Tuesday, 16 December 2025

[cobirds] John Martin Reservoir CBC results

Birders, 

The John Martin Reservoir (Bent County CO) was held on December 15th, 2025, in unseasonably warm temperatures and with a lack of ice on open water and snow on the ground. Thirteen observers found 107 species of birds in a year when species numbers and diversity seem to be low region-wide. The open water allowed us to see some species of birds not expected in winter in Colorado. I'm only listing extraordinary records, but every group found unique birds essential to this successful Count. 

I found a group of 5 White-faced Ibis on the west end of the Reservoir on December 9. They could be hard to locate some days, but 4 were seen on Count Day, a first Count-Day record for Colorado. I predict that they'll stay until extreme cold forces them out. We had the only previous CBC Count Week report in 2015, but a cold snap on Count Day made them no-shows in that year.  

On December 12, 2025, I was in the right place at the right time and photographed two Blue-winged Teal at close range, adding them as Count Week additions to the Count. I would have placed the odds of re-finding them amongst thousands of waterfowl on a huge reservoir as minimal, but two incredible birders did just that, making this a new addition to the Count. 
 
Finally, two Long-billed Dowitchers, I think seen previously on only one CBC (JMR in 2024) stayed through Count Day, joined by record numbers of late Greater Yellowlegs and Killdeer. 

I hope this abbreviated summary spurs more people to find great birds on other CBCs. 

Duane Nelson
Las Animas, Bent County, CO

Monday, 15 December 2025

Re: [cobirds] Red-shouldered Hawk (elegans), McElmo Canyon, Montezuma County

Great documentation, Mike.  
Dave Leatherman
Ft Collins


From: cobirds@googlegroups.com <cobirds@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Mike Thompson <mt@reardonsteel.us>
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2025 2:18:15 PM
To: Colorado Birds <cobirds@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [cobirds] Red-shouldered Hawk (elegans), McElmo Canyon, Montezuma County
 
Hi All - I do not often shoot up flares about rare birds; making exceptions for re-findable, low digit state records.

On December 11 and again yesterday in McElmo Canyon, I observed a Red-Shouldered Hawk (RHSA) belonging to the currently recognized western subspecies, elegans (Buteo lineatus elegans). 

There isn't much to share in terms of tips on seeing the hawk. Both observations were very short, at about 11am, with the hawk perched over the south shoulder, hunting while facing the morning sun. The first instance, it was on the powerline at the entrance to the guest ranch. The second time, it was a quarter mile further west. I spent a considerable amount of time on Dec 12 and 13 following up in vain. 

This section of County Road G is very curvy and narrow surrounded completely by private property with frequent distracted and sometimes drunk drivers. Attempting long duration birding outside of your vehicle from the narrow road shoulder will antagonize certain of my neighbors and potentially lead to open conflict. Certain unhappy neighbors still complain about birders chasing the 2007 Hooded Oriole which has eliminated some private birding opportunities in McElmo Canyon. Regular Montezuma County birders already know this, but to preserve future birding opportunities here, please be discreet with parking and presence. A very good option for viewing this hawk is to reach out to Ming Adams at the Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch to arrange parking and viewing on their property. I've spoken to Ming about this and she would like folks to call first (970-565-4288) before parking and viewing from their property.

A 2024 AOS proposal to treat B. l. elegans as a separate species was narrowly defeated (see attached split proposal and votes/comments). Based on the committees comments, it seems possible the western subspecies will eventually be split from its eastern counterparts in the not too distant future.

In the event of a split, this hawk in McElmo would likely represent a first state record. Although there is a 2021 RSHA (mistaken for Cooper's Hawk) posted on iNaturalist in Mesa County that does not appear on other platforms.

Hopefully the McElmo hawk stays for some time, and if so, hopefully its presence is well documented from numerous observations. In the interest of data integrity, if you do observe it and post on ebird, please include photos or audio for documentation until the bird's presence over an extended length of time is evident.

If this is of interest, hopefully you all can find time to see it.

Mike Thompson

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[cobirds] CO Field Ornithologists Grant Opportunities

1) RESEARCH GRANTS

Colorado Field Ornithologists (CFO) makes grants to individuals or organizations to fund programs and projects that will have a lasting benefit to Colorado birds, and the habitats upon which they rely. CFO provides grants for projects up to $2000. CFO grants can either fund a full project or be applied as matching funds for larger grants benefitting Colorado birds.

For more information, and to download the application instructions visit: https://cobirds.org/grants-scholarships/

The deadline for this Research Grants application is December 31, 2025

 

2) Colorado Birding Challenge Conservation Grants

CFO's Colorado Birding Challenge is a fun, county-based birding and conservation event organized by Colorado Field Ornithologists each year. One of the objectives of this fundraiser is to raise funds for an important conservation initiative.

Past Challenge conservation initiative grant recipients have received from $20,000 to $40,000, depending on how much is raised by the Challenge, to support the important work to conserve Colorado birds and their threatened habitats. Organizations and individuals with conservation projects impacting Colorado birds and their habitats are invited to submit proposals.

If you are interested in more information, and to apply for this conservation grant visit https://cobirds.org/grants-scholarships/ and scroll down to "Colorado Birding Challenge Conservation Grants."

The deadline to submit a proposal for this Conservation Grant is February 15, 2026


Linda Lee

Louisville, CO

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[cobirds] Red-shouldered Hawk (elegans), McElmo Canyon, Montezuma County

Hi All - I do not often shoot up flares about rare birds; making exceptions for re-findable, low digit state records.

On December 11 and again yesterday in McElmo Canyon, I observed a Red-Shouldered Hawk (RHSA) belonging to the currently recognized western subspecies, elegans (Buteo lineatus elegans). 

There isn't much to share in terms of tips on seeing the hawk. Both observations were very short, at about 11am, with the hawk perched over the south shoulder, hunting while facing the morning sun. The first instance, it was on the powerline at the entrance to the guest ranch. The second time, it was a quarter mile further west. I spent a considerable amount of time on Dec 12 and 13 following up in vain. 

This section of County Road G is very curvy and narrow surrounded completely by private property with frequent distracted and sometimes drunk drivers. Attempting long duration birding outside of your vehicle from the narrow road shoulder will antagonize certain of my neighbors and potentially lead to open conflict. Certain unhappy neighbors still complain about birders chasing the 2007 Hooded Oriole which has eliminated some private birding opportunities in McElmo Canyon. Regular Montezuma County birders already know this, but to preserve future birding opportunities here, please be discreet with parking and presence. A very good option for viewing this hawk is to reach out to Ming Adams at the Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch to arrange parking and viewing on their property. I've spoken to Ming about this and she would like folks to call first (970-565-4288) before parking and viewing from their property.

A 2024 AOS proposal to treat B. l. elegans as a separate species was narrowly defeated (see attached split proposal and votes/comments). Based on the committees comments, it seems possible the western subspecies will eventually be split from its eastern counterparts in the not too distant future.

In the event of a split, this hawk in McElmo would likely represent a first state record. Although there is a 2021 RSHA (mistaken for Cooper's Hawk) posted on iNaturalist in Mesa County that does not appear on other platforms.

Hopefully the McElmo hawk stays for some time, and if so, hopefully its presence is well documented from numerous observations. In the interest of data integrity, if you do observe it and post on ebird, please include photos or audio for documentation until the bird's presence over an extended length of time is evident.

If this is of interest, hopefully you all can find time to see it.

Mike Thompson

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[cobirds] Colorado Christmas Bird Counts

Yesterday, the Colorado Christmas Bird Counts began for this winter, and one of them at least found a new Colorado Christmas Bird Count species, a Bay-breasted Warbler was found on the Penrose CBC, as well as four other warbler species (Nashville and Orange-crowned were new for the count, and Common Yellowthroat and Yellow-rumped for five warblers species).  It is starting off as big Warbler season for Colorado Christmas Bird Counts, sincei am sure Boulder had some too.  Quite a few more CBCs will be going on until January 5th, many for next Saturday, including usually high species Counts like Pueblo Reservoir, Denver, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and Longmont, among others.  The new Broomfield CBC next Sunday, should be an interesting addition to the Colorado Christmas Bird Counts.  

