Monday, June 29, 2009

Trip for Dickcissels in Elbert County

June 25, 2009

Richard Stevens:

Roger and Judy Danka, Rebecca Kosten and I drove out on the eastern plains today. Thunder storms were all around us, but not along Elbert Road (Elbert County).

The highlight was counting 6+ Dickcissels at the field along Elbert Road at 4.1 miles south of highway 86. We lingered at these old alfalfa fields for a couple of hours as a tremendous rain and thunder storm passed us by about 10 miles west of Kiowa.

Twice a male Bobolink also jumped out of the high weeds east of Elbert Road. Only one Bobolink was ever seen; we listen to many Dickcissels and a few Grasshopper Sparrows (west side of road). A pair of Say's Phoebes flew around the electrically buildings at the Dickcissel site.

I have always found the cool early mornings or late afternoons best for seeing the Dickcissel. After a rain storm also seems good as the birds will come out of the wet grasses and sing!

Earlier we passed Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe County) and found 3 male Black-chinned Hummingbirds southeast of the ranger's office. I have not found a female Black-chinned Hummingbird there this year.

No comments: