Dec 03 10:59PM -0700

I am asking for feedback about a grant application to remove most of the
Russian Olive trees and all of the more sparse Tamarisk in the wildlife
area east of the Two Buttes Dam in Baca County including the Black Hole
area that is much coveted by birders. I am in a position as a member of
the executive committee of the Arkansas Basin Roundtable (we do water
planning for the Arkansas Basin) to give feedback about this grant proposal
and any potential deleterious impacts it may have on birds and other native
species. I expect that the timing of the vegetation removal is critical so
please provide what time period you believe should be off-limits and why
and especially any documentation to back up the need to not allow
vegetation disturbance. I am copying the grant proposal below. I need
the feedback by Sunday night so I have time to prepare for a meeting in
which this will be discussed next Wednesday.
 
Thanks in advance.
 
SeEtta Moss
Canon City
http://BirdsAndNature.blogspot.com
 
<<"Estimated Completion Date: June 30, 2018
Brief description of project:
The Two Buttes Dam and Wildlife Area is listed on the State Register of
Historic Places. It is Colorado Parks & Wildlife property, with the Two
Buttes Wildlife Area extending between cliffs below the dam. Russian olive
has taken over the understory of the wildlife area below the dam. For this
project and timeline, the goal of this project is to suppress the
infestation of Russian olive to 10% - 20% of the understory from the
current estimate of 30% to 40% of the existing understory with some dense
pockets. Some tamarisk is present, which we will eradicate. A bare-dirt
area above the Black Hole is eroding into the Black Hole. Colorado Parks &
Wildlife is currently using this area as part of a canal restoration
project. They intend to grade this area when they are done. Native
shrubs, and grasses will need to be planted near the top of the cliffs to
prevent further erosion into the Black Hole.
Management Goals
This project seeks to improve water quality and quantity, improve
wildlife habitat, and enhance recreational opportunity in the Two Buttes
Reservoir and Wildlife Area through:
(1) The eradication of tamarisk and suppression Russian olive from the 30
acres of wildlife area east of the Two Buttes Dam;
(2) The introduction of different native species to the riparian ecosystem;
(3) The suppression of erosion into the Black Hole;
(4) The eradication of other List B and List C noxious weed species west
of Two Buttes Dam.
Management Objectives
Suppress Russian olive understory from the current estimated 30% - 40%
to 10% - 20% of understory area by June 2018.
Eradicate tamarisk from wildlife area downstream from the dam to
private land by June 2017.
Reintroduce native willow cover in and around the Black Hole to help
prevent tamarisk reestablishment by June 2018.
Plant grass, and native shrubs above the west cliffs to suppress
erosion into the Black Hole. These erosion controls are to be completed by
June 2018.
Eradicate common mullein and other List B and List C weeds as agreed
upon by CPW around Two Buttes Reservoir.
Integrated Pest Management
Biological
Planting grass and native shrubs above the west cliffs will help
prevent invasive weed seeds from washing down into the Black Hole.
Planting willows where tamarisk currently resides will prevent the
high-light environment which allowed tamarisk to establish itself.
Mechanical
A tractor with "jaws" will pull out small- to medium-sized Russian
olive trees and mature tamarisk plants.
Mulching may be necessary to economically dispose of the plant material.
Department of Corrections manual labor may be used to pull small
Russian olive saplings.
Manual collection of common mullein seed heads will take place as
plants mature or recover.
Chemical
'Hack and squirt' with aquatic-approved herbicide will be used to kill
the large Russian olive trees. Because the cottonwood canopy is well
established, cut stump treatment could be used. However, hack-and-squirt
will kill the trees in place, reducing the risk of damaging the cottonwoods
during removal of the Russian olives, and retaining the structure of the
Russian olives for habitat use in the near future.
Foliar spray will be used to control tamarisk recovery.
Cut stump or foliar spray will be used on Russian olive undergrowth as
it recovers from the biological and/or mechanical controls.
Spot (foliar) spraying will occur on List B and List C weeds found west
of the dam.
Secondary/Subsequent Weed Control
Quarterly control of new sprouts for tamarisk and Russian olive will
take place. This may be mechanical control (pull the sprouts) or chemical
control (foliar spray). Revegetation in the Black Hole area should occur
passively as Russian olive undergrowth is diminished. Revegetation in this
area will be evaluated on each quarterly visit. Above the Black Hole on
the west side, revegetation is required due to the massive dirt-work done
in the last few years. The east edge (next to the cliffs on the west side
of the Black Hole) will be planted with native shrubs and grass to prevent
runoff into the Black Hole. Willows will be planted where tamarisk was
present to prevent the high-light environment that allowed tamarisk to
establish itself. Scouting and control of List weeds west of the dam will
continue semiannually until June of 2018.
 
