At Crags Campground Friday, a pair of Gray Jays with a begging youngster was being mobbed by a determined Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
On Saturday in the early morning from Beaver Lodge Trail (Colorado State Forest State Park) at least two Veeries were singing.This trail provides a nice overview of the willow carr below where Veery appears to be regular during the breeding season. We dipped on Northern Waterthrush here.
Near the Aspen Campground (FR 741), Paul found a Warbling Vireo singing on the nest in an aspen 40-50 feet up.
On the Arapaho NWR, where many ponds were dry, we saw a male Lark Bunting, possibly accompanied by a female.
On Sunday, an early visit to the Aspen Campground area yielded singing Veeries, Fox Sparrow, Pine Grosbeaks and Red Crossbills.
Veeries and Fox Sparrows were also singing at the Michigan River wetlands near Jackson CR30.
At Walden Reservoir, high water may have wiped out some earlier Eared Grebes nests, but many were building or on nests, and one pair had young on the back. There were 14 young Western Grebes on backs or swimming. Thee were good numbers of Double-crested Cormorant, American White Pelican, and California Gull young. One Snowy Egret was also feeding young. Two Sora were heard.
On Monday morning, we confirmed our suspicion that Western Grebes failed to nest in the usual area on the northwest corner of Lake John. The water level was very low (about a foot below the top of the spillway) and a portion of the bullrush stand where the birds usually nest was dry. On a previous visit this month, there were few grebes near this stand, but many were visiting a new stand to the east. On the Monday visit, there were no grebes in this area. About 53 Western Grebes were at the southern end of the lake, well away from suitable nesting habitat. A few, were courting including brief bouts of dancing.
In the afternoon, we scoped the Lake John Annex (east of the main lake) where Eared and Western Grebes sometimes nest. We found only one pair of Eared Grebes building a nest, though many of both species were present. Toward the north end of the Annex, we were surprised to find a first summer Common Loon.
This morning, at the North Platte River Bridge on JCR6W, the Bank Swallow colony was active. This may be the most observable Bank Swallow colony in the state.
Along JCR46, we had a nice variety of singing forest birds including a Hammond's Flycatcher.
All in all, it was worth enduring the persistent presence of mosquitoes to enjoy some excellent birding.
Chuck Hundertmark
Lafayette, CO
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