Continued Breeding Surveys on Western Slope

July 23-26, 2011

Rebecca Kosteon: Breeding surveys on the western slope continue.

July 23, 2011

Ehlmann group: Bryan and Sue drove up Yankee Boy Basin Road, San Miguel Cty. They saw a Black Swift flying overhead twice (two locations). They also found an American Three-toed Woodpecker and Olive-sided Flycatcher. They thought it was a strange place for an Olive-sided Flycatcher.

Petrosky group drove down Cimarron Road, Montrose Cty and continued into Gunnison Cty, Road 858. Reported bird sightings:
Black Swift at Big Green Mountain Falls
Dusky Grouse at Silver Jack Campgrounds
Northern Pygmy-Owl at Ohio Pass

Gary's group: Drove Hancock Pass (many rocks, two snowdrifts to drive) and Alpine Tunnel Trail. Birds scarce. Northern Pygmy-Owl along Alpine Trail.

July 24, 2011

Ehlmann group: They drove up Ophir Pass Road, San Miguel Cty. A Black Swift was seen overhead near the summit. They hiked up toward Columbine Lake (from Silver Mine Road) until their target bird was found (a female and 3 young White-tailed Ptarmigan).

A Northern Pygmy-Owl responded to a recording up the way back down to Highway 145. Black Bear Pass Road was closed due to snow.

Petrosky group: Hiked up to Fish Creek Reservoir, Gunnison Cty today. High winds and rain. One Northern Pygmy-Owl heard during "slow" period in weather. It was not possible to get over Owl Pass.

Gary's group: Highlight today was a White-winged Crossbill along Old Monarch Pass, Chaffee Cty. Black Sage Pass and Tomichi Pass were both open, few birds found.

July 25, 2011

Ehlmann group: Watched Black Swifts at Box Canyon Falls then drove up the Divide Road on the Uncompahgre Plateau, Montrose Cty. Birds observed and confirmed nesting: Lewis's Woodpeckers, American Three-toed Woodpeckers, Williamson's Sapsuckers, Flammulated Owls and Northern Saw-whet Owl. They also heard several Common Poorwills.

Petrosky group: Hiked along Forest Road 858 most of the day. American Three-toed Woodpeckers found at three locations between Big Cimarron Campgrounds and Silver Jack Campgrounds.

Gary's group: relocated American Three-toed Woodpecker on Monarch Pass. Little luck in finding owls either side of pass. High winds, rain hampering search. Northern Pygmy-Owl on Los Pinos Pass, Saguache Cty.

July 26, 2011

Ehlmann group: They continued their Divide Road survey. Flammulated Owl count was up to 14+ birds. A second Northern Saw-whet Owl was found. Another Three-toed Woodpecker also.

Petrosky group: Visited a friend's ranch in Gunnison County. He reported a pair of Long-eared Owls on a nest in June. They were not there today. A bonus, they saw a Yellow-billed Cuckoo carrying a stick. Lost bird in riparian area, not able to determine if nesting.

Ended day at Box Canyon Falls watching Black Swifts.

Gary's group: Highlight: a pair of White-winged Crossbills near the summit of Los Pinos Pass, Saguache Cty. A pair of American Three-toed Woodpeckers at Dome Lakes, Saguache Cty.

Bird Breeding Surveys on the Western Slope

Rebecca Kosten:

We currently have three groups out conducting breeding surveys. Contact is limited as cell phone coverage restricted in the mountains, internet service even more so. I piece together their progress from limited phone calls and text messages.

Progress for all groups has been limited by our huge snowfall this spring. When roads have not been covered with snowdrifts, they have been muddy. All have encountered rain almost everyday. Rain and thunderstorms especially does not help in finding owls.

July 15-20, 2011

Bryan and Sue Ehlmann have spent the last eight weeks wandering around southwest Colorado. We had rented a Cabin near Montrose as a base camp. Others were to join them, however circumstances personal and weather wise have diverted those plans. We have been thankful for their efforts! They plan to narrate their story for August's "Colorado Field Notes".

During this time, they have found Cassin's Sparrows in four counties: Montrose, Gunnison, Montezuma, La Plata and Archuleta. They returned at least two times at each location to search for indications of nesting. All sightings were single singing birds.

They found a Mexican Whip-Poor-will in Archuleta County. They returned three evenings as the bird was only briefly seen once in flight. It was heard all three nights. Their question: how to prove if nesting is or has occurred? Finding a Poorwill nest is extremely difficult.

Misses: Extensive searches for Bendire's Thrashers and additional poorwills has come up unsuccessful. They found at least three Curve-billed Thrasher nests.

July 15, 2011

The Gary's (Weston & Zeeto) departed Denver early Friday morning. They missed White-tailed Ptarmigan on Guanella Pass, Clear Creek County and continued west to Buena Vista, Chaffee Cty.

American Three-toed Woodpeckers were relocated south of Brookdale Avenue and east of North Pleasant Avenue in Buena Vista. Pinyon Jays were found along the road between the Buena Vista Overlook and Ruby Mt. parking area.

After dark, they missed any owls at Ruby Mt but relocated a Northern Saw-whet Owl on the BLM land north of the Buena Vista Overlook.

July 16, 2011

The Garys spent the day and early evening birding on Marshall Pass, Gunnison Cty. High winds and rain encountered and caused muddy roads. An American Three-toed Woodpecker and Flammulated Owl were found near the summit.

July 17, 2011

Jerry Petrosky and Richard Stevens searched unsuccessfully for White-tailed Ptarmigan on Loveland Pass then continued to Montezuma, Colorado.

Owling started late as they waited for afternoon rains to stop. No owls were found along the first two miles of the Argentine Pass Trail.

A Northern Pygmy-Owl was heard between the parking lot and the fork of the two trails. A Flammulated Owl was seen up the Hunkidori Trail. They continued to above treeline. No Boreal Owls were located.

Garys Weston and Zeeto
The Gary's found 3 Gunnison Sage-Grouse near the intersection of Gunnison CR 38 & 38A.

July 18, 2011

Jerry Petrosky and Richard Stevens drove to the upper parking lot for the Spruce Creek Trail. Instead of taking the main trail, they detoured south and then west up the mountain. An American Three-toed Woodpecker and Northern Pygmy-Owl were found within 400 to 900 yards from their car.

This is one of Richard's favorite trails. Waterfalls, lakes and wild flowers are abundant. Misses included White-tailed Ptarmigan and Boreal Owls. Hermit Thrushes, Fox Sparrows and Brewer's Sparrows were consolations. They recorded the singing Brewer's Sparrows which may have been "Timberline" Brewer's Sparrows.

The Garys found a Least Flycatcher up the Neversink Trail. Along Gunnison CR 26, north of highway 149, they encountered an American Three-toed Woodpecker and Williamson's Sapsucker. Rain limited owling.

July 19, 2011

Jerry Petrosky and Richard Stevens hiked up to the A.M. Bailey Bird Sanctuary, Summit Cty. An American Three-toed Woodpecker was east of the trail about 1/3 up the trail.

A Williamson's Sapsucker and Red-naped Sapsucker were in the small Aspen Grove at the sanctuary. Fox Sparrows, