Monday, August 20, 2007

Birding and Biking Around Aurora

August 20, 2007

Gary Z, Gary W, and I road 41.6 miles around Aurora this afternoon. We parked at 56th avenue and Buckley avenue.

First we wanted to see what was along the eastern side of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal (Denver and Adams Counties). The 8 mile bike ride was uneventful. Not much migrating through the area yet. We did count 43 Western Kingbirds and 2 Eastern Kingbirds; no Cassin's. We counted 9 Burrowing Owls (both counties).

It was such a great day, that we continued south to Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe County). Not much moving around there yet unless you want to count mosquitoes. We did find one male adult Black chinned Hummingbird still east of the ranger's office. In 2004, one hung around until 8/15 and 2003 until 8/3. This one is more persistent. If I remember, last year there was a cold spell in early August? Or maybe that was the year before? None were found after 7/31 in those years.

At dusk we drove the DIA Owl Loop.
No Short eared Owls, we did count:
2 Burrowing Owls 0.2 miles north of Tower & 56th
5 at 3.4 miles east of Tower & 96th
2 at Powhaton and 128th ave

No comments: