Saturday 30 January 2016

[cobirds] Larimer rarities - yes on 1/30

With Norma Verhoeff (who lives just west of Hasty, CO) I was able to see both the continuing Yellow-throated Warbler coming to the suet feeder of Luke and Helen at 1520 W. Mountain Avenue in Fort Collins, AND one of the American Woodcocks at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area sw of Masonville.  Both these birds had not been updated on the RBA or eBird since 21 January.  I assume this means everybody who wants to see them has seen them.  But for those who still would like to try, they are still present.

A couple comments about these two situations:

The warbler's daily schedule is very sporadic, but host Helen informs me it is more regular on cold days and sometime in the first hour after sunrise.  I have personally been there several times and only had it come in (minimum visit about an hour) about half of those visits.  In other words, if your time is limited (less than an hour) it is NOT a sure thing.

The parking lot and trails at Bobcat Ridge continue to be closed due to mud.  If we get significant snow tonight and tomorrow, there is a possibility the closures will be lifted.  If very light snow is all we get, then Ranger Karl informs me the closures will remain in effect.  And, of course, if there is a big snow allowing temporary lifting of the closures, more closures will follow when the big snow melts.  Plan your visit accordingly.  It is my understanding that you can still park along the road to look for the woodcock IF you are careful not to, in any way, impede traffic for the private residents who live north of the Bobcat Ridge parking lot.  Today the woodcock was in the stream, or just off the stream, amid leaves opposite Ranger Karl's residence.

Dave Leatherman
Fort Collins

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