Re: [cobirds] Leucistic Blue Grosbeak?

It's first year male plumage. They always look messy like your bird to some degree.

Chris Hobbs

chobbs.f1@gmail.com 

---

From: cobirds@googlegroups.com <cobirds@googlegroups.com> on behalf of James Ward <darthgeek.jw@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, May 30, 2025 4:30:52 PM
To: cobirds@googlegroups.com <cobirds@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [cobirds] Leucistic Blue Grosbeak?

 

I attached two photos of what looks to me to be a leucistic Blue Grosbeak.  Prior to sending this email, I consulted with ChatGPT on what she thinks.  Does AI make sense for birding questions?

Thanks!

Jim Ward, darthgeek.jw@gmail.com

ChatGPT response:

"This bird does appear to be a Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea), but with highly unusual coloration.

Here's what stands out:

• The bird has typical Blue Grosbeak structure: large, conical bill; stocky body; and thick dark feathering.
• It shows blue patches on the face and underparts, which is consistent with a male Blue Grosbeak.
• However, the rest of the plumage is much duller or brownish-tan rather than the vibrant deep blue typical of a fully mature male. The wings show strong contrast but not the usual rich rufous wingbars.
• The coloration appears patchy, suggesting an abnormal pigment condition.

Likely Explanation:

This is probably a partially leucistic Blue Grosbeak or a hybrid/variant with an unusual molt or feather pigmentation issue. Leucism can cause irregular patches of normal and pale coloration, and that's consistent with what's seen here. It's not a textbook leucistic example (which usually has much more white or pale), but leucism manifests in a wide range.

Alternatively, this could be:

• A young male molting into adult plumage (but the bill and body size suggest full maturity).
• A diet or health-related pigment disorder during feather development.

Summary:

Yes, this is very likely a Blue Grosbeak with an unusual pigmentation condition—probably a mild or irregular case of leucism. It's a rare but documented phenomenon in many bird species.

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAOx2BZyZn9Es9%2B%2Bnui3MhUKytVs1K4pPT4k61rp3N7c-ysSiiQ%40mail.gmail.com.

Re: [cobirds] Chico Basin Ranch Bird Banding Station Report- 5/31/2025

Thanks, Julie, for another great banding season, and a magnificent finale - a Canada Warbler! We hope to see you back at the end of August.
Meanwhile, be well,

Linda

Linda Hodges

On Sat, May 31, 2025 at 2:24 PM Chicobander <jshieldcastle@gmail.com> wrote:

The last day of May and a big push of birds arrived at the Olive Grove!

Ten bird species were captured and banded including a special bird a Canada Warbler! Records show that a Canada Warbler has not been banded at Chico since fall of 2012. It was a nice looking male Canada Warbler. Swainson's Thrushes were the big catch of the day. 

103 New Banded Birds

Yellow Warbler-1

Orange-crowned Warbler-1

Canada Warbler-1

MacGillivray's Warbler-1

Willow Flycatcher-1

Lincoln's Sparrow-3

Swainson's Thrush-93

Brown-headed Cowbird-1

Bullock's Oriole-1

2 Recaptures

Bullock's Oriole

Lazuli Bunting

Today is the last day of banding at Chico for the spring. Bird migration is not over for passerines in Colorado. Big push of Swainson's Thrushes are later than normal. When you still have singing Swainson's Thrushes, you know migration is not over at a migration stopover site like Chico.

Banding will commence the end of August. Birding access is still allowed on the ranch through June 2nd. you must register at the Aiken Audubon Website for entry (https://www.aikenaudubon.com).

Have a good summer and hope to see you all in the Fall!

Julie Shieldcastle

Chico Basin Ranch Bird Bander

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/4b378342-e94a-463c-b405-cd8ae277e9f6n%40googlegroups.com.

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CABW16Tnj4e%2BZFngyJH%2BMiqm_MOfMsRYWp9SiJPRv-QWmFAPNJw%40mail.gmail.com.

[cobirds] Chico Basin Ranch Bird Banding Station Report- 5/31/2025

The last day of May and a big push of birds arrived at the Olive Grove!

Ten bird species were captured and banded including a special bird a Canada Warbler! Records show that a Canada Warbler has not been banded at Chico since fall of 2012. It was a nice looking male Canada Warbler. Swainson's Thrushes were the big catch of the day. 

103 New Banded Birds

Yellow Warbler-1

Orange-crowned Warbler-1

Canada Warbler-1

MacGillivray's Warbler-1

Willow Flycatcher-1

Lincoln's Sparrow-3

Swainson's Thrush-93

Brown-headed Cowbird-1

Bullock's Oriole-1

2 Recaptures

Bullock's Oriole

Lazuli Bunting

Today is the last day of banding at Chico for the spring. Bird migration is not over for passerines in Colorado. Big push of Swainson's Thrushes are later than normal. When you still have singing Swainson's Thrushes, you know migration is not over at a migration stopover site like Chico.

