Thursday, March 4, 2010

Hike Around Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Adams County

March 4, 2010

Richard Stevens:

I was at Rocky Mountain Arsenal when they opened at 7:30 am. The Harris's Sparrow briefly visited the feeders north of the Visitor's Center from 8:17 to 8:25 am. The Harris's Sparrow and Dark-eyed Juncos appeared to be quite disturbed by dozens of Red-winged Blackbirds. The Harris's Sparrow stayed in brush 8 to 10 feet from both feeders; then it stayed under the bushes about 20 feet east of the eastern feeder.

Later I hiked about 4 miles around the arsenal. Birds were scarce. A Marsh Wren was found in the marsh at the eastern end of Lake Ladora. Two American Tree Sparrows at the Rod and Gun Club Pond.

Several dozen Ring-billed Gulls and 2 Herring Gulls around the open water at Havana Ponds.

Later I walked the eastern side outside the arsenal (Buckley Road between 56th and 88th avenue). Few birds, but I got some needed exercise. Two Song Sparrows around the creek about 0.5 miles north of 56th avenue. Raptors included a Ferruginous Hawk and 2 Red-tailed Hawks.

Two dozen+ Great-tailed Grackles continue around the feedlot at the first house south of Picadilly Road and 152nd Avenue (Bromley Lane).

Beautiful winter day, temps in high 50s, calm winds. Tomorrow is predicted to be cold with possible rain or snow.

No comments: