Thursday, April 28, 2011

Another Search for the Little Blue Heron, Adams County

April 28, 2011

Richard Stevens:

After hearing that the adult Little Blue Heron was seen again at the Sprat-Platte Park in Adams County, I headed that way.

Eventually, I walked from the park at McKay Road and 100th Avenue, south to 88th avenue (to the green/white tower about 0.4 miles south of 88th avenue) and back. Then up to 104th avenue and back

The Little Blue Heron was not relocated. However, there are many reservoirs in the area. Some of the shoreline cannot be scoped from the Platte River bike path.

Plenty of American White Pelicans, Double-crested Cormorants and common ducks are on the lakes and river. Most of the gulls flying around were Ring-billed Gulls.

It was an enjoyable cool day with mild winds. A great day for a hike in spite of missing my target bird.

Jefferson, Douglas and Adams County Birding

April 27, 2011

Richard Stevens:

The day was partly sunny, little wind and temperatures in the lower 50s. Pleasant for a Colorado Spring!

Terry King and I searched unsuccessfully for Northern Pygmy-Owls at Reynolds Park (Jefferson County). We did get a Common Poorwill to respond to our recordings played at the west end of the western parking area.

We could not find any Dusky Grouse up to 400 yards south of the old service road.

Instead of hiking up the mountain, we drove over to highway 67 and Rampart Range Road (Douglas County). Here we found a male and female American Three-toed Woodpecker within 20 minutes of arrival. Both were approximately 0.1 miles east of the intersection.

After getting home, I received a text message of a Little Blue Heron at the Sprat-Platte Park. I scoped the island at the park, only found a Snowy Egret and 2 Great Blue Herons.

A pair of Great-tailed Grackles was along the path on the way to the island. Dozens of American White Pelicans were on the lake. A Yellow-headed Blackbird flew by overhead, did not appear to stop.

On the way home, I relocated Burrowing Owls along the DIA Owl Loop (Adams County). A pair of Great-tailed Grackles was still at the Picadilly Tree Nursery feedlot.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Back in the Mountains

April 26, 2011

Richard Stevens:

Terry King and I drove to Summit County in search of mountain birds. A few Brown-capped Rosy Finches and a couple of Gray-crowned Rosy Finches flew around. There were no Barrow's Goldeneyes at the Blue River Water Treatment Plant. The Ospreys were on their nest in Silverthorne (first observed about 2 weeks ago).

We backtracked to Loveland Pass. Luck was with us; we found a pair of White-tailed Ptarmigan within 15 minutes of scoping below the eastern side of the summit.

A stop at Genesee Mountain Park (Jefferson) on the way back to Denver, added 2 male and a female Williamson's Sapsucker to our trip list. One pair was around the group picnic area. A second male was around the flagpole and snag at the top of the park.

After lunch, we stopped at Red Rocks Park (Jefferson). Surprisingly, all four of the uncommon birds are still there (since before Thanksgiving). The Curve-billed Thrasher made several visits below the northern platform feeder behind the trading post. Next the two White-throated Sparrows appeared. The Golden-crowned Sparrow made to visits. Finally, the Harris's Sparrow also showed.

We found one of the Peregrine Falcons from the upper parking lot. Weather was turning worse and we left before finding the Prairie Falcons.

Weather did not improve when we drove to Pine Valley Ranch Park (Jefferson). No owls or American Three-toed Woodpeckers were located. Only a few Mountain Bluebirds were seen.

A Day in Boulder County

April 25, 2011

Richard Stevens:

My day started at outside of Boulder Reservoir (Boulder County). The previously reported Sedge Wren was not found in 1.5 hours of searching. I stopped briefly at the location of the Hooded Warbler reported yesterday. It did not turn up in my 30 minute search.

From there, I went to the CU South campus to look for the Black-throated Sparrow. My search only lasted about 30 minutes; the sparrow was not found.

My next stop was CU East Campus. Unfortunately, the Yellow-throated Warbler was not conspicuous. Several birders including myself searched for about an hour; without success. We did find a flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers, which included a Ruby-crowned Kinglet and several Black-capped Chickadees.

Left on my own, I continued west from the previously reported site and walked down to the emergency telephone pole. Returning east, I again ran into a flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers that included 2 Brown Creepers, 2 White-breasted Nuthatches and a Black-capped Chickadee.

Now in my second hour of searching, patience paid off. The Yellow-throated Warbler was at the tail end of this flock of about 20 Yellow-throated Warblers. The flock was moving east toward the original sighting location.

After lunch, I returned to Boulder Reservoir for another try for the Sedge Wren; again without success.

On the way back to Denver, I stopped at the Singletree Trailhead in Superior. No birds including the Harris's Sparrow were seen. A nearby house at Douglas Street and 3rd Avenue had several feeders. This maybe a good location to sit and watch for visiting birds. The Harris's Sparrow did not turn up during my 30 minute sit.

Late in the afternoon, I visited Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe County). Word of a shorebird invasion spread quickly. At the bird observation platform at the Prairie Loop, I counted 44 Willets, 5 Marbled Godwits, 39 American Avocets, 1 Sanderling, 42 Wilson's Phalaropes, 2 Semipalmated Sandpipers, 1 Baird's Sandpiper, 5 Greater Yellowlegs, and 3 Lesser Yellowlegs.

The reported Caspian Tern was at the sand spit near the southwest marina. I did not find the Neotropic Cormorant. However, it was reported by Cheryl Teuton!

Hundreds of Western Grebes, dozens of Eared Grebes and a few Horned Grebes swam below the dam. A dozen Franklin's Gulls and at least 5 Bonaparte's Gulls were also observed.

Another Search for Sparrows on the Eastern Plains

April 24, 2011

Richard Stevens:

After visiting two Greater Prairie-Chicken leks in Yuma County this morning, Bryan Ehlmann and I returned to Denver. One of the leks was the Yuma County Road 45 lek after we visited a new one suggested by a Denver/Yuma County landowner. Thirteen Greater Prairie-Chickens at the new lek and Twelve observed displaying at the CR 45 lek.

We stopped briefly at two friend's homes in Wray and added 2 male and 1 female Northern Cardinal, a Harris's Sparrow and eastern Fox Sparrow to our trip list. Our biggest miss, but a long shot, we found no Baird's Sparrows.

After dropping Bryan off in Brighton, I went over to Barr Lake (Adams County). I wanted to check the feeders at the old stone house at the northeast corner of the park. Only White-crowned Sparrows were seen there. However, a flock of 21 Yellow-rumped Warblers caught my attention in the trees along the trail, west of the building, below the dam. A Palm Warbler accompanied the loose flock, which also included 2 Black-capped Chickadees.

From the north end of the dam, I counted 6+ Bonaparte's Gulls and dozens of Franklin's Gulls.

Two+ Great-tailed Grackles continue at the Picadilly Tree Nursery Feedlot. Burrowing Owls were relocated at the site 3.4 miles east of Tower Road & 96th Avenue. Another two Burrowing Owls were at the site 0.3 miles north of Tower Road & 56th Avenue.

Two Ferruginous Hawks hunted along Tower Road, north of 104th avenue. I was surprised by the number of hawks flying around the DIA Owl Loop today. Besides 3 Ferruginous Hawks (including one dark morph), 11 Red-tailed Hawks (2 dark morph), 6 Swainson's Hawks (1 dark morph), 4 Northern Harriers and at least 3 American Kestrels were counted.

While replenishing food supplies, I stopped off at Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe). Three Willets, three Greater Yellowlegs, two Lesser Yellowlegs and over a dozen American Avocets were on the mudflats off the bird observation platform (Prairie Loop).

The Neotropic Cormorant was off the southwest marina! At least 3 Bonaparte's Gulls were among dozens of Franklin's Gulls flying below the dam. Dozens of Western Grebes swam farther off the marina. I could not pick out a Red-necked Grebe. Plenty of American White Pelicans were scattered around the reservoir.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Davenport on Grouse Trips 4/23

It has been decided that instead of waiting a week for a grouse trip to finish and getting reports, I will transcribe telephone reports of current grouse trips. I will do my best. Amy Davenport

April 23, 2011

Bryan Ehlmann and Richard Stevens continued to look for Baird's Sparrows on the Eastern Plains, again today with no luck.

They started by watching 11 Greater Prairie-Chicken at a different Lek southwest of Yuma.

At Beecher Island, they found a male Red-bellied Woodpecker.

Bonny Reservoir was a good place to bird today. They found a Piping Plover and two Snowy Plover at the east end of the reservoir.

A Field Sparrow was along the Yuma County Road 2 entrance before it makes a right turn (southern turn).

An Eastern Phoebe was along the County Road 3 entrance west of Foster's Grove Campgrounds.

A pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers wandered around the western Hale Ponds.

They did not find any Eastern Screech-Owls or Common Poorwills at dusk.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Davenport on Grouse Trips 4/22

It has been decided that instead of waiting a week for a grouse trip to finish and getting reports, I will transcribe telephone reports of current grouse trips. I will do my best. Amy Davenport

April 22, 2011

Bryan Ehlmann and Richard Stevens went East in search of Baird's Sparrows. Unfortunately, they did not find any today.

At Last Chance Rest Stop in Washington County, they found a Black-throated Gray Warbler, Lincoln's Sparrow and Common Yellowthroat.

They missed the Summer Tanager at the Wray City Park in Yuma County. A Broad-winged Hawk was there.

While they could not find the resident Barn Owl at the Wray Fishing Unit, they did find a White-eyed Vireo in the evergreen windbreak.

Many sparrows, mostly White-crowned and Song were found at Sandsage Wildlife Area. One White-throated Sparrow was also seen. An Eastern Phoebe was along the eastern fence.

At dusk, they found seven Greater Prairie-Chickens displaying at a private ranch south of Yuma.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Birding Around Denver Again

April 21, 2011

Richard Stevens:

After a meeting in Westminster, I was only a few miles from Plaster Reservoir (Broomfield County). I searched for the previously reported Eastern Towhee; without success. Many ducks were on the lake. Three teal (Cinnamon, Blue-winged & Green-winged), Redheads, and Lesser Scaup to name a few swam around the lake.

Many Yellow-headed Blackbirds, Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackle surrounded the reservoir. Unfortunately, no towhees were found.

At least two Great-tailed Grackles remain at the Picadilly Tree Nursery Feedlot at Picadilly Road & 152nd Avenue.

After hearing about the uncommon warblers in Boulder County, I decided to visit Barr Lake State Park to see what was there. I hiked from the Visitor's Center to the boat ramp. The only warbler observed was a lone male Audubon's Warbler in breeding plumage. He was quite a striking bird!

Other birds found included a Hermit Thrush, Lincoln's Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, many White-crowned Sparrows, and many Red-winged Blackbirds.

Later I returned to Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe) to search for the Red-throated Loon, Red-necked Grebe and Dunlin previously reported. None of them was found either. I bushwhacked through the cattails at the southeast end only to find a few Killdeer.

Off the bird platform at the Prairie Loop, I counted eight American Avocets, six Greater Yellowlegs and four Lesser Yellowlegs. The Yellowlegs provided a nice comparison between the two species. Two Great Blue Herons were also in the area.

A Sora called from the cattails along the main road (just west of where Cherry Creek goes under the road).

No Black-chinned or Broad-tailed Hummingbirds appeared yet around the Ranger's Office.

At least ten Bonaparte's Gulls flew around with many Franklin's Gulls. The Neotropic Cormorant was among seven Double-crested Cormorants on the southwest marina. Many American White Pelicans stood on the western sand spit. Several hundred Western Grebes were also on the lake.

Cold Day Around the Front Range

April 20, 2011

Richard Stevens:

Jerry Petrosky and I drove up to Plaster Reservoir (Broomfield County) to search for the Eastern Towhee found yesterday by Eric Zorawowicz. We did not find it.

Later we stopped by Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe). The Neotropic Cormorant was with 4 Double-crested Cormorants on the southwest marina. We could not find the Red-throated Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Long-billed Curlew or Dunlin reported in the past few days.

Burrowing Owls continue along the DIA Owl Loop (Adams). No Short-eared Owls appeared this evening.

Final Day of a Grouse Trip 4/19

April 19, 2011

Richard Stevens:

John Top and I started out to search for Northern Pygmy-Owls at 4:30 am. It had snowed last night, but there were clear skies and cold temperatures (33 degrees) this morning.

At Reynolds Park (Jefferson County), we hiked along Foxton Road from the upper parking area to the lower lot (0.7 miles). Then we returned along the Songbird Trail to Oxen Draw Trail. Unfortunately, we did not turn up any owls.

A Williamson's Sapsucker flew by along the Elkhorn Trail, just south of the old service road. Townsend's Solitaires, Pine Siskins and House Finches sang in the early morning.

At Pine Valley Ranch Park (Jefferson), we hiked along the Pine Lake trail to Buck Gulch to Strawberry Jack to Parkview trails. An American Three-toed Woodpecker was along the Buck Gulch trail, halfway between Pine Lake and Strawberry Jack.

A pair of American Three-toed Woodpeckers was at the bottom of the switchbacks along the Strawberry Jack trail. The male drumming constantly. No Northern Pygmy-Owls at their usual locations (north end of Buck Gulch trail and intersection of Buck Gulch and Strawberry Jack trails).

Our final American Three-toed Woodpecker was encountered along the Strawberry Jack trail, 50 yards west of the Parkview Trail. We enjoyed the 3.0 mile round trip hike after 2516 miles of driving this week.

I had found a Northern Pygmy-Owl near Rampart Range Road and highway 67 (Douglas), so we headed that way. No Northern Pygmy-Owl was found; however, we got our best looks at an American Three-toed Woodpecker. A male was foraging 20 yards north of Highway 67 at 0.2 miles east of Rampart Range Road.

Our trip wound down at Castlewood Canyon Road, north of the old Winkler Ranch. They are starting to build homes on the property now (say goodbye to the best Bobolink fields in Colorado).

