Good news and bad news. The good news is that the small summering population of Baird's Sparrow that was reported from northeast Larimer County to Cobirds last summer is back, with even more birds (at least 10 territories reported by various observers to eBird in 2016). The bad news is that almost all of these are on property with restricted access. I am writing this email to let y'all know that I recorded a singing Baird's Sparrow from a public road on Wednesday morning. The bird was distant, so it is even hard to hear in the recording, and there is plenty of confusing bird song in the same location, and even highway traffic noise. But some of you may be interested, so here it is. The recording and map location are online at http://www.xeno-canto.org/322178. To reach the site, take I25 north to the Carr exit (last exit before Wyoming border), travel west on Weld CR 126.5, which quickly becomes Larimer CR92. Turn right (north) towards Fort Collins Biosolids facility. Park just before the facility gate (entry through the gate is prohibited, even if open). An added prize here is McCown's Longspur (several males singing and displaying northwest of the gate).
Good luck. If anyone finds a better opportunity to observe Baird's Sparrows from a public location, please advise. Also, be aware that Baird's is not known to breed in the state, so if you observe confirmed breeding (i.e. carrying food, feeding young, etc.), please share your observation (ie. post to cobirds, or submit the observation to eBird, or send me a note). I am writing an article on the status of Baird's Sparrow in Colorado, and would appreciate hearing about documented breeding.
Nick Komar
Fort Collins CO
Fort Collins CO
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