Long Term Monitoring and Maintenance
Monitoring of project effectiveness will continue at least annually
after June 2018 as part of BCCD's Weed Management Program. However, due to
the extensive nature of the infestation, the plan for this project is not
eradication of Russian olive, but suppression. In order to prevent
re-infestation of Russian olive, eradication must be the long-term goal.
Therefore, BCCD anticipates the need for additional control beyond the
scope of this project. This will require more than annual monitoring. We
will continue the work of Russian olive control in the Two Buttes Wildlife
Area beyond the time-frame of this project as needed, but only if CPW
permission is granted. CPW, at this time, doesn't want eradication.
Getting CPW onboard with total eradication will require significant results
from this project that may not be apparent for several years.
An annual monitoring report, using the recommended monitoring protocols
and datasheets, will be provided to the CWCB from BCCD during the years
2019 – 2024.">>>
"SeEttaM ." <seettam@gmail.com>: Dec 04 12:06AM -0700

Forward>>
Subject: Grant application to remove most of the Russian Olive trees in the
Black Hole at Two Buttes in Baca County
 
I thought I could just provide summary info on this Russian Olive/Tamarisk
removal project but in reviewing this I find some important info further
down the application. So anyone interested in this proposed project may
want to review the rest of the info I am copying below.
 
SeEtta Moss
Canon City
 
<<Stakeholders
Lead project sponsor: Baca County Conservation District
Project partners: Colorado Parks & Wildlife
NRCS
Bent County Conservation District
History of Accomplishments
BCCD partnered with Southeast Colorado Resource Conservation and
Development, Colorado State Bank, Colorado Department of Agriculture, the
International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology, Southeast
Colorado Power Association, Entegrity Wind Systems, Rocky Mountain Farmer's
Union, Baca County Farm Bureau, and McDonald Electric on a "Advancing
Colorado's Renewable Energy" (ACRE) grant which resulted in the first 50kw
wind turbine on a farm in Colorado. (Oct. 2009)
BCCD awarded matching grants for shelterbelts to eight Baca County
producers. As part of this project, BCCD and NRCS staff planted a
demonstration tree row along the north side of the US Forest Service
building in Springfield. The tree row demonstrated twenty different
species appropriate for our area. (Apr. 2009)
BCCD partnered with landowners and NRCS on the EQIP Invasive Species
Horse Creek Watershed project. (Nov. 2008)
BCCD partnered with landowners and NRCS on the EQIP Invasive Species
Two Buttes Creek Watershed project. (Nov. 2007)
BCCD awarded six area producers cost share funds to establish water
development practices on CRP through the Colorado State Conservation
Board's Matching Grants program. These water development practices help
producers keep highly erodible soils in permanent vegetative cover. (May
2008)
BCCD received a High Plains Invasives grant to contain and eradicate
dalmation toadflax, diffuse knapweed, Russian knapweed, spotted knapweed,
and leafy spurge. This grant enabled BCCD to eradicate narrow-leaf
dalmation toadflax in Baca County and in Kim in neighboring Las Animas
County. (May 2008)
BCCD, partnering with NRCS, has helped producers in Baca County plant
thousands of trees, with BCCD coordinating assistance from all of our local
FFA and 4-H Chapters. (just in the last decade)
Ten producers cooperated with BCCD to control and eradicate tamarisk
and Scotch thistle on the Two Buttes Creek Watershed. (Sep. 2007)
BCCD was awarded funds from the US Forest Service to address List A & B
noxious weeds on lands adjacent to Comanche National Grasslands in Baca
County two years in a row. (2007)
On behalf of local producers, BCCD submitted a proposal to the state
NRCS office for addressing tamarisk and Russian olive on the upper Two
Buttes Creek watershed and Scotch thistle throughout Baca County. The
proposal resulted in cost share dollars made available to producers through
NRCS's EQIP program. (Mar. 2007)
Partners' Level of Support
NRCS technical support
Colorado Parks & Wildlife plant surveys and monitoring of project
area
Bent Co. Cons. Dist. equipment
Relevant Information Sources
Practices proposed in this grant are consistent with the practices set
forth by Colorado State University, University of Denver, Colorado
Department of Agriculture, and Denver Botanic Gardens in "Tamarisk BEST
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES in COLORADO WATERSHEDS".
Included in this application is an "esri" map from the Tamarisk
Coalition showing the yearly distribution of the tamarisk beetle from
2007–2014. Onsite inspection of tamarisk in the area showed no tamarisk
beetle activity as of October 2015.
Staffing
BCCD estimates approximately 700 man-hours of work each year of this
project.
BCCD currently has one DCT and one Weed Technician. Between them they
can contribute 48 hours per week. The equipment for pulling small trees
and mulching will occupy our weed technician, which is included in the
man-hours for each year of work listed above.
DCT is Royce Bursch, employed since 08/2014. Weed Tech is Howard
Wilson, employed since 08/2014. First pages of their employment
applications are attached.
BCCD anticipates the need for extra manpower during the pulling,
clearing, and planting. We plan to recruit FFA and 4-H volunteers from our
