Hello -
-- Our all women team, The Flock Finders (Carly Crow, Adriana Jacobi, Heather Holmstrom and Kristin Tallis), spent a lovely weekend camping and birding in Jackson County.
Our day started at 4:45am as we headed out owling. We didn't get our target BOOW, but instead had a FLOW respond with quick calls to our BOOW call back! Unexpected and exciting!
Our daylight birding began with the sighting of a very auspicious bird, the cloud bird, which you can see below. We got our workout in as we hiked all around North Michigan Creek Reservoir, collecting many expected species. We also saw a mink which was a lifer for several of us!
Our next stop had us watching with bated breath as a young moose tried several times to successfully jump a fence while its mother watched nervously. At the same location we watched Barn Swallows take on an American Kestrel as they defended one of their young perched on a fence post from the would-be attacker. And it wouldn't be a successful birding day without a little herping thrown in. 🐍
Our next destination yielded some amazing birds. Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge is not to be missed if you visit Jackson County. Waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, warblers, sparrows, bluebirds, buntings, cranes and more! We wrapped up our daylight birding with a quick trip to Walden Reservoir where we picked up two Franklin's Gulls. Just as we were about to leave, our first adult Bald Eagle swooped in to rile up hundreds of ducks and fill the skies with birds!
While we ate dinner at the campsite, we continued to watch for birds. Once it was dark again, we headed to a location that a CPW ranger said might be good for the BOOW. As we waited in the dark, we heard a low howling....which was answered by the more familiar yipes of coyotes. Was it a wolf? We have a recording if you are interested! And sadly, no owls at that location either.
In the end, we saw 95 species. We set our goal at 100 and missed by 5, but the true goal was really met. A beautiful weekend in the splendor of our Rocky Mountains spent with lovely women who are passionate about nature and crazy about birds! And to boot, we were able to raise $235.00 to help with the conservation of the Conejos River Restoration Project.
Happy Birding!
The Flock Finders
PS - Special thanks to Brad Tallis for feeding us! You're the best!
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