Mountain Bluebirds were along Castlewood Canyon Road where it runs south to north. When the road turns east to west (coming from the south), we saw several pairs of Western Bluebirds. Finally, a female Eastern Bluebird was found at the western end of the road (before it turns north to the State Park).

It started raining rapidly. We tried to check McLain Gravel Pit for the Barrow's Goldeneyes observed a few weeks ago. The rain made visibility difficult. We could not pick out the Barrow's Goldeneyes. They are probably gone, however could still be there.

Grouse Trip 4/18

April 18, 2011

Richard Stevens:

Richard Stevens and John Top returned to the 20 Mile Sharp-tailed Grouse Leks. Rain was pouring down and no Sharp-tailed Grouse visited the lek that we could see.

We did not get out of the rain until reaching Silverthorne (Summit County). It was snowing at Loveland Pass (Clear Creek) and we decided to skip searching for White-tailed Ptarmigan again. I preferred to remember the 3 White-tailed Ptarmigan we found on 4/13; instead of ending our trip with a miss (I was a chicken).

We stopped at Red Rocks Park (Jefferson) which was the highlight of our day. Within 30 minutes at 6:30 pm, the Curve-billed Thrasher, 2 White-throated Sparrows, the Golden-crowned Sparrow and finally the Harris's Sparrow appeared!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Davenport on Grouse Trips 4/17

It has been decided that instead of waiting a week for a grouse trip to finish and getting reports, I will transcribe telephone reports of current grouse trips. I will do my best. Amy Davenport

April 17, 2011

The CoBus group started the day watching nine Greater Prairie-Chickens at the Yuma County 45 Lek. Then they headed to Pawnee National Grasslands in Weld County.

A stop at Dyers Driveway located 0.6 miles east of Highway 14 and County Road 51 found five Burrowing Owls and a Long-billed Curlew.

More Burrowing Owls were found along CR 51 between Highway 14 and CR 90. Three Burrowing Owls were at CR 51 and CR 90.

A drive along CR 96 between CR 77 and CR 67 found a Mountain Plover and many McCown's Longspurs.

They called the highlight of their trip along CR 96. Two Sprague's Pipits were only 10 to 20 feet north of CR 96. They photographed the birds just east of the first cattle guard east of CR 63.

Their next stop was the burn area CR 51 to 49 X CR 90 X 86. Only one Mountain Plover was found.

On the way to Highway 85 and CR 114, they counted 4 Loggerhead Shrike, a Prairie Falcon, a pair of Ferruginous Hawks on a nest and 5 Red-tailed Hawks.

A Chestnut-collared Longspur in breeding plumage was found in the field southeast of Highway 85 and CR 114. Richard said winds were 32 mph, gusts to 44.

The drive through Fort Collins up Cameron Pass was interesting. They again ran into blizzard conditions six miles either side of Cameron Pass, Larimer/Jackson Counties.

A quick stop at the Colorado State Forest Visitor's Center found 2 Brown-capped Rosy Finches. The ranger stated that occasionally a Black Rosy Finch also was seen.

Richard Stevens and John Top searched for Sharp-tailed Grouse on the 20 Road Lek. None was found in pouring rain.

Davenport on Grouse Trips 4/16

It has been decided that instead of waiting a week for a grouse trip to finish and getting reports, I will transcribe telephone reports of current grouse trips. I will do my best. Amy Davenport

April 16, 2011

The CoBus group watched 23 Gunnison Sage-Grouse at the Waunita Hot Springs Lek east of Gunnison.

They decided to go to the Elkhart, Kansas Lesser Prairie-Chicken in the evening and then drive to Wray for a Greater Prairie-Chicken search the next morning. This allowed them to pick up a day on their itinerary for another Sharp-tailed Grouse later in the trip.

Fourteen Lesser Prairie-Chickens were dancing around when they arrived at the western Lesser Prairie-Chicken lek near Elkhart.

On another trip, Jacob Washburn and Ray Simmons found a Lucy's Warbler at Yellow Jacket Canyon (Montezuma). They are now heading to Texas.

Davenport on Grouse Trips 4/15

It has been decided that instead of waiting a week for a grouse trip to finish and getting reports, I will transcribe telephone reports of current grouse trips. I will do my best. Amy Davenport

April 15, 2011

The CoBus group started at the Devil's Kitchen Trail in the Colorado National Monument in Mesa County. The Black-chinned Sparrow sang four times and provided nice looks twice.

Twenty Pinyon Jays and a few Juniper Titmice were found at the Campgrounds.

A local birder showed them a Western Screech-Owl at Connected Lakes in Mesa County.