Banding will commence the end of August. Birding access is still allowed on the ranch through June 2nd. you must register at the Aiken Audubon Website for entry (https://www.aikenaudubon.com).

Have a good summer and hope to see you all in the Fall!

Julie Shieldcastle

Chico Basin Ranch Bird Bander

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/4b378342-e94a-463c-b405-cd8ae277e9f6n%40googlegroups.com.

[cobirds] Yellow-throated Vireo, Flagg Park

Birders,

I was just about to leave when I decided to look up the vireo's call.  I listened to it and realized that I had heard it several times calling from a cottonwood along the creek just south of the parking lot.  I walked down the path and was standing about 50 m north of the tree when the vireo sang 4 times (at 6:30 pm)!

I never saw it….  Knowing what it's call sounds like really helped.

Paula Hansley

Louisville 

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAHmCQtZETL5hJY2v7E6FTBxLv1ASWJjBRgc_QFfkfqLEWx_d0Q%40mail.gmail.com.

[cobirds] Chatfield Banding Station - Bird Conservancy of the Rockies 5/30/25

Wind interfered with the first couple of hours of banding this morning, probably reducing our numbers today.  Picked up only a bit after that.  A total of 18 new birds.  One new, "rarish" species - I refuse to put a House Finch on our truly rare list!!  They are almost never found in the area where our nets are.......wondering why he left his more likely territory around the feeders.

Anyway, here are the 18 new birds:

Northern House Wren 1

Swainson's Thrush 4

Gray Catbird 4

Yellow Warbler 2

Yellow-breasted Chat 1

Lincoln's Sparrow 1

Lazuli Bunting 1

House Finch 1

Lesser Goldfinch 2

American Goldfinch 1

We take the station down after banding tomorrow!

Meredith McBurney

Chatfield Bander

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/3e0e3a7d-c9aa-4be1-8c7b-86f8239dad0en%40googlegroups.com.

[cobirds] Leucistic Blue Grosbeak?

I attached two photos of what looks to me to be a leucistic Blue Grosbeak.  Prior to sending this email, I consulted with ChatGPT on what she thinks.  Does AI make sense for birding questions?

Thanks!

Jim Ward, darthgeek.jw@gmail.com

ChatGPT response:

"This bird does appear to be a Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea), but with highly unusual coloration.

Here's what stands out:

• The bird has typical Blue Grosbeak structure: large, conical bill; stocky body; and thick dark feathering.
• It shows blue patches on the face and underparts, which is consistent with a male Blue Grosbeak.
• However, the rest of the plumage is much duller or brownish-tan rather than the vibrant deep blue typical of a fully mature male. The wings show strong contrast but not the usual rich rufous wingbars.
• The coloration appears patchy, suggesting an abnormal pigment condition.

Likely Explanation:

This is probably a partially leucistic Blue Grosbeak or a hybrid/variant with an unusual molt or feather pigmentation issue. Leucism can cause irregular patches of normal and pale coloration, and that's consistent with what's seen here. It's not a textbook leucistic example (which usually has much more white or pale), but leucism manifests in a wide range.

Alternatively, this could be:

• A young male molting into adult plumage (but the bill and body size suggest full maturity).
• A diet or health-related pigment disorder during feather development.

Summary:

Yes, this is very likely a Blue Grosbeak with an unusual pigmentation condition—probably a mild or irregular case of leucism. It's a rare but documented phenomenon in many bird species.

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAOx2BZyZn9Es9%2B%2Bnui3MhUKytVs1K4pPT4k61rp3N7c-ysSiiQ%40mail.gmail.com.

[cobirds] Indigo Bunting

Male and female seen a quarter mile from the trailhead on the Gray Rock trail. Saw them at 9 am outbound then again just now same spot at 3 pm on our return. On the right side of trail outbound...

Greg Vassilopoulos
Loveland

Sent from my iPhone

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/79569F8D-E91E-498E-A74A-C54DB9C372F8%40gmail.com.

[cobirds] Chico Basin Ranch Bird Banding Station Report- 5/30/2025

Interesting day with birds few and far between for most of the morning. The last net check produced 50% of our birds for the day. I did notice the winds had shifted to the SSE during the last round. No Wood Thrush singing or any other warblers than Yellows and a couple MacGillivray's around the Olive Grove.

Resident birds are defending territories and mates this time of the season; resulting in  some Yellow Warblers, Lazuli Buntings, House Wrens, and Bullock's Orioles getting caught in the net several times a week.

Most of the breeding bird recaptures and returns had maintained or increased weight from last capture. The Swainson's Thrush recapture did lose a couple tenths of a gram from its banding weight yesterday. It is probably why it was still hanging around the banding station today.

22 New Banded Birds

Yellow Warbler-1

MacGillivray's Warbler-2

Northern House Wren-1

Warbling Vireo-1

Western Wood-pewee-2

Lazuli Bunting-2

Lark Sparrow-1

Swainson's Thrush-12

4 Recaptures

Yellow Warbler-1

Swainson's Thrush-1

Indigo Bunting-1

Bullock's Oriole-1

2 Returning Birds- banded in previous seasons

Yellow Warbler-2

(one was a new return for the year and was originally banded last year. It as well as the other return today was at last 4 years old and flying).

Tomorrow is the last banding day of the spring season. We will open at Sunrise until @ 11 AM. Stop by and share your sightings with us. Remember to register on the Aiken Audubon website (https://www.aikenaudubon.com) for ranch access through June 2nd. Have a good day!

Julie Shieldcastle

Chico Basin Ranch bird bander

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/f7a85e18-5d8f-4ae6-9b2c-17c7984149a9n%40googlegroups.com.

[cobirds] Neotropic Cormorant at Cherry Creek State Park, Arapahoe Co.

Hello all,

On May 28, there was an adult Neotropic Cormorant at the marina at Cherry Creek State Park, Arapahoe Co. It was clearly smaller and a bit shorter-billed and smaller-billed than a nearby Double-crested Cormorant, and had a white border to the orange gular patch, with the white most obvious at the gape.

Bob Andrews

Yekepa, Liberia, West Africa

Currently in Centennial, Arapahoe Co.

[cobirds] Lamar CC Woods and N. Gateway Park (Lamar, Prowers) 29May2025

Today on the 5th straight day of cool, overcast and/or rain, at the LCC Woods (Lamar, Prowers Co.) Janeal and I had a never-seen male Mourning Warbler and an Alder Flycatcher.  Both birds were mostly e of the trail due east of the never-ending construction/library/covered-with-construction trash feeder.  Other birds were cardinals, Great Crested Flycatchers, Swainson's Thrush, American Redstart (heard only), Common Yellowthroat, Willow Flycatcher and Black- headed Grosbeaks (2).

At North Gateway Park were a Least Tern, 2 Forster's Terns, a Black Tern, 3 roadrunners (2a, 1 fledgling being fed), continuing Neotropic Cormorant and it is quite likely the singing Bell's Vireo continues on the north side of the trickle (aka Arkansas River) opposite the tan outhouse midway along the e-w gravel road that runs along the north side of the lakes.

Dave Leatherman

Fort Collins

Get Outlook for iOS

[cobirds] Chatfield Banding Station - Bird Conservancy of the Rockies 5/29/25

Another 40 bird day - 26 new, 14 recaps, like yesterday no returns.  Pretty good for Chatfield this late in the season.  Here's the breakdown of the 26 new:

Western Wood-pewee 6

Swainson's Thrush 3

Gray Catbird 2

Cedar Waxwing 1

Orange-crowned Warbler 1

Yellow Warbler 5

Northern Waterthrush 1

MacGillivray's Warbler 1

Wilson's Warbler 1

Song Sparrow 1

White-crowned Sparrow, Mountain 1

Red-winged Blackbird 1

Bullock's Oriole 1

Lesser Goldfinch 1

2 more days!

Meredith McBurney

Chatfield Bander

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/76da7f56-d6e6-4d23-af05-e5806e3e5b8fn%40googlegroups.com.

[cobirds] Chico Basin Ranch Bird Banding Station Report- 5/29/2025

Anyone see any Swainson's Thrush today? It was definitely a Swainson thrush day at Chico today! It was nice to see some birds around the grove. Coen K. found a female Bay-breasted Warbler near the banding area. Pretty cool bird! it was not ever low enough to be captured in the net but still a great bird! Thanks Coen for sharing where you found it with other birders. Thirteen bird species captured today including 3 flycatcher species and 2 warbler species.

72 New Banded Birds

Yellow Warbler-1

Wilson's Warbler-1

Western Wood-pewee-5

Dusky Flycatcher-1

Willow Flycatcher-2

Lincoln's Sparrow-5

Lazuli Bunting-1

Swainson's Thrush-51

Yellow-breasted Chat-1

Black-headed Grosbeak-1

Gray Catbird-1

Bullock's Oriole-2

2 Recaptures 

Yellow Warbler

Blue Grosbeak

2 Returning birds banded in previous seasons

Blue Grosbeak- Both more than 3 years old.

The banding Station will be open Friday and Saturday from sunrise until @11AM. Stop by to share your sightings. The construction will wrap up this season today I am told. So the banding area will be quiet for the rest of the birding season through June 2nd. If you want to bird the ranch, please register on Aiken Audubon website https://www.aikenaudubon.com.

Have a good day,

Julie Shieldcastle

Chico Basin Ranch Bird Bander

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/a380ee26-460b-48ea-ba75-452374abe3bbn%40googlegroups.com.

Re: [cobirds] A Red-headed Woodpecker in Peaceful Valley - NW Boulder County

We had a RHWO at our Allenspark cabin (8500 ft) in September 2022. Only saw it one day. We have many Band-tailed Pigeons daily during the summer. 

Robin Jasper

Boulder and Larimer counties

Sent from my iPhone

On May 29, 2025, at 9:47 AM, Steve Bouricius <bouricii@earthlink.net> wrote:



Hello Friends,

To my great surprise, yesterday morning brought a Red-headed Woodpecker to the feeder areas around our mountain home.  It is a first in my lifelong experience here.  Peaceful Valley is along the Peak-to-Peak Highway on the Middle St. Vrain Creek (today it's a river!) at 8525 ft. elevation.  The habitat is primarily Englemann spruce and subalpine fir with components of aspen, willow, alder, and Douglas fir.  It's not where one would expect to find RHWO in Boulder County.

The second edition of the Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas (2016) doesn't reference elevation as the first edition does, but I wonder if there are recent records of the species at higher elevations in spruce-fir habitat?  Colorado Birds (1992) notes RHWO as a very rare visitor to the lower foothills and mountains with one point at ~8500 ft. and one point at 10,000 ft.  There is a mention from 1910 of observations in Estes Park.  Scott Rashid banded a handsome juvenile in Estes last fall.

Red-headed Woodpeckers are monomorphic, and Pyle (1997) indicates virtually no mensural difference between male and female.

The bird continues this morning, May 29.  Other birds of interest are a Band-tailed Pigeon, and last week a Blue Jay remained for four days.

Cheers!

Steve Bouricius

***************************************************************
Steve & Deb Bouricius
50154 State Highway 72
Peaceful Valley
Lyons, CO 80540-8954
970-250-6161
Hummingbird Orchards Banding and Research Station
Peaceful Valley Field Station
NABC Certified Master Banders-Trainers
USGS Bird Banding Laboratory Permit 23198
CPW Scientific Collections License 25BD0834
AZGFD Scientific Activity License SP223726
**************************************************************

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/ca8c124c-0410-401f-b5ef-f18c18e3c6d3%40earthlink.net.

<Red-headed-Woodpecker-Peaceful-Valley-5-28-2025-r.jpg>

<Red-headed-Woodpecker-Peaceful-Valley-5-29-25.jpg>

<Red-headed-Woodpecker-Peaceful-Valley-5-29-2025.jpg>

[cobirds] A Red-headed Woodpecker in Peaceful Valley - NW Boulder County

Hello Friends,

To my great surprise, yesterday morning brought a Red-headed Woodpecker to the feeder areas around our mountain home.  It is a first in my lifelong experience here.  Peaceful Valley is along the Peak-to-Peak Highway on the Middle St. Vrain Creek (today it's a river!) at 8525 ft. elevation.  The habitat is primarily Englemann spruce and subalpine fir with components of aspen, willow, alder, and Douglas fir.  It's not where one would expect to find RHWO in Boulder County.

The second edition of the Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas (2016) doesn't reference elevation as the first edition does, but I wonder if there are recent records of the species at higher elevations in spruce-fir habitat?  Colorado Birds (1992) notes RHWO as a very rare visitor to the lower foothills and mountains with one point at ~8500 ft. and one point at 10,000 ft.  There is a mention from 1910 of observations in Estes Park.  Scott Rashid banded a handsome juvenile in Estes last fall.

Red-headed Woodpeckers are monomorphic, and Pyle (1997) indicates virtually no mensural difference between male and female.

The bird continues this morning, May 29.  Other birds of interest are a Band-tailed Pigeon, and last week a Blue Jay remained for four days.

Cheers!

Steve Bouricius

***************************************************************
Steve & Deb Bouricius
50154 State Highway 72
Peaceful Valley
Lyons, CO 80540-8954
970-250-6161
Hummingbird Orchards Banding and Research Station
Peaceful Valley Field Station
NABC Certified Master Banders-Trainers
USGS Bird Banding Laboratory Permit 23198
CPW Scientific Collections License 25BD0834
AZGFD Scientific Activity License SP223726
**************************************************************

[cobirds] Black Swifts at Pueblo Reservoir dam

There are at least four Black Swifts at the Pueblo Reservoir dam, seen from the dirt parking lot on the south side of the spillway.  The drizzle should keep them around for a few hours.

Brandon Percival
Pueblo West, CO

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CA%2BXeEuVNxuHf68jdKWJrj3QWYrbRkMEXjunOUpbSDPo3h-4SVw%40mail.gmail.com.

[cobirds] Chico Basin Ranch Bird Banding Station Report- 5/28/2025

Many Swainson's Thrushes were around the banding station today with us banding 19 of them. Total of 12 bird species banded including 3 warbler species and 3 flycatcher species. The Wood Thrush was not heard of seen in the olive grove.

31 New Birds Banded

Yellow Warbler-1

Orange-crowned Warbler-1

MacGillivary's Warbler-1

Say's Phoebe-1

Dusky flycatcher-1

Willow Flycatcher-1

Western Wood-pewee-1

Swainson's Thrush-19

Lincoln's Sparrow-1

Lazuli Bunting-2

Mountain White-crowned Sparrow-1

Black-headed Grosbeak-1

5 Recaptures

Yellow Warbler-1

Lazuli Bunting-1

Swainson's Thrush-3

The Banding station will be open this spring season 3 more days from Sunrise to @11 AM. Birding on the ranch is allowed through June 2nd by registering on Aiken Audubon Website at https://www.aikenaudubon.com

All the best,

Julie Shieldcastle

Chico Basin Ranch Bird Bander

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/e46c8f61-d287-4049-97e0-6a66869f1785n%40googlegroups.com.

Re: [cobirds] Sandhill Cranes breeding in Ouray County

Interesting.

Sent from the all new Aol app for iOS

Buzz Schaumberg 

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 6:32 PM, Don Marsh <ridgwaybrdr@gmail.com> wrote:

Sandhill Cranes appear to be increasing their breeding range on the Western Slope.  This morning a friend of mine reported seeing a pair of adult Sandhill Cranes with two colts (chicks) in the irrigated fields east of Ridgway.  I headed out to see for myself and found all four cranes north of County Road 12.  The colts appeared to be only a couple of weeks old and are nowhere near old enough to fly so a first breeding record as far as I know.  Adult cranes have been seen in the same area the past two summers, but no colts were reported.

Don Marsh

Ridgway, CO

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/MW6PR01MB822928483DA7FB97898D8752AA66A%40MW6PR01MB8229.prod.exchangelabs.com.

[cobirds] Sandhill Cranes breeding in Ouray County

Sandhill Cranes appear to be increasing their breeding range on the Western Slope.  This morning a friend of mine reported seeing a pair of adult Sandhill Cranes with two colts (chicks) in the irrigated fields east of Ridgway.  I headed out to see for myself and found all four cranes north of County Road 12.  The colts appeared to be only a couple of weeks old and are nowhere near old enough to fly so a first breeding record as far as I know.  Adult cranes have been seen in the same area the past two summers, but no colts were reported.

Don Marsh

Ridgway, CO

[cobirds] Chatfield Banding Station - Bird Conservancy of the Rockies 5/28/25

40 birds total today - 20 new, 20 recaps from this season (first day with no returns in 3 weeks).  18 species total, with lots of different colors, sizes and shapes!  

Here are the new:

Western Wood-pewee 1

Willow Flycatcher 2

Least Flycatcher 1

Northern House Wren 1

Swainson's Thrush 6

Gray Catbird 2

Cedar Waxwing 1

Yellow Warbler 2

MacGillivray's Warbler 1

Wilson's Warbler 1

Lazuli Bunting 1

Lesser Goldfinch 1

The recaps added these species, for a total of 18 species:

Red-eyed Vireo

Black-capped Chickadee

Common Yellowthroat

Yellow-breasted Chat

Brown-headed Cowbird

Bullock's Oriole

We will be running the station through Saturday.  Our final week of the season!

Meredith McBurney

Chatfield Bander

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/5b9ab62b-a195-440b-94a0-5f07b3529c64n%40googlegroups.com.

[cobirds] Mississippi Kites and others at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR, Adams Co.

Hello all,

Today at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Adams Co., I saw at least five Mississippi Kites. The first one was seen at 9:20 AM, perched in a dead tree in the first cottonwood grove immediately east of the Havana Pond Trail parking lot, and was viewed closely from the Greenway Trail which goes east from the Havana Pond Trail and parallel to the road on the south side. The bird was still there at 9:44, when I left and walked south to the Havana Pond. As I returned along the trail, at about 10:40-10:45, there were 3 kites soaring over the grassland west of the Havana Pond Trail between the locust grove and the parking lot; the first bird was simultaneously seen perched in the original location. I walked east on the Greenway Trail and found the first bird still on the same perch, and a second bird was perched in a nearby dead tree. Both birds were still perched when I left at 11 AM. The perched birds were very tame, and never moved even as people passed by on the trail, some looking at and photographing the birds and others ignoring them. At about 11:10, as I prepared to leave the parking lot, I saw four kites in flight to the south, and one other bird perched. Thus there was a minimum of five birds. Mississippi Kites are known to nest colonially in the Great Plains (Birds of the World); perhaps a nesting colony is being established at the refuge. It would certainly be worthwhile to keep a watch over the next several weeks.

Other interesting sightings included a Great Egret at Havana Pond, single Red-headed Woodpeckers at Upper Derby and along the Wildlife Drive, and Common Nighthawk at Upper Derby. 