Go to the Christmas Bird Count website and find join a count, contact the complier and help.

Brandon K Percival
   

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Saturday, 13 December 2025

[cobirds] Broomfield data for upcoming count

Sent to the Broomfield Compiler for the upcoming Broomfield Christmas Bird Count (December 21st) These are from the last 4 days.  

Here's some more reports:

Plaster Reservoir has an immature Snow Goose, amidst about 1,500 Canada and Cackling Geese.  

Quail Creek Park had a Prairie Falcon fly over - since prairie falcons are highly nomadic this time of year, it's not likely to be seen again.  

There were several American Tree Sparrows at Stearns Lake, along with White Crowned Sparrows.   Plus 2,000 Cackling and Canada Geese.  American Tree Sparrows are a declining species and one of special concern. 

I have not returned to Westminster City Park to check for the two Harlan's Hawks I saw a few days ago but will likely recheck in a couple of days. 

Marsh Wrens have been seen and heard several times at Eastlake #3 in Thornton.  If warm weather persists, I believe they might still be there on December 21st.  Patience will be required for these observing these little guys. 

More sick and dying Cackling Geese discovered at Hunter's Glen Park, Stearns Lake and Cascade Lake (Broomfield).  They appear listless, heads hanging down, and will not fly away when approached.  Be careful out there.  


John T (Tumasonis), Broomfield CO
"I'm not a real birder.  I only pretend to be one on CoBirds."  

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Thursday, 11 December 2025

Re: [cobirds] Trio of Sandhills today in Douglas County

Very nice!



On Thursday, December 11, 2025, 2:17 PM, Barbara Spagnuolo <BSpagnuolo@crgov.com> wrote:

Around 11:30 am today, I spotted a trio of Sandhill Cranes slowly circling above while I was in SE Castle Rock, Douglas County. The circled around a few times before gradually flying off to the south. I didn't catch any flocks migrating through this fall, but I wasn't expecting to see any in this area this late in the season, so it was quite an unexpected but welcomed treat. I even heard the classic rattling bugle call from one of the birds.

 

-Barbara Spagnuolo, Castle Rock, Douglas County, CO

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[cobirds] Trio of Sandhills today in Douglas County

Around 11:30 am today, I spotted a trio of Sandhill Cranes slowly circling above while I was in SE Castle Rock, Douglas County. The circled around a few times before gradually flying off to the south. I didn’t catch any flocks migrating through this fall, but I wasn’t expecting to see any in this area this late in the season, so it was quite an unexpected but welcomed treat. I even heard the classic rattling bugle call from one of the birds.

 

-Barbara Spagnuolo, Castle Rock, Douglas County, CO

[cobirds] Denver CBC - Final plea for help

Cobirders,

The Denver Christmas Bird Count (Denver CBC) is almost upon us!  On Saturday, December 20th (a little over a week away) 24 teams of birders will be searching for and counting as many bird species and individuals as possible in their areas.  HOWEVER, some areas could use more observers to help.  As in any birding, the more eyes and ears, the better.  If you have never participated in this annual project, PLEASE consider it!  See what it's about.  Discover new places to bird.  Hone your skills. :-)

Last year we had 108 people helping.  This was DOWN from 163 in 2019.  Currently, the Denver CBC needs additional eyes and ears in the following Count Areas (see attached map for Count Area location and the attached announcement for contact information for that Count Area leader).

Area 10 – Lower Deer Creek (Chatfield Farms/Arboretum and lower Deer Creek Canyon) – This area has lots of riparian, prairie dog town, and some foothills birds.

Area 14 – North Turkey Creek – This area needs one or two more volunteers willing to hike some hillsides in search of Dusky Grouse (we miss this bird most years)!

Area 15 – Indian Hills – This area includes Mount Falcon Denver Mountain Park – LOTS of area to cover and should have plenty of foothills birds.  Will early risers get a Northern Pygmy-Owl this year?

Area 16 – Upper Bear Creek – Foothills hiking.  Good exercise with ~4 miles of uphill and downhill hiking.  The Area Leader states, "We usually get dippers at a local park which is a nice incentive!"

Area 20 – Willow Creek – This is a LARGE urban area that contains Harriman Lake and Hine Lake!

Other areas may want more people as well.  Use the below info and contact the Area Leader directly to help out.  You need not be an "experienced" birder!  Beginners welcome!

We add a new bird to the count about every 3 years.  The last new bird added after (70 years of counting) was in 2023 with the addition of Short-billed Gull!  So, who knows, one of the groups may discover another "new" bird for the Count! 

Please consider helping out this year.  If you are not free on the 20th, then PLEASE help out on one of the other Denver metro area Counts…or one (or more) further afield!  Some people do 6-8 CBCs EACH year!

Thank you for supporting "citizen science".

Joey.

Joey Kellner

Littleton, Colorado

Compiler - Denver CBC



71th DENVER CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2025

 

Count Leader/Compiler:  Joey Kellner (303-978-1748), SWDenverBirding at gmail.com

Feeder Coordinator: Bob Shade wrshade3 at gmail.com – Feeder watchers, please send your list of species and numbers of each species to the email above as soon as possible after "Count Day".

Potluck Coordinator: Laura Steadman lauramsteadman at gmail.com;

All are encouraged to participate in the annual Denver Christmas Bird Count (CBC) sponsored the National Audubon Society. 

Fees: None!  So, no excuses!  Come have a great time and help count birds!  Beginners and experts all welcome!

POTLUCK and COMPLILATION:

After a day in the field, ALL participants are invited to attend the compilation potluck meeting to warm up, chat with other birders, and find out how the count fared. It is a lot of fun.  We will start gathering around 5:00pm in the multipurpose room at the Chatfield State Park headquarters on the south side of the lake near the Heronry Overlook (State Parks vehicle entry pass required). Contact Laura Steadman (lauramsteadman at gmail.com ) and let her know what you will be bringing (or ask her what items she needs more of). Bringing food is NOT a requirement to join in the fun!  The compilation itself will start closer to 5:30pm when a representative f all areas arrive/report in with their sightings.

The 15-mile diameter "count circle" (see image below) is subdivided into 24 "count areas" each with an Area Leader.  To participate, please contact the Area Leader (see below).  If you would like to help in an area that still needs additional observers, call the Count Compiler (contact info above). 

Area  Number and Location                       Area Leader          Contact Info       

1.      Red Rocks Park                                Gregg Goodrich     303-655-9135

2.      Lower Bear Creek                            Scott Somershoe    615-829-3573

2A.    Bear Creek Lake Park                      Mary Geder      mfg5000 at live.com

3.      Bow Mar/Marston                            Luke Pheneger      phenegerluke at gmail.com

4A.    Lower South Platte - East                  Cole Sage              colesage03 at gmail.com

4B.    Lower South Platte - West                 Glenn Walbek       juncos at comcast.net

5.      Highline Ditch                                  Jason Zolle            zollejd at gmail.com

6.      Plum Creek                                      Norm Erthal          303-917-2596

7A.    Middle South Platte - West                Audrey Hicks         Audrey at denveraudubon.org

7B.    Middle South Platte - East                 Steve Stachowiak  720-256-6583

8.      Chatfield Reservoir                           Joey Kellner          303-978-1748

9.      Upper South Platte *                         Jill Holden            720-288-4018

10.    Lower Deer Creek (Chatfield Farms) Barbra Sobhani      barbramaher at comcast.net

11.    Upper Deer Creek                             Wes Donnell         720-648-7305 or wdonnell7584 at gmail.com)

12.    Yegge Peak                                      Audrey Boag         aboag at ecentral.com

13.    Doublehead Mountain                       Amy Davis            amyjaned21 at hotmail.com

14.    North Turkey Creek                          Ed Furlong            303-956-8321

15.    Indian Hills                                      Ryan Dibala          ryan at gobirdingman.com

16.    Upper Bear Creek                             Laura Steadman     lauramsteadman at gmail.com

17.    Ken Caryl Ranch                              David Suddjian      dsuddjian at gmail.com

18.    Garrison Gate                                   Archer Silverman  archer.silverman at gmail.com

19.    Morrison/Willowbrook                    Steve Meier         stevem2717 at gmail.com

20.    Willow Creek                                   Dale Pate              575-706-4584

21.    Mount Lindo/Willow Springs            Chris Sherry          303-807-3645

*  To participate in Area #9, you must contact the area leader no later than Monday, November 24.

IF you cannot participate in the Denver CBC, PLEASE consider helping out on a different Christmas Bird Count (many are held all over Colorado and on different dates).  It's a great way to learn about a new birding area and meet some great people!

Joey.

Joey Kellner

Littleton, Colorado

Denver CBC Count Area Map with Area Numbers.JPG

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[cobirds] Denver CBC - Final plea for help

Cobirders,

The Denver Christmas Bird Count (Denver CBC) is almost upon us!  On Saturday, December 20th (a little over a week away) 24 teams of birders will be searching for and counting as many bird species and individuals as possible in their areas.  HOWEVER, some areas could use more observers to help.  As in any birding, the more eyes and ears, the better.  If you have never participated in this annual project, PLEASE consider it!  See what it's about.  Discover new places to bird.  Hone your skills. :-)

Last year we had 108 people helping.  This was DOWN from 163 in 2019.  Currently, the Denver CBC needs additional eyes and ears in the following Count Areas (see attached map for Count Area location and the attached announcement for contact information for that Count Area leader).

Area 10 – Lower Deer Creek (Chatfield Farms/Arboretum and lower Deer Creek Canyon) – This area has lots of riparian, prairie dog town, and some foothills birds.

Area 14 – North Turkey Creek – This area needs one or two more volunteers willing to hike some hillsides in search of Dusky Grouse (we miss this bird most years)!

Area 15 – Indian Hills – This area includes Mount Falcon Denver Mountain Park – LOTS of area to cover and should have plenty of foothills birds.  Will early risers get a Northern Pygmy-Owl this year?

Area 16 – Upper Bear Creek – Foothills hiking.  Good exercise with ~4 miles of uphill and downhill hiking.  The Area Leader states, "We usually get dippers at a local park which is a nice incentive!"

Area 20 – Willow Creek – This is a LARGE urban area that contains Harriman Lake and Hine Lake!

Other areas may want more people as well.  Use the below info and contact the Area Leader directly to help out.  You need not be an "experienced" birder!  Beginners welcome!

We add a new bird to the count about every 3 years.  The last new bird added after (70 years of counting) was in 2023 with the addition of Short-billed Gull!  So, who knows, one of the groups may discover another "new" bird for the Count! 

Please consider helping out this year.  If you are not free on the 20th, then PLEASE help out on one of the other Denver metro area Counts…or one (or more) further afield!  Some people do 6-8 CBCs EACH year!

Thank you for supporting "citizen science".

Joey.

Joey Kellner

Littleton, Colorado

Compiler - Denver CBC



71th DENVER CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2025

 

Count Leader/Compiler:  Joey Kellner (303-978-1748), SWDenverBirding at gmail.com

Feeder Coordinator: Bob Shade wrshade3 at gmail.com – Feeder watchers, please send your list of species and numbers of each species to the email above as soon as possible after "Count Day".

Potluck Coordinator: Laura Steadman lauramsteadman at gmail.com;

All are encouraged to participate in the annual Denver Christmas Bird Count (CBC) sponsored the National Audubon Society. 

Fees: None!  So, no excuses!  Come have a great time and help count birds!  Beginners and experts all welcome!

POTLUCK and COMPLILATION:

After a day in the field, ALL participants are invited to attend the compilation potluck meeting to warm up, chat with other birders, and find out how the count fared. It is a lot of fun.  We will start gathering around 5:00pm in the multipurpose room at the Chatfield State Park headquarters on the south side of the lake near the Heronry Overlook (State Parks vehicle entry pass required). Contact Laura Steadman (lauramsteadman at gmail.com ) and let her know what you will be bringing (or ask her what items she needs more of). Bringing food is NOT a requirement to join in the fun!  The compilation itself will start closer to 5:30pm when a representative f all areas arrive/report in with their sightings.

