I found at least one Le Conte's Sparrow at a new location in Bent County on Friday, October 25. One was still present today, Sunday, October 27.I trust that birders will be considerate of the very limited habitat, stay on the tiny tracks through the grass and sunflowers where the bird(s) have been found. not further degrade the patches of grass the birds depend on, and avoid the use of tapes. Please note that deer hunting season began on Saturday, October 26th, and that it is required by CPW that all people wear orange when venturing out during this season.
From the intersection of Bent County Roads JJ and 17.5, turn south onto the two-track road on the west side of the fence (road 1725 is a private driveway leading to an adobe house). On reaching the dry lake bottom, look for a band of low rocks to the southwest. Just south of them is a band of sapling cottonwood and salt cedar trees. Just beyond them are some large, impenetrable sunflower plants. Beyond them is a narrow belt of whitish, feathery grass. The boundary between the grass and the sunflowers is the preferred habitat of the Le Conte's Sparrows. Even though they are here, they are very difficult to see. If it's not breezy, listen for their soft calls.
Duane Nelson
Las Animas, Bent County, CO
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