After lunch, they missed Chukars in Escalante Canyon and east of Fruitgrower's Reservoir in Delta County. Two Lewis's Woodpeckers were in the cottonwoods at Evelyn Horn's home below the Fruitgrower's Reservoir dam.

Three Dusky Grouse displayed along the south rim drive at Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park in Montrose County. No Northern Pygmy-Owls called.

On another trip, Jacob Washburn and Ray Simmons searched Yellow Jacket Canyon and areas for Lucy's Warblers and Summer Tanager. None was found.

Davenport on Grouse Trips 4/14

It has been decided that instead of waiting a week for a grouse trip to finish and getting reports, I will transcribe telephone reports of current grouse trips. I will do my best. Amy Davenport

April 14, 2011

The CoBus trip started in Blizzard conditions at the 20 Road Sharp-tailed Grouse lek near Hayden in Routt County. No grouse were seen and they headed south toward Rifle.

Two hours were spent at Coal Canyon, Cameo in Mesa County. No Chukar were found. Eleven Black-throated Sparrows sang at the closed iron gate down the canyon. Seven Wild Horses, no Chukar were seen up the hill overlooking the creek running through Coal Canyon.

No American Three-toed Woodpeckers or Northern Pygmy-Owls were found at Powderhorn Ski area in Mesa County. Later Richard Stevens and John Top met up with Dick Filby's group at the Grand Mesa visitor's center. Dick's group was late as they found a Northern Pygmy-Owl near the entrance to the Powderhorn Ski Area.

Two Boreal Owls were heard along the Grand Mesa between the Visitor's Center and Spruce Grove Campgrounds. None were seen.

Washburn and Simmons searched for Black Swifts in Ouray County. They are not back yet and not expected until late April or early May. Afterwards, they searched for the previously reported Summer Tanager in Durango.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Davenport on Grouse Trips 4/13

It has been decided that instead of waiting a week for a grouse trip to finish and getting reports, I will transcribe telephone reports of current grouse trips. I will do my best. Amy Davenport

April 13, 2011

The CoBus started another grouse trip led by Richard Stevens. Their first stop was Loveland Pass in Clear Creek/Summit Counties. Three White-tailed Ptarmigan were found on the ragged rocks 300 yards below the eastern side of the summit.

A stop at Windy Gap Reservoir in Grand County found 8+ Barrow's Goldeneyes on the unfrozen lake.

Their final stop of the day was Jackson County Road 26. About 15 minutes after sunset, nine Greater Sage-Grouse walked out of the sage and displayed.

Jacob Washburn and Ray Simmons in a separate group found 23+ Gunnison Sage-Grouse at the Waunita Hot Springs Lek.

Davenport on Grouse Trips 4/12

It has been decided that instead of waiting a week for a grouse trip to finish and getting reports, I will transcribe telephone reports of current grouse trips. I will do my best. Amy Davenport

April 12, 2011

Jacob Washburn and Ray Simmons started the day at the Colorado National Monument in Mesa County. They found the Black-chinned Sparrow up Devil's Kitchen trail and then continued north. A Chukar was found just outside of the most northern tunnel.

Later they found a Lewis's Woodpecker west of Evelyn Horn's home below the dam at Fruitgrower's Reservoir in Delta County.

At dusk, they saw four Dusky Grouse at the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park in Montrose County.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Return to Cherry Creek Reservoir

April 11, 2011

Richard Stevens:

In late morning, I returned to Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe County) for a try at a better photograph of the Neotropic Cormorant. The juvenile bird was back on the telephone poles floating around the southwest marina. This time the bird was much closer (than yesterday) and several photos were taken.

I was not able to relocate the Bonaparte's Gull or Lesser Black-backed Gull found yesterday.

I finally resigned to the task of chores and missed the rest of a fantastic spring day.

Search for Cherry Creek Reservoir Neotropic Cormorant

April 10, 2011

Richard Stevens:

After a successful 6 day grouse trip (19 of 22 target birds), I dropped Dennis Kirkwood, Tom Congersky and Volney Ford at the airport and went to Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe County).

The Neotropic Cormorant was in the southeast corner along with 3 Double-crested Cormorants. They could only be seen from the bird observation platform at the Prairie Loop for a few minutes. I then had to hike to the second path to the east and go north through the cattails to the lake. They stayed in the southeast corner until I departed.

At least one Bonaparte's Gull was among Franklin's Gulls, Ring-billed Gulls and California Gulls. I possible Lesser Black-backed Gull did not give me a long enough view to be sure. Upon further review with my bird books, it was definitely a Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Another Grouse Trip

April 5 through 10, 2011

Richard Stevens:

April 5
Maryland bird guide Dennis Kirkwood, Volney Ford, Tom Congersky and I started a six day grouse trip around Colorado.

