Dickcissels have always been regular in the right habitats of southeastern CO, especially "hay" (usually alfalfa) fields. I think the several days of soaking rain we had in late May over most of the eastern plains was a wonderful boost to prairie vegetation, including hay crops. I always wonder how Dickcissels fare when the fields are cut, which in good moisture years can be four or more times/growing season. They have to be nesting during one or more of these cuttings and have to be negatively impacted. But they keep coming back, so what appears to be insanity must not be. Alfalfa hosts many insects, especially the alfalfa weevil, bees, grasshoppers and the caterpillars of the Clouded Sulphur butterfly. As I left Lamar yesterday for Fort Collins, KLMR's farm report included statistics for "cattle range quality" nationwide. Only 29% was rated "poor". Best conditions were in the Midwest. I assume what is good for range plants is good for hay. Dickcissels might well be having a banner year over the majority of their entire range.
Dave Leatherman
Fort Collins
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