four local high schools to assist in these tasks. Department of
Corrections workers may be utilized as required.
BCCD recognizes that this project will require more than one full-time
member of the project team. If this grant is awarded to us, we will hire
an additional weed technician for the first year of this project.
Resumes of the DCT and Weed Technician are included with this
application.
Match
BCCD will provide approximately $22,000 of in-kind match
(administrative expense, weed tech & DCT pay). NRCS will provide
approximately $800 of in-kind match ($20/hr. for technical assistance).
BCCD will provide cash match of $12,500 in the form of equipment, PPE,
supplies, soil testing, chemicals, Corrections labor, and other line items
not yet identified.
Education
Two Buttes Reservoir and Wildlife Area is one of two frequently visited
recreational areas in the county. We will publish status reports in the
Plainsman Herald, our local newspaper, before project kick-off, as progress
is made the first year, at completion of the first year, and after each
follow-up treatment and survey. Articles about the project will also be
included in the BCCD quarterly newsletter.
Effectiveness
This IPM plan incorporates biocontrol, chemical, and mechanical
control. It will begin with mechanical control. With the excellent canopy
of cottonwoods, pulling the Russian olive understory and tamarisk was
chosen over cut-stump to minimize chemical usage and the subsequent damage
it could cause to the cottonwoods. Hack-and-squirt will be used on the
largest Russian olives, leaving the tree structures available for nesting
in the understory. Where the cottonwoods are thickest, access will be an
issue for mechanical control. We will utilize volunteers or Corrections
labor, following with mechanical control where possible and chemical
control where mechanical control is not feasible.
Due to the excellent canopy of cottonwoods and the abundance of
moisture in the area, most of the restoration will occur passively.
However, the dominant Russian olive population has excluded much of the
native diversity. So, some restoration will need to take place. We will
plant 25 Konza Fragrant Sumacs along the top of the south cliffs to
suppress erosion into the Black Hole. We will introduce 50 McKenzie Black
Chokeberries, 25 Common Hackberries, and 10 Chokecherries into the
understory. We will do pole plantings of Willow trees wherever tamarisk
has been removed. This will assure that the high-light environment that
allowed tamarisk to establish itself is no longer present in that
location. Soil and water testing will need to take place to determine
feasibility of planting locations.
Chemical control will be used in the second and third year of the
project to control new sprouts of tamarisk and Russian olive. It is
anticipated that chemical control will need to be continued for several
years after completion of this project due to the degree of Russian olive
infestation that is currently present. This action will only take place
with CPW permission.
Project Budget and Schedule
The Tamarisk Coalition "Riparian Restoration Cost Calculator" was used
to calculate the total expense of the project. All figures are approximate
and do not include the Department of Corrections labor, the expense of
which is not included in the cost calculator. Soil testing also does not
appear to be included in the cost calculator.
Multi-objective Aspects
This project involves riparian re-vegetation, habitat improvement, and
water quality and quantity. Russian olive in the wildlife area have
diminished plant diversity in the area. Removal will allow native plants
to reestablish in the area. We will assist this passive recovery with the
active introduction of Konza Fragrant Sumacs, McKenzie Black Chokeberries,
Common Hackberries, Chokecherries, and willow trees. The removal of the
Russian olives will also improve wildlife access to the area. The Russian
olives currently have a thick underbrush monoculture that restricts both
wildlife and human access. The removal of tamarisk next to the Black Hole
and around Two Buttes Creek will improve soil and water quality by
decreasing salinity. The removal of the vast Russian olive population
should decrease water usage around the Black Hole, improving water flow
downstream.
Beyond those aspects mentioned above, this project will enable the
cottonwoods to maintain their canopy in this riparian environment.
Cottonwoods cannot sprout in total shade but Russian olive can. This means
that, given current conditions, there will be no new cottonwoods in the
future. This project will save the cottonwood canopy and should carry it
several years into the future.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Scope of Work
GRANTEE: Baca County Conservation District
PRIMARY CONTACT: Howard Wilson
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 398
Springfield, CO 81073
PHONE: 719.523.6251
PROJECT NAME: BCCD IPCP 2016
GRANT AMOUNT: $83,500
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
This project seeks to improve water quality and quantity, improve
wildlife habitat, and enhance recreational opportunity in the Two Buttes
Reservoir and Wildlife Area through:
(1) The removal of tamarisk and Russian olive from the 30 acres of
wildlife area east of the Two Buttes Dam;
(2) The introduction of different native species to the riparian ecosystem;
(3) The suppression of erosion into the Black Hole;
(4) Eradication of List weeds around Two Buttes Reservoir.
OBJECTIVES
Suppress Russian olive understory from current 70% - 80% to 10% - 20%
of understory area by June 2018.
Eradicate tamarisk from wildlife area downstream from the dam to the
property line by June 2017.
Reintroduce native willow cover in and around the Black Hole to help
prevent tamarisk reestablishment by June 2018.
Plant grass and native shrubs above the west cliffs to suppress erosion
into the Black Hole. These erosion controls are to be completed by June
2018.
TASKS
TASK 1 – Soil and Water Testing
Description of Task
Collect water sample and soil samples from the Two Buttes Wildlife
Area. Test for depth of water table.
Method/Procedure
Collect water sample from the Black Hole. Starting near the dam and
focusing on areas where restorative planting will occur, take one soil
sample approximately every 600 feet. Also, take one soil sample from above
the south cliff. Utilize techniques detailed in "How to sample soil" in
the reference "Best Management Practices for Revegetation after Tamarisk
Removal". Use soil auger to determine water table depth above south
cliff. Send water and soil samples to the CSU lab for testing.
Deliverable
Testing results will be used to verify the selection of plants listed
in the plan. Selections of plants for the project may need to be changed
based on the results of the testing. Results of the tests will give us a
baseline of the soil and water characteristics as they exist at the
beginning of the project.
TASK 2 – Plant Survey
Description of Task
Determine plant diversity in project site. Determine percentages of
cover for existing plants on the project site.
Method/Procedure
Colorado Parks & Wildlife biologist will use best practices to conduct
surveys in and around the project area.
Deliverable
Survey results will be used to verify the selection and/or number of
plants listed in the plan. Selections and numbers of plants for the
project may need to be changed based on the results of the survey. Results
of the survey will give us a baseline of the vegetation cover at the
beginning of the project.
TASK 3 – Pull Tamarisks and Russian Olives
Description of Task
Pull tamarisks and all Russian olives that can be pulled mechanically.
Method/Procedure
Utilizing equipment leased from Bent County Conservation District, pull
all tamarisks and Russian olives that are accessible and of manageable
size. Utilizing the same equipment but a different attachment, mulch the
debris. Depending on the weather and/or CPW guidance, either burn the
mulch or haul it away.
Deliverable
Invasive will be suppressed and access will be improved for wildlife.
Understory will begin passive recovery. Plant diversity should begin to
increase. Access should now be improved for the subsequent tasks of the
project.
TASK 4 – Remove Tamarisks and Russian Olives Not Accessible in Task 2
Description of Task
Clear the remaining tamarisks and Russian olives that were not
accessible by machine.
Method/Procedure
Utilizing Department of Corrections labor, clear the inaccessible areas
within a week if possible.
Deliverable
Russian olives will be suppressed and access will be improved for
wildlife. More water will be available for native plants and wildlife.
Understory will begin passive recovery. Plant diversity should begin to
increase. Access should now be improved for the subsequent tasks of the
project.
TASK 5 – Chemically Control Remaining Russian Olive Trees
Description of Task
Apply chemical control to remaining Russian olive trees.
Method/Procedure
Utilizing the "hack-and-squirt" technique, apply undiluted Pathfinder
II to the large Russian olive trees. Using foliar spray, apply
Imazapyr as a 1% solution with 1% MSO to any remaining tamarisks or Russian
olives.
Deliverable
Russian olives will be suppressed and access will be improved for
wildlife. More water will be available for native plants and wildlife.
TASK 6 – Check Viability of Restoration Plans
Description of Task
Collect water sample and soil samples from the Two Buttes Wildlife
Area. Test for depth of water table.
Method/Procedure
Collect water sample from the Black Hole. Starting near the dam and
focusing on areas where restorative planting will occur, take one soil
sample approximately every 600 feet. Also, take one soil sample from above
the south cliff. Utilize techniques detailed in "How to sample soil" in
the reference "Best Management Practices for Revegetation after Tamarisk
Removal". Use soil auger to determine water table depth above south
cliff. Send water and soil samples to the CSU lab for testing.
Compare results with prior testing. Make adjustments to plant
selections as the soil and moisture conditions dictate.
Deliverable
Testing results will be used to verify the selection of plants listed
in the plan. Selections of plants for the project may need to be changed
based on the results of the testing. Results of the tests will give us a
picture of the soil and water characteristics as they exist after the first
season of the project.
TASK 7 – Restoration
Description of Task
Plant Konza Fragrant Sumacs, McKenzie Black Chokeberries or Common
Hackberries or Chokecherries ,and willow trees.
Method/Procedure
Plant 25 Konza Fragrant Sumacs (Rhus aromatic serotina) 2-3' seedlings
above the south cliffs (third year). Plant 50 McKenzie Black Chokeberries
(Aronia melanocarpa) 18-24" (first year), plant 25 Common Hackberries
"Brandon K. Percival" <flammowl17@gmail.com>: Dec 03 11:44PM