After looking for mountain species in Summit County, we drove up to Loveland Pass. The highway department had closed Interstate 70 for the day and we had to drive to Dillon by way of Fairplay. This added about 2 hours to our trip.

We did not find any White-tailed Ptarmigan in an exhaustive 3 hour search. Finally abandoning hope of seeing any Ptarmigan, we headed to Jackson County.

When we arrived at Jackson County Road 26, the road was quite muddy. Not wanting to attempt to drive up the road, the four of us walked about 0.5 miles in search of Greater Sage-Grouse. None was found; perhaps they saw us coming.

April 6
We started our day at the 20 Road Leks. Nine Sharp-tailed Grouse promptly flew into the lek around sunrise. In my appearance (of about 32+ visits), the Sharp-tailed Grouse do not come out until just before sunrise. In the evening, they do not come out most times until after it is too dark to see them.

After seeing the Sharp-tailed Grouse, I decided to try for Greater Sage-Grouse at the old Timberlake Lek on Moffat County Road 3 (instead of returning to Jackson CR 26). This turned out to be a lucky choice.

We arrived around 9:40 am and found 91 Greater Sage-Grouse within 20 yards of County Road 3 (between 1.0 and 1.5 miles west of Highway 13!

Next, we looked for the Tundra Swans reported the week before at the ponds along Ranney Street in Craig (near the Yampa River). They were not found. A wet young Bald Eagle stood in one of the trees (it was snowing).

Perch Pond along Highway 13 on the way to Meeker was void of birds. A drive along Rio Blanco County Road 15 did not find any Pinyon Jays (successful in past years).

Few birds moved around the Rifle Rest Stop (Garfield County).

We skipped Cameo because I have missed Chukar there on my last five visits and headed up the Grand Mesa (Mesa County).

We heard a Northern Pygmy-Owl west of the upper parking area. American Three-toed Woodpeckers could not be found.

With plenty of daylight remaining, we continued to Fruitgrower's Reservoir in Delta County. A few Tree Swallows and Cliff Swallows flew around Fruitgrower's Reservoir. The only shorebirds were Greater Yellowlegs. All three teal swam around the shallows north of the reservoir.

As we left Fruitgrower's Reservoir, we stopped at Evelyn Horn's home below the dam. One Lewis's Woodpecker was perched on a telephone pole two houses west of her home!

Back on the Grand Mesa, we watched Dark-eyed Juncos and Gray Jays grabbing seed at a platform feeder in front of the Grand Mesa Lodge. No White-winged Crossbills were flying around the Visitor's Center.

After dark, we stopped at the various pullovers along Highway 65 between the Visitor's Center and Spruce Grove Campgrounds. Two Boreal Owls were heard along the drive; however, none was enticed toward the road (they were quite far out into the woods).

April 7
Our day started with a drive around the subdivision just outside of the southern (eastern entrance) to the Colorado National Monument (Mesa County). Gambel's Quail number over 10 birds!

Few birds moved around the Colorado National Monument until we reached the Campgrounds. Here 30 Pinyon Jays were observed in the picnic area. White-throated Swifts flew off the Campgrounds overlook.

Leaving the Colorado National Monument at the northern (western) entrance, we drove to McInnes Wildlife Area (Mack exit) and spent several hours searching for Chukar; without success.

Half a dozen Juniper Titmouse and a Black-throated Sparrow were up the road where 3 Chukar had been seen the day before. This short road is just east of the first road heading over the hills to the south.

After lunch, we spent other 2 hours searching for Chukar up Escalante Canyon (Delta). Then another couple of hours at a Delta sight; without success.

We arrived at the Colorado National Monument (Montrose) with enough time to hike to the overlook at the western end of the south rim drive.

On the way to the west end, we found a Dusky Grouse along the south rim drive at 50 feet west of the Visitor's Center.

The hike to the overlook did not find a Northern Pygmy-Owl. However, I had forgotten to lock the car and had to hike back 600 yards to do so. This proved fortunate as a Northern Pygmy-Owl was heard just east of the parking area. Three Dusky Grouse walked out on the road and displayed. They did not attract any females.

The highlight of the trip was a Common Poorwill on the road out of the Park. It eventually flew across our headlights (perhaps 10 feet from the front of the car) giving us great looks!

April 8
Our birding day started at the Waunita Hot Springs Lek outside of Gunnison (Gunnison County). Twenty two Gunnison Sage-Grouse (about 1/3 females) visited the lek.

We then headed to Elkhart, Kansas to see Lesser Prairie-Chickens the next day.

A stop at Lake Cheraw (Otero) found a Baird's Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper, 8 Snowy Plover and 4 American Avocets.