It was greatly surprising that I did not find any Lark Buntings or Grasshopper Sparrows along the Wildlife Drive, although I was carefully looking and listening for them. This was surprising in light of the numbers reported by Ted Floyd on 25 May. Perhaps it was the time of day (mid-afternoon), although it was only about 70^oF, and there was much singing by Western Meadowlarks and Lark Sparrows. The Lark Buntings are very hard to miss when present, and my hearing is good enough that I have no trouble hearing Grasshopper Sparrows when they sing. There were two Lark Buntings and a Cassin's Sparrow along the Bluestem Loop Trail, but again no Grasshopper Sparrows. Perhaps the birds are still just moving through?

eBird checklists:

https://ebird.org/checklist/S243673783

https://ebird.org/checklist/S243675814

Bob Andrews

Yekepa, Liberia, West Africa

Currently in Centennial, Arapahoe Co.

[cobirds] Chatfield Banding Station - Bird Conservancy of the Rockies 5/27/25

Fog - Planes were not flying at DIA and birds were not flying at Chatfield.  The soup lifted about 10 a.m. but the birds remained scarce - banded only 13 new birds plus caught 1 more return (a Yellow Warbler banded in 2021).  Had 22 recaptures of birds caught previously this season - I think the first day with more recaps than new birds.

Here are the 14 new birds:

Downy Woodpecker 1 (female on eggs)

Dusky Flycatcher 1

Northern House Wren 1 (female on eggs)

Swainson's Thrush 2

Gray Catbird 2

Yellow Warbler 4 new, 1 return

Lincoln's Sparrow 1

Red-winged Blackbird 1 (female on eggs)

We will be running the station through Saturday.  Our final week of the season!

Meredith McBurney

Chatfield Bander

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/81e05fe6-26b4-410c-80bc-b97aacb71d97n%40googlegroups.com.

[cobirds] Chico Basin Ranch Bird Banding Station Report- 5/27/2025

A Strange day. Very little bird activity in the grove around where the nets are set. However, further west in the Grove I was told there were many more birds around. It could be because of the Construction and probably affected bird capture. 

The recaptures today were in great condition with some of them increasing there odd weight by almost 20% in three days. Plenty of food for the migrants to feed on before continuing north to their breeding grounds. The Wood Thrush continues to sing in the grove; It moves farther west when the construction noise begins. 

10 New Banded Birds

Yellow Warbler-1

MacGillivray's Warbler-1

Lazuli Bunting-1

Blue Grosbeak-2

Lark Sparrow-1

Swainson's Thrush-3

Bullock's Oriole-1

4 Recaptures

Northern House Wren

Veery

Macgillivray's Warbler

Swainson's Thrush

The Banding Station will be open Tomorrow through Saturday from Sunrise until @ 11 AM. Birding is allowed on Chico Basin Ranch through June 2nd by registering on the Aiken Audubon website (https://www.aikenaudubon.com).

Have a good day,

Julie Shieldcastle

Chico Basin Ranch Bird Bander

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/36810a04-eafa-4d47-a272-3167b48e8221n%40googlegroups.com.

[cobirds] Chico Basin Ranch Bird Banding Station Report- 5/26/2025

With a rain delay, we were able to get in a full morning of banding. Four new species banded for the year including American Robin, Red-eyed vireo, Bullock's Oriole, and Veery. 

There was still a Hermit Thrush around which is an early short-distance migrant. Lower numbers than previous three springs so not sure what is the cause.

31 New Banded

Yellow Warbler-1

Wilson's Warbler-1

Western Wood-Pewee-2

Warbling Vireo-1

Red-eyed Vireo-1

Lincoln's Sparrow-1

Lazuli Bunting-2

Green-tailed Towhee-1

Blue Grosbeak-1

Western Tanager-1

Bullock's Oriole-1

Swainson's Thrush-15

Hermit Thrush-1

Veery-1

American Robin-1

3 Recaptures

Yellow Warbler

Warbling Vireo

Lazuli Bunting

The Banding station will be open tomorrow through Saturday from sunrise until @ 11 AM. This is the last week of spring banding. Be sure to register on the Aiken Audubon website if birding the ranch. (https://www.aikenaudubon.com).

Have a good day,

Julie Shieldcastle

Chico Basin Ranch Bird Bander

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies 

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/8b1df731-2f04-4872-bc9a-0b32517e0b2an%40googlegroups.com.

[cobirds] interesting unbirdy spring, and a forever-puzzlement

Hello all:

I hear distress from many friends who have improved habitat in their yards specifically to help out wildlife. They are not seeing the birds, or the numbers of birds, that past years and seasons have displayed. I feel the same way. Recent years have been marked by lower bird numbers in general; I grieve about this. Swallows especially have been sparse!

However in our yard there has been at least some interesting diversity this year. While almost all the FOS birds have been late in arriving, the species I rarely get to see here have been occuring at the rate of about one a week! I'm sure I've missed plenty due to the crazy (read: usual) Colorado weather, but here are a few of what I've seen.