Duane Nelson reports White-throated Swifts in Picketwire Canyon (Las Animas and Otero Counties) on February 28, 2009.  These were probably early spring migrants, though they did make in the "Winter" Season.  So, White-throated Swifts have been seen in Colorado, all 12 months of the year now, except for January.  I'm not sure before this year, they had been seen in November or December in Colorado.  White-throated Swift seem to be more hardy birds, then we might think.  A swift in Colorado in the "winter" is still pretty amazing.
The known winter range in the US, is southern New Mexico; southern Arizona; El Paso, Texas; and in California.  I wonder if they actually winter further north, then is known.
Brandon PercivalPueblo West, CO
Charles Hundertmark <chundertmark8@gmail.com>: Dec 03 05:52PM -0700

Climate change might also be a factor.
 
Chuck Hundertmark
Ted Floyd <tedfloyd57@hotmail.com>: Dec 03 06:51PM -0800

Hi, all. Here is the "winter" (December-February) range map for the
White-throated Swift in the United States:
 
*http://tinyurl.com/WTSw-winter*
 
The multiple records from Arkansas are pretty amazing. A record of 8 birds
from Churchill County, northern Nevada, Feb. 25 of this year, likely refers
to early migrants, I would think.
 
Interesting discussion. Great discovery.
 
Ted Floyd
Lafayette, Boulder County
 
On Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 4:44:12 PM UTC-7, Brandon wrote:
irene_fortune@msn.com: Dec 03 01:42PM -0800

The Dunlin pair continue at Lake Loveland. Still finding enough to eat at
water's edge, far northern shore. Visible from park.
 
On Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 4:35:11 PM UTC-7, Mark wrote:
"Brandon K. Percival" <flammowl17@gmail.com>: Dec 03 09:32PM

Steve Mlodinow and I counted 17 White-throated Swifts flying above the Arkansas River, and Valco Ponds #2 and #3 this morning.  We were both able to obtain photos, and I will submit a record to the Colorado Bird Records Committee, this these birds are first for Colorado during the winter months (Dec-Feb).  Thanks to Margie Joy for finding these birds yesterday.  The next question is, how long will they hang around (I know I'm hoping they will be present on 19 December for a first Pueblo Reservoir CBC record, we'll see)!
Other highlights below Pueblo Reservoir dam, west and east of the Valco Ponds parking lot:
Rusty Blackbird - 1 Winter Wren - 1Blue-winged Teal - 2Mew Gull - 2Greater Scaup - 2Swamp Sparrow - 1Mexican Duck - 1
At Pueblo Reservoir:I saw a male Long-tailed Duck and three Common Loons this morning, off West Fishing Road, the duck flew west into the SWA.
Steve saw five adult Lesser Black-backeds early this morning on the South Shore Marina tires, I saw one adult later on.  The adult Great Black-backed Gull was around all morning there as well.
Brandon PercivalPueblo West, CO
Mike Henwood <mhawkhen@gmail.com>: Dec 03 09:07AM -0700

Late yesterday morning (Dec. 2) Eileen Cunningham and I paid a visit to the
Redlands Parkway Ponds. Highlights included 16 Canvasbacks, and relocating
both the Say's Phoebe and Black Phoebe seen in the same location on Nov. 21.
 
The *BLACK PHOEBE *was perched on a branch just above the edge of the pond.
It would fly down, land on the ice, pick up an insect???, then return to
it's perch. Other times it would just hover above the ice, pick up
something without landing, then return to it's perch on the bank.
 
Quite fascinating to watch it feed in the cold and using the ice.
 
Mike Henwood
Grand Junction
Mesa County
Joyce Takamine <jabirujt@gmail.com>: Dec 03 04:02AM -0700

Compiler: Joyce Takamine
e-mail: RBA AT cobirds.org
Date: December 3, 2015
This is the Rare Bird Alert, Thursday, December 2\3, sponsored by Denver
Field
Ornithologists and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.
 
Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species).
 
BRANT (Pueblo)
Trumpter Swan (Grand, Larimer, Mesa)
Tundra Swan (Adams, Arapahoe, Bent, Boulder, *Delta, Douglas, Jefferson, El
Paso, Garfield, Huerfano, Larimer, Mesa, Routt)
EURASIAN WIGEON (*Pueblo)
Surf Scoter (Arapahoe, Douglas/Jefferson, Jefferson, Larimer)
White-winged Scoter (Boulder, Logan, *Otero)
Black Scoter (Pueblo)
Long-tailed Duck (Logan, Sedgwick)
Barrow's Goldeneye (Adams, Arapahoe, Gunnison, Moffat, Routt)
Red-throated Loon (Arapahoe, Logan, Morgan, Weld)
Pacific Loon (Boulder, Douglas, Larimer, Morgan)
Red-necked Grebe (Douglas,Jefferson)
Dunlin (Larimer)
AMERICAN WOODCOCK (Larimer)
Thayer's Gull (Boulder, Larimer)
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Adams, *Arapahoe, *Boulder, Larimer, Pueblo, Weld)
Glaucous Gull (Arapahoe, Weld)
Great Black-backed Gull (Pueblo)
Greater Roadrunner (Larimer)
Red-headed Woodpecker (Logan)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Bent)
Black Phoebe (Mesa, Pueblo)
Eastern Phoebe (Weld)
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Jefferson)
Winter Wren (El Paso, Pueblo)
Varied Thrush (El Paso)
Curve-billed Thrasher (Bent)
Tennessee Warbler (Larimer)
Northern Parula (Weld)
Chestnut-sided Warbler (El Paso)
Canyon Towhee (Bent)
Field Sparrow (Logan)
Golden-crowned Sparrow (Boulder)
Rusty Blackbird (Adams, Pueblo)
Brown-capped Rosy-Finch (San Juan)
Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (El Paso, Larimer, Routt, San Juan)
PURPLE FINCH (Bent)
Common Redpoll (Larimer, Logan)
 