We stopped at the rail location on the north side of John Martin Reservoir (Bent). No Black Rails, Virginia Rails, Sora or American Bitterns reacted to our feeble imitations.

The Fort Lyons Easement had a fire several days before. At least another five fires (including someone barn being burnt down) were seen along Highway 50 between John Martin Reservoir and Lamar. Since then much of the area of John Martin Reservoir has succumbed to fires.

Neenoshe Reservoir, Upper Queens Reservoir, Lower Queens Reservoir and Jet Lake had few birds. We continued to Kansas.

April 9
Twenty Lesser Prairie-Chickens danced at the Elkhart leks. Vesper Sparrows seemed to be everywhere. However, no Cassin's Sparrows could be found (they usually are not found until the end of April).

We then had to rush north for a meeting at the Greater Prairie-Chicken Leks north of Wray (Yuma). Here we watched 30+ Greater Prairie-Chickens.

April 10
The night was spent in Greeley and our first stop was the field southeast of Highway 85 and Weld County Road 114. We walked in the rain toward the windmill to the southeast. The hike only lasted to about 1/3 of the way when a Chestnut-collared Longspur in breeding plumage flew up from the wet grasses. Half a dozen times, it flew up and performed its mating flight, fluttering back to the ground while singing. No females were found.

As we rushed to my favorite Mountain Plover loop, we saw a Golden Eagle, Loggerhead Shrike, American Kestrels, and Red-tailed Hawks.

As we drove along the dirt track road leading north from Weld County Roads 94 and 63, two Mountain Plover and many McCown's Longspurs were observed. Another Mountain Plover was found in the new burn area along CR 96.

We skipped further exploration and decided give Loveland Pass another try. This turned out not a good decision. When we arrived at Highway 70 and Highway 9, it was snowing rapidly.

I skidded off the road three times on the way up to Loveland Pass' summit (wondering the whole time how the drive back down was going to be like). It was not fun. Upon arrival at the top, we found visibility to be almost zero; there was not chance of seeing a Ptarmigan.

On the way to the airport, we took the northern route off I76. The Great Horned Owl and her two white fluffy young stood on the nest along I76.

A few Great-tailed Grackles were around the Picadilly Tree Nursery feedlot. Winds were measured at 28 mph with gusts to 36. No Burrowing Owls or Ferruginous Hawks were out along the DIA Owl Loop.

Another White-tailed Ptarmigan Search

April 4, 2011

Richard Stevens:

Mary Cullen, her husband Joe and I headed to Loveland Pass to search for White-tailed Ptarmigan. We found 2-4 White-tailed Ptarmigan. This was in spite of heavy snowfall. They were observed on the east side of highway 9 from the first pullover on the west side of highway 9, south of the Loveland Pass summit.

On the way back to Denver, we stopped at Red Rocks Park (Jefferson). The Curve-billed Thrasher, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Harris's Sparrow and 2 White-throated Sparrows all put in an appearance.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Birding In Douglas County

April 2, 2011

Richard Stevens:

Jerry Petrosky and I returned to the McLain Gravel Pit south of Franktown hoping to get better photos of the strange duck that I found yesterday. It was once again too far away for great photos. The pair of Barrow's Goldeneyes was again near the north end of the pit.

We missed Eastern Bluebirds along Castlewood Canyon Road south of the State Park. Both Western Bluebirds and Mountain Bluebird were found. No Turkey Vultures have turned up yet.

It took about 20 minutes before a male American Three-toed Woodpecker was relocated at the northeast corner of Highway 67 and Rampart Range Road. We did not have success in locating any Northern Pygmy-Owls at previous locations. It was not the best time of day to find them.

We hiked to Cheesman Reservoir by way of Cheesman Canyon Trail. Three American Three-toed Woodpeckers were found along the way. All three nuthatches and several Townsend's Solitaires were also found.

The last two hours of daylight were passed walking the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt Trail from Prospect Park to a mile northwest of I70. No Rusty Blackbirds this trip, we also missed the Barrow's Goldeneye(s) at Bass Lake.

A White-throated Sparrow is visiting a friend's home on the south side of Clear Creek! At dusk, we found an Eastern Screech-Owl!

Davenport on Grouse Trips 4/2

It has been decided that instead of waiting a week for a grouse trip to finish and getting reports, I will transcribe telephone reports of current grouse trips. I will do my best. Amy Davenport

April 2, 2011

The CoBus grouse trip started their day at the Colorado National Monument in Mesa County. Gambel's Quail were found in the subdivision outside of the eastern (southern) entrance to the park.

They could not find any Black-throated Sparrows at the eastern entrance. Pinyon Jays flew around the Campgrounds.

A Sage Sparrow was found along Mesa County Road 4 at approximately 7.7 miles north of County Road S.

