Monday, November 29, 2010

Fremont and Pueblo Counties, Unsuccessful Search for Spotted Owls

November 26, 2010

Richard Stevens:

After a couple of hours of sleep (went to bed at 7:00 am), I drove around Canon City (Fremont County) looking for some of the many Williamson's Sapsuckers that have been reported.

A male and two female Williamson's Sapsuckers were relocated at Lakeside Cemetery. A female Williamson's Sapsucker was found at both the Holy Cross Abbey and Centennial Park. I could not find any at Rouse Park; perhaps the sapsuckers at the other locations came from here?

At Brush Hollow Wildlife Area (Fremont), I found the previously reported Pacific Loon! The Wildlife Area was quite birdy. A flock of 10+ Bushtits and several Juniper Titmice were fluttering about south of the parking area.

A search for Ladder-backed Woodpeckers below the dam was not successful. Several Pinyon Jays were heard over the hill to the east (east of the old dump). However, I never did see any.

Next, I drove to Pueblo Reservoir (Pueblo) and scoped the lake from several locations. The Black-legged Kittiwake and several Bonaparte's Gulls were found off the West Fisherman's Point.

The Long-tailed Duck was observed from a little farther east. A few Common Loons were seen also.

The northern marina was quiet; however, the southern marina tires hosted an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull and many common gulls.

My birding day again ended with an unsuccessful search for Spotted Owls in Fremont County.

At 6:00 am, I drove through Beaver Creek Wildlife Area. A Northern Pygmy-Owl was enticed to answer my recording! Nice little bird!

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