ADAMS COUNTY:
--3 Tundra Swans were reported by Georgiah Hartman at Rocky Mountain
Arsenal NWR on November 21.
--A Barrow's Goldeneye was reported by John Breitsch at Lake Ladora at
Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR on November 21.
--A Lesser Black-backed Gull was reported by Ira Sanders at Barr Lake SP on
November 28.
--2 f Rusty Blackbirds were reported by Norm Erthal below the dame at Barr
Lake SP on November 30. On December 1, Gregg Goodrich reported 2 f Rusty
Blackbird at Barr Lake SP.
 
ARAPAHOE COUNTY:.
--On November 21, Glenn Walbek reported Red-throated Loon at Cherry Creek
from Lake Loop.
--On November 24, Glenn Walbek reported m Barrow's Goldeneye at Cherry
Creek SP.
--On November 27, Gene Rutherford and Craig Rasmussen reported Glaucous
Gull at Cherry Creek SP.
--On November 28, C Warneke reported 2 Surf Scoters at South Platte
Reservoir on the Arapahoe/Jefferson County line.
--On November 28, Gene Rutherford reported 13 Tundra Swans at South Platte
Reservoir in South Platte Park.
--On November 30, Karl Stetcher reported Red-throated Loon at Cherry Creek
Reservoir seen from picnic tables S of the marina.
--On November 30, David Suddjian reported 3rd-cyc Lesser Black-backed Gull
at Cooley Lake.
--On December 2, Bob RIghter reported ad Lesser Black-backed Gull at Cherry
Creek SP.
 
BENT COUNTY:
--On November 16, Duane Nelson reported that he has had f-type PURPLE
FINCH, m Red-bellied Woodpecker, Curve-billed Thrasher, and Canyon Towhees
visit his feeders in Las Animas. Birders are welcome if you notify Duane
in advance at dnelson1 ATcenturytel.net On November 19, Duane Nelson
reported that the f-type PURPLE FINCH returned and the other birds
continue.
--A Tundra Swan was reported by Jane Stulp and Janeal Thompson on Verhoeff
Reservoir which is private on November 21.
Observe bird from highway. Trespassers will be prosecuted.
 
BOULDER COUNTY:
--On November 19, Christian Nunes reported 14 Tundra Swans at Valmont
Reservoir in Boulder. On November 22, Bill Kaempfer was reported at
Leggett Reservoir at the Valmont complex.
--On November 24, Stephen Knox reported Golden-crowned Sparrow at Teller
Farm.On November 27, Ted Floyd and Tracy Pheneger reported Golden-crowned
Sparrow at Teller Farm.
--On November 24, David Dowell reported breeding plumaged Pacific Loon and
ad Thayer's Gull at Terry Lake.
--On November 27, Bill Kaempfer reported a winter plumaged Pacific Loon at
Six Mile Reservoir.
--On November 28, Peter Gent reported a f-type White-winged Scoter at
Baseline Reservoir. On November 29, Tom Behnfield and Gregg Goodrich
reported White-winged Scoter at Baseline Reservoir.
--An ad Lesser Black-backed Gull was reported by Peter Gent at Baseline
reservoir seen from Cherryvale Road on December 2.
--Ted Floyd reported an ad Lesser Black-backed Gull at Waneka Lake on
December 2.
 
DELTA COUNTY:
--3 Tundra Swans were reported by Scott Jorgensen at Sweitzer Lake on
December 2.
 
DOUGLAS COUNTY:
--8 Tundra Swans were reported by Mary Burger at Rueter-Hess Reservoir
(restricted access) on November 22.
--A juv plumaged Pacific Loon was reported by Gleen Walbek from the
Handicapped Fisherman's pier on November 24.
--2 Red-necked Grebes were reported by Joey Kellner and Glenn Walbek from
Marina Sandspit at Chatfield on November 28.
--19 Tundra Swans (11 ad, 8 juv) were reported by Gregg Goodrich and many
others from Marina Sandspit at Chatfield on November 28.
 
DOUGLAS/JEFFERSON COUNTIES:
--2 f-type Surf Scoters were reported by David Suddjian at Chatfield SP on
December 1.
 
EL PASO COUNTY:
--On November 21, David Chartier reported Winter Wren and 1-st winter F
Chestnut-sided Warbler at Mile Marker 18 at Fountain Creek Regional Park.
On November 22, Gwen Moore reported Chestnut-sided at Warbler Fountain
Creek RP. On November 23, Christ Knight reported Chestnut-sided Warbler at
Fountain Creek RP. On November 24, dale and Joel Adams reported
Chestnut-sided Warbler at Fountain Creek RP.
--6 Tundra Swans (2 ad, 4 juv) were reported by Bill Maynard and Aaron
Driscoll at Big Johnson Reservoir on November 22.
--On November 26, John Maynard reported Gray-cronwed Rosy-Finches at Red
Rock Canyon Open Space in Colorado Springs. Access the area from US 24 at
Ridge Road.
--A Varied Thrush was reported by David Chartier and Bill Maynard at
Fountain Creek RP on November 29. It was by the beaver dam on the north
end of Rice's Pond.
--A Winter Wren was reported by Bill Maynard at Fountain Creek RP on
November 29.
 
GARFIELD COUNTY:
--A juv Tundra Swan was reported by Jackson Trappett at Rifle Gap Reservoir
on November 28.
 
GRAND COUNTY:
--A Trumpeter Swan was reported by Carol Hunter at Lake Granby Dille Dock
on November 30.
GUNNISON COUNTY:
--On November 21, Jason Beason reported 30 Barrow's Goldeneyes (only 3
females) at Blue Mesa Reservoir east of Hwy 149 bridge. On November 22,
Coen Dexter reported 35 Barrow's Goldeneyes (28m 7F) at Blue Mesa Reservoir.
--On November 21, Coen Dexter reported 1m Barrow's Goldeneye at Taylor Park
Reservoir.
 
HUERFANO COUNTY:
--3 Tundra Swans (1 ad, 2 juv) were reported by Polly Wren Neldner at
Lathrop SP on November 21.
 
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
--On November 14, Bill Kaempfer reported 2 Surf Scoters at South Platte
Reservoir on the Jefferson County side. On November 17, David Suddjian
reported 2 f-type Surf Scoters at South Platte Reservoir. On November 23,
David Suddjian reported 2 f-type Surf Scoters at South Platte Reservoir.
On November 27 Dale Pate reported 2 Surf Scoters at South Platte
Reservoir. On November 30, David Suddjian reported 2 f-type Surf Scoters
at South Platte Reservoir.
--On November 17, Peter Pereira photographed a BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER at
Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield.
--On November 28, Tom Behnfield reported 2 Red-necked Grebes and 2 Tundra
Swans from Swim Beach at Chatfield.
 
LARIMER COUNTY:
--On November 16, David Wade reported Surf Scoter and Dunlin at Timnath
Reservoir. On November 21, Austin Hess and Nick Komar reported Dunlin at
Timnath Reservoir. On November 22, Brandon Nooner reported Dunlin at
Timnath Reservoir. On November 24, Irene Fortune reported Dunlin at
Timnath Reservoir
--A Tennessee Warbler was reported by Dave Leatherman at PERC (Plant
Environmental Research Center in the SW corner of the CSU Campus on
November 19 and was seen by David Wade. On November 20, Nick Komar, Sean
Walters, Irene Fortune, and Bobbie Tilmant reported Tennessee Warbler at
PERC. On November 21, Austin Hess reported Tennessee Warbler at PERC. On
November 22, Sean Walters, Jesse Casias, and Adam Vesely reported Tennessee
Warbler at PERC. On November 23, Ira Sanders and Dave Leatherman reported
Tennessee Warbler at PERC. On November 24, Brad Biggerstaff, Mark Chavez,
Gwen Moore, and Lori Zabel reported Tennessee Warbler at PERC. On November
25, Robert Beauchamp and Josh Bruening reported Tennessee Warbler at PERC.
--5 Tundra Swans were reported by John Shenot at N Poudre # 4 on November
21.
--On November 21, an AMERICAN WOODCOCK was found by John Shenot at PERC on
the CSU Campus. The woodcock was seen by Andy Bankert, Dave Leatherman,
and Austin Hess.
--8 Trumpeter Swans were reported by Jeff Birek flying over Horsetooth
Reservoir on November 22.
--A Tundra Swan was reported by Sean Walters at Douglas Reservoir on
November 22.
--A Thayer's Gull was reported by Sean Walters at Horsetooth Reservoir on
November 22.
--On November 22, Brandon Nooner reported Tundra Swan and Pacific Loon at
Timnath Reservoir.
-- Greater Roadrunner was reported by Nick Komar and David Wade at Lory SP
on November 23.
--Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches were reported by John Shenot at Livermore
Community Church on November 27. On November 28, Dave Leatherman reported
3+ Common Redpolls at Livermore Community Church.
--A Trumpeter Swan was reported by Andy Bankert and Tom Behnfield at Lon
Haley Reservoir in Loveland on November 29. Beware that duck hunters are
present so the swan may not be present.
--A Dunlin was reported by Irene Fortune at Lake Loveland on November 29.
On November 30, Nick Komar reported Dunlin at Lake Loveland. Two Dunlin
were reported by Nick Komar and Mark Chavez at Lake Loveland on December 1.
--A Trumpeter Swan was reported by Nick Komar at Boedecker Lake in Loveland
on November 29.
--A f type Surf Scoter was reported by Nick Komar at Dry Creek Reservoir in
Loveland on November 29.
--At Lake Loveland on December 1, Mark Chavez reported 1 Lesser
Black-backed Gull and 1 Thayer's Gull.
 
