Monday, May 16, 2011

Grouse Trip Day 8

May 14, 2011

Richard Stevens:

Our day started out at North Sterling Reservoir (Logan). Birding was slow. We could not find any of the Dickcissels that nest in the area (however, it could be too early in the year).

A Red-eyed Vireo was at the picnic area at the northeast corner of the park. A strange Gull caught our attention. We did not get long enough looks to positively identify as a Laughing Gull (could have been).

We ran into a birder who reported seeing two Purple Martins at Overland Park. We stopped but could not find any Purple Martins. The park was once known for both nesting Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoos; we found neither. It maybe too early for them to appear this far North?

We continued to Pawnee National Grasslands (Weld). Two Mountain Plover were found along the dirt track leading north from Weld County Roads 94 and 63. McCown's Longspurs and a few Lark Buntings were along the Mountain Plover Loop (listed on the CoBus website: http://coloradobirdingsociety.net16.net)

We had to drive up to Highway 85 and Weld County Road 114 to find a Chestnut-collared Longspur. Fortunately, it only took ten minutes to find one performing his "mating flight".

We then had to rush Jean to the airport!

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