03/26 -- "our" Say's Phoebe arrived, at least a week late; he mooned around for six weeks before his female (or a new one) came to console him; very long wait for all of us!

05/08 -- delightful batch of usuals: Wilson's Snipe, Western Kingbird, Eastern Kingbird, Bullock's Oriole

05/09 -- Eastern Phoebe, singing merrily (probably on his way to the St Vrain River 5 miles north); House Wrens

05/10 -- Lark Sparrows in good numbers; Vesper Sparrow; Yellow-breasted Chat; Black-chinned Hummingbird (his 5th year in our yard-- and a real driven  A-type personality)

05/16 -- Lazuli Bunting, among the House Finches pecking at seeds on the deck

05/20 -- Western Tanager, singing and calling (we are five miles straight west of the foothills)

05/21 -- Western Wood Pewee, singing tentatively; Broad-tailed Humming bird came through, swiftly pursued by the very territorial BCHU.

05/26 -- Blue Grosbeak, almost always the latest species, but rather the most reliable.

Yesterday a mystery bird. It has been a long time since I was so thoroughly frustrated. Plenty of exposure to its call assured me that it was a species I don't usually hear in this location, if ever; a brief glimpse against the light with bird perched very high gave me few hints (plain rather dull yellow breast; no flank stripes; not sure of white undertail? gray sides; no black throat; impression of a stripey kind of mask which made me think Townsend's but nope. Not a vireo either.) I even scoured xeno-canto for a similar call but drew a complete blank.

Let's enjoy what we get, when we get 'em.

Linda

central Bldr Cnty, Longmont CO 80503

Personal landscape: Now known as Boulder County (CO). We nest in shortgrass prairie whose caretakers for centuries were the Hinóno'éí (Arapaho) and Cheyenne Nations. Colorado's Front Range is also home to The Ute & many other Native peoples. Reconozco que vivo en el territorio de las naciones Hinóno'éí (Arapaho) y Cheyenne, según el 1851 Tratado de Fort Laramie; y que el estado de Colorado al esté de las Montañas Rocosas es territorio de Utes y muchos otros pueblos indígenas

[cobirds] Re: Yard(!) Poorwill(!) - Arapahoe

We spotted a downtown Common Poorwill this morning while doing our weekly Lights-Out-Denver route. He was tucked in up against a perfect camouflaging wall on the sidewalk. Alive, thank goodness. At 18th and California streets. Flew a half block away as we approached. This is the second time we've seen a COPO downtown on our window strike data collection. 

-mike fernandez

Denver

On Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 12:45:51 PM UTC-6 Jared Del Rosso wrote:

Just now, while making lunch, I saw the silhouette of a bird approach my back patio. I figured it was a neighbor's nesting robin, who may have lost his newly hatched birds to a magpie earlier today.

Instead, I scared off a Common Poorwill in flight. He -- white-tipped tail and, so, a male -- cut to the back of my yard. I failed at an effort to relocate and photograph him. I think what happened was I flushed a towhee while slowly peaking around a corner and the towhee flushed the poorwill, who headed into a different yard. He clucked as he went. My disappointment at not being able to spot him roosting was deep.

With the forecast suggesting rain tonight, I hope he will remain in our yards overnight. Certainly, I'll be outside at sunset tonight. (It's also time to watch for nighthawks.) And then again tomorrow morning at sunrise. Perhaps he'll sing. 

A yard bird -- and one that I've so very badly wanted to encounter in my yard! 

- Jared Del Rosso

Centennial, CO

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/c5b6b398-4fcd-4147-b731-368ff268846an%40googlegroups.com.

Re: [cobirds] Yard(!) Poorwill(!) - Arapahoe

On Mon, May 26, 2025 at 2:54 AM Dr. Karl Stecher <stecherkarl37@gmail.com> wrote:

On May 26in the late 1970s, a very foggy but not windy night, my lifer poorwill was calling from the roof of the house across the street. (Yes, I am positive of the May 26 date).  Location was Hilltop in Denver. 

On Sun, May 25, 2025 at 12:45 PM Jared Del Rosso <jared.delrosso@gmail.com> wrote:

Just now, while making lunch, I saw the silhouette of a bird approach my back patio. I figured it was a neighbor's nesting robin, who may have lost his newly hatched birds to a magpie earlier today.

Instead, I scared off a Common Poorwill in flight. He -- white-tipped tail and, so, a male -- cut to the back of my yard. I failed at an effort to relocate and photograph him. I think what happened was I flushed a towhee while slowly peaking around a corner and the towhee flushed the poorwill, who headed into a different yard. He clucked as he went. My disappointment at not being able to spot him roosting was deep.

