Re: [cobirds] Sage Thrasher at high elevation, El Paso Cnty

Birders,

Welcome to fall migration. I think Sage Thrashers are the first passerines to head south, and in many localities, July is the best time to chance upon them. I would consider these birds migrants, not lost or out of place.

Duane Nelson
Las Animas, Bent County Colorado



On 7/6/2016 8:41 PM, Stephen Getty wrote:

COBirders,

 

I was encouraged by another C Springs birder to report...

 

1. Sage Thrasher hopping around atop Tenney Crags (10,100 ft) west of C Springs on July 4. Weird! It is many miles from what I think of as Sage Thrasher habitat. I was curious if other CO birders have encountered them at such elevations. (we could also have some natural selection here from a wanderer; it would have had to flown over a lot of pine/spruce/aspen forest to get there!). Perhaps this is more expected around areas like Gunnison.

 

2. 80-100 Ravens were swirling in a cloud at Tenney Crags. There are a couple apparent nests, but this species is increasing in C Springs. For example, at 5:30 AM June 18 (I was heading out for Chestnut-collared Longspur), I noted a raven flight at high elevation flying down from Crags fanning out to Colorado Springs (dumpsters, parking lots?). On another evening in early June I noted a tight flock of 26 ravens flying up to crags area, presumably to roost. In the past I'd seen 2-3 flying up there.  

 

3. Calliope (m) on July 3 at house was several days ahead of records from prior 14 years (but within error...low n)

 

Best,

Steve Getty

Colorado Springs            

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