On Friday I saw two Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers in the southeastern corner of Grandview Cemetery. This is similar to John Shenot's report from last week. One was a full male, the other a female. They were chattering, chasing each other around, usually ended up in the Scots Pine along the ditch just north of the pump house that is in the dead (sorry) southeastern corner of the cemetery. Putting it another way, this tree is just west of the entrance to the Cemetery Shop building. Today I just saw one sapsucker, the male about midway along the south edge of the cemetery that abuts the golf course. Sapsuckers that winter at Grandview traditionally leave for parts north and east at this time of year.
Also in agreement with John's reporting, Pine Siskins appear to be nesting in the southeastern corner. They were essentially absent all winter. In years past, siskins have done two broods at Grandview. At other low-elevation cemeteries, such as Fairmount in Lamar, they just do one, then move to the high country when it gets too hot. Will be interesting to see how it goes this year.
I suspect the Great Horned Owl nest in Section H has had a problem, perhaps the recent ferocious storm. No female in the historical elm crotch, no male in the nearby spruce trees per usual at this time of year. If they are going to make a second go at it, they better get going soon. This nest has had checkered production the last three years due to a female that seems unable to handle adverse weather.
Construction of new mausoleum in the northeast corner may have caused the gray Eastern Screech-Owl to relocate. Have not seen it for several weeks. As Red Fox used to say, "That's urban renewal for ya."
At Sheldon Lake in nearby City Park was a FOY Osprey hunting for dead fish exposed by the sudden disappearance of ice.
Dave Leatherman
Fort Collins
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