[cobirds] SE Colo 4/25 to 28

I went to SE Colorado with Michael Kiessig and Chuck Aid Sunday the 25th through today. Here's some info on how spring is progressing, in case anyone will be going there soon. 

In Bent County, Hasty Campground area was active with Chipping, Vesper, and Lark Sparrows, American Goldfinches, only 2 Western Kingbirds, only 1 Mountain Bluebird on the road in. Many Yellow-rumped Warblers, mostly Myrtle, one early Yellow Warbler and one Wilson's. Melody Tempel Grove was very quiet, the irrigation ditch is dry. The south shore of Adobe Creek Reservoir had 10 shorebird species, 51 Marbled Godwits being the highlight. 

In Kiowa County, Neegronda and Neenoshe reservoirs had few shorebirds, Upper Queens boat ramp area hosted 6 shorebird species, with an eye-opening 108 American Avocets shoulder-to-shoulder. Lower Queens reservoir was dry.

In Otero County, I saw shoreline at Lake Cheraw for the first time in 4 years, there were 9 shorebird species including 2 Snowy Plovers, and a good number of Yellow-headed Blackbirds which seem to have shown up late this year. Holbrook Reservoir was bone dry, Rocky Ford SWA was very quiet.

In Prowers County, Thurston Reservoir had no shoreline, good numbers of birds on the water and 5 swallow species. Lamar CC Woods early a.m. hosted Brandon Percival therefore it was productive, 2 vocal Carolina Wrens, 1 carrying nest material, were the highlight of my 4 days. A Common Poorwill, a Black-chinned Hummingbird, a few Chimney Swifts, only 1 Mississippi Kite so far, numerous Northern Cardinals, warblers were many Yellow-rumped, mostly Audubon, several Orange-crowned, 1 Yellow, 3 Wilson's, 1 Virginia's, 1 Nashville, 1 Northern Parula on the north end and 1 on the south end.

In Baca County, on Road M 1 Common Nighthawk was heard, in Carrizo Canyon were 2 pair of Eastern Phoebe nest-building and the usual area specialties. Two Buttes Reservoir was completely dry, the Black Hole area below in hot mid-afternoon was very quiet.

There were more dry areas than I've seen before, from small ditches / ponds / playas to large reservoirs, the years-long drought is continuing and the moisture on the front range etc. is repeatedly not making it down there. It's early for warblers, vireos, and many other birds but it's pretty fun to observe that the switch is being slowly flipped and there are daily changes in trees, plants, insects, and birds.

Dan Stringer

Larkspur, CO

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