LOGAN COUNTY:
--A White-winged Scoter was reported by Kathy Mihm Dunning at North
Sterling Reservoir on November 22.
--On November 23, Steve Mlodinow reported Red-headed Woodpecker at Red Lion
SWA.
--A Field Sparrow was reported by Steve Mlodinow at Tamarack Ranch SWA on
November 23.
--A Red-throated Loon was reported by Joey Kellner and Kathy Mihm Dunning
at Prewitt Reservoir on November 29.
--A Long-tailed Duck and Common Redpoll was reported by Joey Kellner and
Kathy Mihm Dunning at North Sterling Reservoir and SP on November 29.
 
MESA COUNTY:
--A Black Phoebe was reported by Mike Henwood at Redland Parkway Pond on
November 21.
--2 Tundra Swans were reported by Ron Lambeth at Cheney Reservoir on
November 21.
--2 Trumpeter Swans were reported by Denise and Mark Vollmar at Whitewater
ponds on November 25. 2 juv Trumpeter Swans were reported by Mike Henwood
at Whitewater ponds on November 27. Mike Henwood reported on November 28
that upon further review, The swans at Whitewater ponds are juv Tundra
Swans.
--At Highline Lake SP on November 28, Mike Henwood and Rom Lambeth reported
5 ad Trumpeter Swans. On November 29, Nic Korte reported 5 Trumpeter Swans
at Highline Lake SP.
 
MOFFAT COUNTY:
--13 Tundra Swans (10 ad, 3 juv) were reported by Forrest Luke on WFMC
Ponds in Craig on November 20.
 
MORGAN COUNTY:
--At Jackson Lake SP on November 20, Norm Lewis reported Pacific Loon and
Red-throated Loon.
 
OTERO COUNTY:
--A White-winged Scoter was reported by Stan Oswald at Holbrook Reservoir
on December 2.
 
PUEBLO COUNTY:
--On November 21 along the Arkansas River below Pueblo Reservor Dam,
Brandon Percival reported Black Phoebe, 2 Winter Wren, and 2 Rusty
Blackbirds.
--An ad Lesser Black-backed Gull was reported by Brandon Percival at the
South Shore Marina at Pueblo Reservoir on November 22.
--On November 24, Brandon Percival reported that a Great Black-backed Gull
has returned to South Shore Marina at Pueblo Reservoir for the 22nd
consecutive winter.
--2 Red-necked Grebes were reported by Brandon Percival at Pueblo Reservoir
from North Plains CG on November 25.
--A f-type Black Scoter was reported by Brandon Percival at the cove south
of South Shore Marina at Pueblo Reservoir on November 25.
--A Black BRANT was reported by Dave Silverman at Lake Beckwith in Colorado
City on November 27.
--A pair of EURASIAN WIGEON was reported by Matthew Papula at the Comanche
Generating Station on December 2. Papula works at the station so do not
know if public has access to the area.
 
ROUTT COUNTY:
--On November 21, Tom Litteral reported 82 Barrow's Goldeneyes at
Stagecoach Reservoir.
--4 Tundra Swans were reported by Tom Litteral at Steamboat Lake Meadows
Picnic Area on November 22.
--On November 21 at Steamboat Lake Park, Forrest Luke reported 2
Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches and 4 Tundra Swans.
--On November 22, Forrest Luke reported about 30 Barrow's Goldeneyes on the
Yampa River near Craig Station inlet pond.
 
SAN JUAN COUNTY:
--On November 29 in Silverton, Riley Morris reported 100 Brown-capped
Rosy-Finch, 22 Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (including 7 Hepburn's).
 
SEDGWICK COUNTY:
--A Long-tailed Duck was reported by Joey Kellner and Kathy Mihm Dunning at
Jumbo Reservoir on November 29.
 
WELD COUNTY:
--An imm Red-throated Loon was reported by Steve Mlodinow at Union
Reservoir on November 25.
--At Windsor Reservoir on December 1, Mark Chavez reported Glaucous Gull
and Lesser Black-backed Gull.
 
DFO Field Trips:
The DFO Field Trip for Saturday, November 28 will be to Fountain Creek
Regional Park led by Wendy Wibbens and Sue Summers (wibbwj AT aol.com;
303-330-1175). Meet at 0730 at Castle ROck King Soopers parking lot (NW
corner of lot), 100 Founders Parkway (I-25, Exit 184). OR meet at 0830 at
Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain Co 80817.
Take Exit 132A from I-25, go east on Hwy 16 for .5 mile and south on Hwy 87
for .5 mile to Pepper Grass Lane.
This is a half-day trip to search of ducks, raptors and a variety of
songibrds. Wear layers and strong boots. Bring Water and snacks. Should
end about noon and return to Castle Rock about 1300. Register online or
contact leader
 
Good Birding,
Joyce Takamine
Boulder
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