Mostly a Week of Owling

June 2, 2007

After owling (unsuccessful) in the Bear Creek area, I searched for nesting birds (especially Ovenbirds) after sunrise. I heard and later observed 2 Ovenbirds along the upper part of Bear Creek Road.

After dark, I went owling around the Crags Campground. One or two Northern Pygmy-Owls answered my playback tapes. However, I never got to see the owls.

June 1, 2007

I went owling up Highway 67 around 2:00am to sunrise.

Flammulated Owls were found at three locations. Missouri Gulch, the west side of Hwy 67, and the east side of Hwy 67. I checked several locations where I had previously found Northern Pygmy-Owls and Northern Saw-whet Owls; without success.

After sunrise, I birded around Fountain Creek Regional Park. The highlight was a Hooded Warbler in the “warbler alley” area. A Red-eyed Vireo and 2 Plumbeous Vireos were found in the same area (woods south of the Visitor’s Center Pond).

I checked Big Johnson Reservoir and Sondermann Park. Both areas were pretty quiet.

May 31, 2007

I gave Phantom Canyon another shot. Experienced the same results; the only owl found was a Great Horned Owl. After sunrise,

I birded the Red Canyon Area. Highlights included a flock of 9 Pinyon Jays and a Black-throated Gray Warbler. I searched blindly for the Northern Saw-whet Owls previously reported by Jeff Jones; without success.

May 30, 2007

Owling tonight was up Phantom Canyon. One of the best locations for Spotted Owls, I did not have any success this night. Winds were quite strong; it was difficult to hear much of anything. I did hear 2 Common Poorwills south of the tunnel (for anyone familiar with the drive).

May 29, 2007

I decided to go owling at Beaver Creek Wildlife Area from midnight to sunrise. It is always interesting walking around in the dark by oneself! I heard 2 Northern Pygmy-Owls within the boundaries of the wildlife area. Unfortunately, neither bird was observed.

After sunrise, I did a little daytime birding. Nothing unusual was spotted. I did see Western Wood-pewees, Hammond's Flycatchers, Willow Flycatchers, a Hermit Thrush and several Swainson's Thrushes.

A small flock of 5 Yellow-rumped Warblers were found at the top of the trees. Broad-tailed Hummingbirds buzzed around in search of food.

I checked up one of the draws (Juno Oro) where a Northern Saw-whet Owl was spotted on several occasions. None were found today. This is private land; however I have obtained permission to hike up the draw when in the area.