January 5, 2008
While doing chores, I stopped by Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe County) for a couple of hours.
The lake itself is 99 percent ice covered. Three Bald Eagles stood on the ice as did several dozen Ring-billed Gulls, at least one California Gull, and several Herring Gulls. There were not too many waterfowl out there.
I then hiked around the campgrounds in search of sparrows and Great Horned Owls. The thickets at the northwestern corner of the main campgrounds had a sparrow count of 59 American Tree Sparrows (in four flocks). Two Song Sparrows and 19 White-crowned Sparrows were also found.
The Dark-eyed Junco count was less than 24 (in an hour walk).
I could not find any Great Horned Owls. Talking to several campers who have been there for awhile, no one remembers hearing a Great Horned Owl at night. I handed out a field guide and hope that a few people will be aware enough to listen for owls next week.
The highlight bird was a Northern Shrike that was south of the Russian Olive Trees at the south end of the road to the firing range. Few birds were found at the 12 mile beaver pond area (also frozen).
While doing chores, I stopped by Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe County) for a couple of hours.
The lake itself is 99 percent ice covered. Three Bald Eagles stood on the ice as did several dozen Ring-billed Gulls, at least one California Gull, and several Herring Gulls. There were not too many waterfowl out there.
I then hiked around the campgrounds in search of sparrows and Great Horned Owls. The thickets at the northwestern corner of the main campgrounds had a sparrow count of 59 American Tree Sparrows (in four flocks). Two Song Sparrows and 19 White-crowned Sparrows were also found.
The Dark-eyed Junco count was less than 24 (in an hour walk).
I could not find any Great Horned Owls. Talking to several campers who have been there for awhile, no one remembers hearing a Great Horned Owl at night. I handed out a field guide and hope that a few people will be aware enough to listen for owls next week.
The highlight bird was a Northern Shrike that was south of the Russian Olive Trees at the south end of the road to the firing range. Few birds were found at the 12 mile beaver pond area (also frozen).
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