February 17, 2008
Inserted by Bryan Ehlmann:
Four of us hiked the east side of Rocky Mountain Arsenal following up on a report of a Burrowing Owl near the 88th avenue barrier to Buckley Road. We didn't find a Burrowing Owl but enjoyed the walk away from people. Except for an occasional airplane and the squeaking Prairie Dogs, it was quiet.
Our raptor count was good. Seven Red-tailed Hawks flew by during our 8 mile trek. A pair of Ferruginous Hawks stood on the hill about 0.5 miles south of the gated road. They watched the Prairie Dogs below them as we were sure the Prairie Dogs kept a close eye on the hawks.
Other raptors along the road included a male American Kestrel, 2 female Northern Harriers, 1 Rough-legged Hawk, and an adult Bald Eagle. One Prairie Falcon also zoomed by heading to the arsenal and coming from the landfill.
A flock of 80 American Tree Sparrows flew around the elk thistle lining Buckley Road. At least 17 White-crowned Sparrows were also in the flock.
A sun would peak out of the clouds now and then. We hoped this would encourage a Burrowing Owl to come out and search for food. No luck. By 2:00 PM, thicker clouds rolled in and by 2:30 PM it started to snow.
Inserted by Bryan Ehlmann:
Four of us hiked the east side of Rocky Mountain Arsenal following up on a report of a Burrowing Owl near the 88th avenue barrier to Buckley Road. We didn't find a Burrowing Owl but enjoyed the walk away from people. Except for an occasional airplane and the squeaking Prairie Dogs, it was quiet.
Our raptor count was good. Seven Red-tailed Hawks flew by during our 8 mile trek. A pair of Ferruginous Hawks stood on the hill about 0.5 miles south of the gated road. They watched the Prairie Dogs below them as we were sure the Prairie Dogs kept a close eye on the hawks.
Other raptors along the road included a male American Kestrel, 2 female Northern Harriers, 1 Rough-legged Hawk, and an adult Bald Eagle. One Prairie Falcon also zoomed by heading to the arsenal and coming from the landfill.
A flock of 80 American Tree Sparrows flew around the elk thistle lining Buckley Road. At least 17 White-crowned Sparrows were also in the flock.
A sun would peak out of the clouds now and then. We hoped this would encourage a Burrowing Owl to come out and search for food. No luck. By 2:00 PM, thicker clouds rolled in and by 2:30 PM it started to snow.
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