With the forecast suggesting rain tonight, I hope he will remain in our yards overnight. Certainly, I'll be outside at sunset tonight. (It's also time to watch for nighthawks.) And then again tomorrow morning at sunrise. Perhaps he'll sing. 

A yard bird -- and one that I've so very badly wanted to encounter in my yard! 

- Jared Del Rosso

Centennial, CO

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/7faf3467-982f-4d2b-9ad1-77f717d66194n%40googlegroups.com.

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAHBPox5hJN%2BgRCBsE802XX4DECcNUNg9B%2BqqfmppZZ7BEruOTQ%40mail.gmail.com.

Re: [cobirds] Yard(!) Poorwill(!) - Arapahoe

On May 26in the late 1970s, a very foggy but not windy night, my lifer poorwill was calling from the roof of the house across the street. (Yes, I am positive of the May 26 date).

On Sun, May 25, 2025 at 12:45 PM Jared Del Rosso <jared.delrosso@gmail.com> wrote:

Just now, while making lunch, I saw the silhouette of a bird approach my back patio. I figured it was a neighbor's nesting robin, who may have lost his newly hatched birds to a magpie earlier today.

Instead, I scared off a Common Poorwill in flight. He -- white-tipped tail and, so, a male -- cut to the back of my yard. I failed at an effort to relocate and photograph him. I think what happened was I flushed a towhee while slowly peaking around a corner and the towhee flushed the poorwill, who headed into a different yard. He clucked as he went. My disappointment at not being able to spot him roosting was deep.

With the forecast suggesting rain tonight, I hope he will remain in our yards overnight. Certainly, I'll be outside at sunset tonight. (It's also time to watch for nighthawks.) And then again tomorrow morning at sunrise. Perhaps he'll sing. 

A yard bird -- and one that I've so very badly wanted to encounter in my yard! 

- Jared Del Rosso

Centennial, CO

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/7faf3467-982f-4d2b-9ad1-77f717d66194n%40googlegroups.com.

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAHBPox5aQgT7Uu59OgLnM5ftHJ5v%3DpJfS%2BLNLmyESJ20jeWp0Q%40mail.gmail.com.

[cobirds] Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Adams Co., May 25 (& a late report, May 10)

Hey, all.

It was humid and chilly earlier today, Sun., May 25, with light drizzle at times and a low cloud ceiling, at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Adams Co. And Hannah Floyd and I found some cool birds indeed out there. Highlights: one black-necked stilt at Big Havana Pond; one upland sandpiper giving a flight song near Lower Derby Reservoir; four stilt sandpipers at Big Havana Pond; multiple black terns at all three major waterbodies; a western cattle-egret at Big Havana Pond; burrowing owls continuing along the wildlife drive; a Cassin kingbird near Gun Club Pond; four Swainson thrushes in the woods near Upper Derby; three singing and skylarking Cassin sparrows; 28 singing grasshopper sparrows; one clay-colored sparrow; 13 Brewer sparrows; 45 lark buntings; two singing male bobolinks; eight great-tailed grackles; and six blue grosbeaks. And the one that got away. I'm not positive, but I believe we heard a least bittern near the southwest corner of Lake Ladora. Needless to say, it would be fantastic if somebody could go out there and confirm the report. The bird was vocalizing at or near 39.813793 N, 104.855978 W. It wasn't giving the cuckoo-like song but rather the steady chatter, harsh and grating, that, once learned, proves to be the more common, albeit less famous, vocalization of the species.

Apologies for the late report, but back on Sat., May 10, the weather at The Arsenal was exceedingly different from what we experienced there today: sunny and hot that day, with no wind, and not a cloud in the sky until around noon. And on that World Migratory Bird Day, Harold Eyster, Kieran Schnitzspahn, Helen Butts, and I found 2 Wilson phalaropes, 1 solitary sandpiper, 1 Clark grebe, 1 burrowing owl, 1 dusky flycatcher, 1 Cassin kingbird, 4 loggerhead shrikes, 1 rock wren, 1 marsh wren, 1 sage thrasher, 1 Swainson thrush, 5 grasshopper sparrows, 1 clay-colored sparrow, 8 Brewer sparrows, 1 green-tailed towhee, 3 great-tailed grackles, 1 orange-crowned warbler, 3 western tanagers, 1 rose-breasted grosbeak, and 2 blue grosbeaks.

May 25 eBird checklist, 86 species:
ebird.org/checklist/S242740912

May 10 eBird checklist, 92 species:
ebird.org/checklist/S235996323

108 species total for my two May 2025 visits to this legendary and incomparable urban national wildlife refuge. The Arsenal is my favorite place on Earth.

Ted Floyd

Lafayette, Boulder Co. (where a few Swainson's thrushes were migrating in the drizzle earlier tonight)

--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAGk944fjn3Az6W2uTO4dM%3DdXoHP6D0aKRenzUG9O64hDHmYWpw%40mail.gmail.com.