The 15-mile diameter "count circle" (see image below) is subdivided into 24 "count areas" each with an Area Leader.  To participate, please contact the Area Leader (see below).  If you would like to help in an area that still needs additional observers, call the Count Compiler (contact info above). 

Area  Number and Location                       Area Leader          Contact Info       

1.      Red Rocks Park                                Gregg Goodrich     303-655-9135

2.      Lower Bear Creek                            Scott Somershoe    615-829-3573

2A.    Bear Creek Lake Park                      Mary Geder      mfg5000 at live.com

3.      Bow Mar/Marston                            Luke Pheneger      phenegerluke at gmail.com

4A.    Lower South Platte - East                  Cole Sage              colesage03 at gmail.com

4B.    Lower South Platte - West                 Glenn Walbek       juncos at comcast.net

5.      Highline Ditch                                  Jason Zolle            zollejd at gmail.com

6.      Plum Creek                                      Norm Erthal          303-917-2596

7A.    Middle South Platte - West                Audrey Hicks         Audrey at denveraudubon.org

7B.    Middle South Platte - East                 Steve Stachowiak  720-256-6583

8.      Chatfield Reservoir                           Joey Kellner          303-978-1748

9.      Upper South Platte *                         Jill Holden            720-288-4018

10.    Lower Deer Creek (Chatfield Farms) Barbra Sobhani      barbramaher at comcast.net

11.    Upper Deer Creek                             Wes Donnell         720-648-7305 or wdonnell7584 at gmail.com)

12.    Yegge Peak                                      Audrey Boag         aboag at ecentral.com

13.    Doublehead Mountain                       Amy Davis            amyjaned21 at hotmail.com

14.    North Turkey Creek                          Ed Furlong            303-956-8321

15.    Indian Hills                                      Ryan Dibala          ryan at gobirdingman.com

16.    Upper Bear Creek                             Laura Steadman     lauramsteadman at gmail.com

17.    Ken Caryl Ranch                              David Suddjian      dsuddjian at gmail.com

18.    Garrison Gate                                   Archer Silverman  archer.silverman at gmail.com

19.    Morrison/Willowbrook                    Steve Meier         stevem2717 at gmail.com

20.    Willow Creek                                   Dale Pate              575-706-4584

21.    Mount Lindo/Willow Springs            Chris Sherry          303-807-3645

*  To participate in Area #9, you must contact the area leader no later than Monday, November 24.

IF you cannot participate in the Denver CBC, PLEASE consider helping out on a different Christmas Bird Count (many are held all over Colorado and on different dates).  It's a great way to learn about a new birding area and meet some great people!

Joey.

Joey Kellner

Littleton, Colorado


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[cobirds] Denver CBC - final plea for observers

Cobirders,

The Denver Christmas Bird Count (Denver CBC) is almost upon us!  On Saturday, December 20th (a little over a week away) 24 teams of birders will be searching for and counting as many bird species and individuals as possible in their areas.  HOWEVER, some areas could use more observers to help.  As in any birding, the more eyes and ears, the better.  If you have never participated in this annual project, PLEASE consider it!  See what it's about.  Discover new places to bird.  Hone your skills. :-)

Last year we had 108 people helping.  This was DOWN from 163 in 2019.  Currently, the Denver CBC needs additional eyes and ears in the following Count Areas (see attached map for Count Area location and the attached announcement for contact information for that Count Area leader).

Area 10 – Lower Deer Creek (Chatfield Farms/Arboretum and lower Deer Creek Canyon) – This area has lots of riparian, prairie dog town, and some foothills birds.

Area 14 – North Turkey Creek – This area needs one or two more volunteers willing to hike some hillsides in search of Dusky Grouse (we miss this bird most years)!

Area 15 – Indian Hills – This area includes Mount Falcon Denver Mountain Park – LOTS of area to cover and should have plenty of foothills birds.  Will early risers get a Northern Pygmy-Owl this year?

Area 16 – Upper Bear Creek – Foothills hiking.  Good exercise with ~4 miles of uphill and downhill hiking.  The Area Leader states, "We usually get dippers at a local park which is a nice incentive!"

Area 20 – Willow Creek – This is a LARGE urban area that contains Harriman Lake and Hine Lake!

Other areas may want more people as well.  Use the below info and contact the Area Leader directly to help out.  You need not be an "experienced" birder!  Beginners welcome!

We add a new bird to the count about every 3 years.  The last new bird added after (70 years of counting) was in 2023 with the addition of Short-billed Gull!  So, who knows, one of the groups may discover another "new" bird for the Count! 

Please consider helping out this year.  If you are not free on the 20th, then PLEASE help out on one of the other Denver metro area Counts…or one (or more) further afield!  Some people do 6-8 CBCs EACH year!

Thank you for supporting "citizen science".

Joey.

Joey Kellner

Littleton, Colorado

Compiler - Denver CBC



71th DENVER CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2025

 

Count Leader/Compiler:  Joey Kellner (303-978-1748), SWDenverBirding at gmail.com

Feeder Coordinator: Bob Shade wrshade3 at gmail.com – Feeder watchers, please send your list of species and numbers of each species to the email above as soon as possible after "Count Day".

Potluck Coordinator: Laura Steadman lauramsteadman at gmail.com;

All are encouraged to participate in the annual Denver Christmas Bird Count (CBC) sponsored the National Audubon Society. 

Fees: None!  So, no excuses!  Come have a great time and help count birds!  Beginners and experts all welcome!

POTLUCK and COMPLILATION:

After a day in the field, ALL participants are invited to attend the compilation potluck meeting to warm up, chat with other birders, and find out how the count fared. It is a lot of fun.  We will start gathering around 5:00pm in the multipurpose room at the Chatfield State Park headquarters on the south side of the lake near the Heronry Overlook (State Parks vehicle entry pass required). Contact Laura Steadman (lauramsteadman at gmail.com ) and let her know what you will be bringing (or ask her what items she needs more of). Bringing food is NOT a requirement to join in the fun!  The compilation itself will start closer to 5:30pm when a representative f all areas arrive/report in with their sightings.

The 15-mile diameter "count circle" (see image below) is subdivided into 24 "count areas" each with an Area Leader.  To participate, please contact the Area Leader (see below).  If you would like to help in an area that still needs additional observers, call the Count Compiler (contact info above). 

Area  Number and Location                       Area Leader          Contact Info       

1.      Red Rocks Park                                Gregg Goodrich     303-655-9135

2.      Lower Bear Creek                            Scott Somershoe    615-829-3573

2A.    Bear Creek Lake Park                       Cyndy Johnson      303-378-1335

3.      Bow Mar/Marston                            Luke Pheneger      phenegerluke at gmail.com

4A.    Lower South Platte - East                  Cole Sage              colesage03 at gmail.com

4B.    Lower South Platte - West                 Glenn Walbek       juncos at comcast.net

5.      Highline Ditch                                  Jason Zolle            zollejd at gmail.com

6.      Plum Creek                                      Norm Erthal          303-917-2596

7A.    Middle South Platte - West                Audrey Hicks         Audrey at denveraudubon.org

7B.    Middle South Platte - East                 Steve Stachowiak  720-256-6583

8.      Chatfield Reservoir                           Joey Kellner          303-978-1748

9.      Upper South Platte *                         Jill Holden            720-288-4018

10.    Lower Deer Creek (Chatfield Farms) Barbra Sobhani      barbramaher at comcast.net

11.    Upper Deer Creek                             Wes Donnell         720-648-7305 or wdonnell7584 at gmail.com)

12.    Yegge Peak                                      Audrey Boag         aboag at ecentral.com

13.    Doublehead Mountain                       Amy Davis            amyjaned21 at hotmail.com

14.    North Turkey Creek                          Ed Furlong            303-956-8321

15.    Indian Hills                                      Ryan Dibala          ryan at gobirdingman.com

16.    Upper Bear Creek                             Laura Steadman     lauramsteadman at gmail.com

17.    Ken Caryl Ranch                              David Suddjian      dsuddjian at gmail.com

18.    Garrison Gate                                   Archer Silverman  archer.silverman at gmail.com

19.    Morrison/Willowbrook                     Chris Gilbert         804-214-1508

20.    Willow Creek                                   Dale Pate              575-706-4584

21.    Mount Lindo/Willow Springs            Chris Sherry          303-807-3645

*  To participate in Area #9, you must contact the area leader no later than Monday, November 24.