They relocated the Black Phoebe east of Pinnacle Rock in Escalante Canyon in Delta County. A Western Screech-Owl was located also.

Sandhill Cranes, Greater Yellowlegs, Yellow-headed Blackbirds and Tree Swallows were reported at Fruitgrower's Reservoir in Delta County.

They ended their birding day at Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park in Montrose County. Two Dusky Grouse were seen along the south rim drive. Note: The south rim drive is now open to its west terminal.

Davenport on Grouse Trips 4/1

It has been decided that instead of waiting a week for a grouse trip to finish and getting reports, I will transcribe telephone reports of current grouse trips. I will do my best. Amy Davenport

April 1, 2011

The CoBus grouse trip started their day at the 20 Road Leks outside of Hayden in Routt County. They counted nine Sharp-tailed Grouse coming to the hills just west of the 20 Road (also called 27 Road on some maps). In past years, Greater Sage-Grouse have sometimes been found on the east side of 20 Road, however, none today.

They searched the Oxbow Wildlife Area in Moffat County for Sage Sparrows and Sage Thrashers. Neither were seen. Sometimes Pinyon Jays fly over the evergreens but not today. They did see a flock of 11 Pinyon Jays about two miles east of the Wildlife Area.

No Peregrine Falcons or Great-tailed Grackles were around the Rifle Rest Stop in Garfield County today.

They walked around Cameo (Coal Canyon) in Mesa County for about 2 hours. No Chukar could be found.

Powderhorn Ski Area was quiet also. No American Three-toed Woodpeckers or Northern Pygmy-Owls today.

After dark, they finally found a target bird. Two Boreal Owls were seen at the second pullover south of the Spruce Grove Campgrounds.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Cherry Creek Reservoir and McLain Gravel Pit

April 1, 2011

Richard Stevens:

I just could not stay home and get my chores done on this spectacular day. Instead I went over to Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe County). The two 1st cycle Thayer's Gulls (Andrews, 3/26) were on the sandspit near the southwest marina. I did not find the adult Lesser Black-backed Gull today (but did yesterday on the sandspit).

I looked unsuccessfully for the Semipalmated Plover (Tracyd, 3/26) that I did report yesterday off the bird observation platform, Prairie Loop. When I scoped the southeast mudflats from the southeast end of the lake, the Semipalmated Plover was hunkered down along the shoreline there! It was closer to the Prairie Loop than the southeast end of the reservoir. It blended in well with the wet mud. Only when a Killdeer walk by, did it raise up for a while and lay back down.

Still wanting to avoid chores, I drove down to the McLain Gravel Pit (Douglas) south of Franktown. There is a little pullover near the locked and signed gate (not far south of highway 86). First birds seen at the north end of the gravel pit were a male and female Barrow's Goldeneye (Lee, 2/28). I would bet this is the same pair that spent several weeks farther north at the 20 Road Pond in Parker.

While looking over the many Lesser Scaup for a Greater Scaup (none found) I came across an interesting duck. I have no idea what it was. Hopefully the photos I took will come out; however the duck swam rapidly quite a ways toward the south middle of the pit. The duck was noticeable smaller than a Common Goldeneye, but its body looked like a goldeneye. Its head was white until the eye line, than black to the top of its head. When it flicked its wings, I did not see any white on the wings. Its bill appeared thinner and shorter than nearby Common Goldeneye. When it dove several dozen times, it stayed under water at least twice as long as the goldeneyes.

A few Mountain Bluebirds and Western Bluebirds were found south of Castlewood Canyon State Park. No Turkey Vultures were found.

Davenport on Grouse Trips 3/31

It has been decided that instead of waiting a week for a grouse trip to finish and getting reports, I will transcribe telephone reports of current grouse trips. I will do my best. Amy Davenport

March 31, 2011

A CoBus sponsored grouse trip led by Bryan Ehlmann left Denver this morning.

After spending two hours scoping for White-tailed Ptarmigan at Loveland Pass, their final option was to climb the west side trail. After a strenuous 0.6-mile hike up the mountain, they ran into one Ptarmigan!

They relocated the last pair of Barrow's Goldeneyes at the Blue River Water Treatment Plant in Summit County, then continued north.

Seven Rosy Finches, Brown-capped Rosy Finch and one Gray-crowned Rosy Finch, were seen flying around the town of Kremmling in Grand County.

On the way to Steamboat Springs, they found the female American Three-toed Woodpecker on Rabbit Ears Pass, Grand County. She wanders on both sides of the maintenance shed side road.

Sixty+ Bohemian Waxwings were found along the Yampa River about a mile south of the city limits in Routt County.

Their birding day ended with sightings of 9+ Greater Sage Grouse along Jackson County Road 26, west of Highway 14.