November 23, 2010
Richard Stevens:
I took four birders into the mountains to search for feeders and mountain birds. We looked in Empire and Dillon, not finding much.
A quick stop at the Blue River Water Treatment Plant (Summit County) found 7 Barrow's Goldeneyes on the small pond that never freezes.
On the trip back to Denver, we detoured to Loveland Pass (Clear Creek). The pass has received much snow since my last visit. Snow Boarders and skiers now have enough snow to avoid the lift tickets at Loveland Ski Area. Unfortunately, the increased activity chases the White-tailed Ptarmigan away from the "easy" sightings.
Winds were quite strong at the top of the pass. Anemometer readings were steady 28+ mph with gusts to 39.3 mph. We tried to steady our scopes but found no ptarmigan at the top.
The hill opposite the first pullover south of the summit is always my second choice. Again trying to hold our scopes steady was quite difficult; again no ptarmigan.
At the first pullover on the right side of the road below the south side of the summit, we again pulled out our scopes. However, this time I found 2 White-tailed Ptarmigan under one of the evergreens about 40 yards east of hwy 6!
I am always glad to avoid my fourth choice, the long climb up the west side of the Summit. A flat area about 0.6 miles up the steep hill is many times good for Ptarmigan. It is a strenuous climb even for one acclimatized to the altitude. I make it quite often, never enjoy it though.
It was still morning and we decided to drive to Pine Valley Ranch Park to search for American Three-toed Woodpeckers. One American Dipper was diving into the freezing water to hunt for food. Darn, they are hearty birds!
A quick stop at Red Rocks Park (Jefferson) was a gem. We found all three "uncommon" birds within 10 minutes. Luck never hurts as the Curve-billed Thrasher, Golden-crowned Sparrow and White-throated Sparrow all were below the northern platform feeder when we arrived.
Our luck continued at Pine Valley Ranch Park (Jefferson). We walked less than 400 yards before seeing a male American Three-toed Woodpecker working the trees on the hillside south of Pine Lake.
We returned to Denver, the group had already see the Ross's Gull at Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe) and decided to get some rest. I on the other hand, drove over to the reservoir.
I had seen the Ross's Gull for three straight days and was in no hurry to search the many gulls flying around the lake again. A Black-legged Kittiwake would have made my day so I scoped the swim beach first thing.
No Black-legged Kittiwake again, however as a consolation, the Mew Gull and a 1st cycle Thayer's Gull were among several hundred Ring-billed Gulls and dozens of California Gulls.
While scoping the lake for loons, I did find the Ross's Gull in the west-center of the reservoir. Its distinctive feeding pattern is the first clue in locating the Gull. Then a good look at its wedge shaped tail, clinches the ID. No loons or grebes were found.
I drove over to the Lake Loop and scoped the lake from the north end. The Red-necked Grebe was not found; however, a loose raft of Ruddy Ducks and Lesser Scaup had a pair of Greater Scaup among it.
Off to the east side of the Lake Loop, I could see a Pacific Loon and Common Loon. By then, daylight was disappearing rapidly and my search ended without a Black-legged Kittiwake sighting.
After dark, I hiked from the Bird Platform at the Cottonwood Creek Loop, first west to the Lake Loop and then east from the Cottonwood Creek Loop to the path that cuts through the trees (Shop Creek trail). A Long-eared Owl called for the second time in four days (east of the inlet canal and south of the cattails).
Later, I walked the Campgrounds listening for Great Horned Owls. My birding day ended with the calling of one of the large owls!
Richard Stevens:
I took four birders into the mountains to search for feeders and mountain birds. We looked in Empire and Dillon, not finding much.
A quick stop at the Blue River Water Treatment Plant (Summit County) found 7 Barrow's Goldeneyes on the small pond that never freezes.
On the trip back to Denver, we detoured to Loveland Pass (Clear Creek). The pass has received much snow since my last visit. Snow Boarders and skiers now have enough snow to avoid the lift tickets at Loveland Ski Area. Unfortunately, the increased activity chases the White-tailed Ptarmigan away from the "easy" sightings.
Winds were quite strong at the top of the pass. Anemometer readings were steady 28+ mph with gusts to 39.3 mph. We tried to steady our scopes but found no ptarmigan at the top.
The hill opposite the first pullover south of the summit is always my second choice. Again trying to hold our scopes steady was quite difficult; again no ptarmigan.
At the first pullover on the right side of the road below the south side of the summit, we again pulled out our scopes. However, this time I found 2 White-tailed Ptarmigan under one of the evergreens about 40 yards east of hwy 6!
I am always glad to avoid my fourth choice, the long climb up the west side of the Summit. A flat area about 0.6 miles up the steep hill is many times good for Ptarmigan. It is a strenuous climb even for one acclimatized to the altitude. I make it quite often, never enjoy it though.
It was still morning and we decided to drive to Pine Valley Ranch Park to search for American Three-toed Woodpeckers. One American Dipper was diving into the freezing water to hunt for food. Darn, they are hearty birds!
A quick stop at Red Rocks Park (Jefferson) was a gem. We found all three "uncommon" birds within 10 minutes. Luck never hurts as the Curve-billed Thrasher, Golden-crowned Sparrow and White-throated Sparrow all were below the northern platform feeder when we arrived.
Our luck continued at Pine Valley Ranch Park (Jefferson). We walked less than 400 yards before seeing a male American Three-toed Woodpecker working the trees on the hillside south of Pine Lake.
We returned to Denver, the group had already see the Ross's Gull at Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe) and decided to get some rest. I on the other hand, drove over to the reservoir.
I had seen the Ross's Gull for three straight days and was in no hurry to search the many gulls flying around the lake again. A Black-legged Kittiwake would have made my day so I scoped the swim beach first thing.
No Black-legged Kittiwake again, however as a consolation, the Mew Gull and a 1st cycle Thayer's Gull were among several hundred Ring-billed Gulls and dozens of California Gulls.
While scoping the lake for loons, I did find the Ross's Gull in the west-center of the reservoir. Its distinctive feeding pattern is the first clue in locating the Gull. Then a good look at its wedge shaped tail, clinches the ID. No loons or grebes were found.
I drove over to the Lake Loop and scoped the lake from the north end. The Red-necked Grebe was not found; however, a loose raft of Ruddy Ducks and Lesser Scaup had a pair of Greater Scaup among it.
Off to the east side of the Lake Loop, I could see a Pacific Loon and Common Loon. By then, daylight was disappearing rapidly and my search ended without a Black-legged Kittiwake sighting.
After dark, I hiked from the Bird Platform at the Cottonwood Creek Loop, first west to the Lake Loop and then east from the Cottonwood Creek Loop to the path that cuts through the trees (Shop Creek trail). A Long-eared Owl called for the second time in four days (east of the inlet canal and south of the cattails).
Later, I walked the Campgrounds listening for Great Horned Owls. My birding day ended with the calling of one of the large owls!
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