IF you cannot participate in the Denver CBC, PLEASE consider helping out on a different Christmas Bird Count (many are held all over Colorado and on different dates).  It's a great way to learn about a new birding area and meet some great people!

Joey.

Joey Kellner

Littleton, Colorado

Denver CBC Count Area Map with Area Numbers.JPG


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Wednesday, 10 December 2025

[cobirds] Fwd: CPW reminds public of seasonal increase in highly pathogenic avian influenza cases

FYI

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Colorado Parks and Wildlife <dnr_cpw_getsocial@state.co.us>
Date: Wed, Dec 10, 2025 at 12:30
Subject: CPW reminds public of seasonal increase in highly pathogenic avian influenza cases
To: <christine.e.alexander@gmail.com>


12/10/25
State of Colorado and Colorado Parks and Wildlife combined logo
Kara Van Hoose
Northeast Region Public Information Officer

303-829-7143 / kara.vanhoose@state.co.us

Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds public of seasonal increase in highly pathogenic avian influenza cases

Canada snow geese in Colorado

December 10, 2025


Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds public of seasonal increase in highly pathogenic avian influenza cases

 

DENVER — As migrating bird populations begin to travel through Colorado during late fall and winter, Colorado Parks and Wildlife expects an increase in wild birds infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and reminds residents to avoid sick wildlife. Waterfowl and shorebirds are particularly susceptible to HPAI transmission as they are known to gather in large numbers around bodies of water, which encourages the spread of the virus.  

HPAI and low pathogenic avian influenza exist naturally in bird species. A strain of HPAI called H5N1 was identified in North America in 2021 to 2022. The strain was confirmed in Colorado in March 2022. H5N1 causes high mortality rates in wild and domestic birds with no known cure or treatment.  

Birds infected with HPAI may appear to be moving slowly, swimming in circles, unable to fly, have a lack of coordination, swollen head, head tilting or found deceased. CPW will test sick or dead birds for the presence of HPAI when appropriate or when large die-offs are found in a new location. The public is encouraged to contact CPW if three or more birds exhibit HPAI symptoms or are found dead in the same localized area.  

"This strain of HPAI has the potential to cause large-scale die-offs in wild bird populations as we progress into winter," said CPW State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Peach Van Wick. "However, more commonly in Colorado, we receive reports of small scale mortality events. Since the beginning of fall, CPW has confirmed the diagnosis of HPAI in fewer than 20 birds, one black bear and one bobcat, though this is likely an underestimation of the number of affected animals on the landscape." 

Wild mammals have tested positive for HPAI in Colorado and can show similar signs like walking in circles, lack of coordination or appearing lethargic. These neurological symptoms are also consistent with rabies, which poses a significant public health risk. The public is urged to never approach a mammal acting abnormally and contact CPW. Domestic animals, such as cats and dogs, can be infected with HPAI. Pet owners should prevent pets from consuming or interacting with sick or dead wildlife. If pet owners suspect an exposure to avian influenza, please contact a veterinarian. 

Although extremely rare, humans may be infected with HPAI. To avoid exposure to the virus, never handle sick or dead wild birds, and do not approach wildlife. CPW encourages waterfowl hunters to wear proper protection while handling or processing wild game, disinfect equipment thoroughly, keep wild carcasses away from domestic poultry and pets, and cook game to an internal temperature of 165 degrees. 

"CPW does not recommend handling sick or dead wildlife. If necessary, wear disposable gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, a fitted face mask and double bag the carcass," said Dr. Van Wick. "Contact CPW as soon as possible for further instruction." 

More information about HPAI and human transmission can be found from the Center for Disease Control and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is the main responding agency for the virus in domestic bird populations, including backyard chickens, and dairy cattle. CDA also provides more information about the ongoing outbreak here. Veterinarians, producers and hobby poultry owners should report any suspicious disease events in domestic poultry flocks to the State Veterinarian's office at 303-869-9130 or use the online form.

 

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CPW is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
   
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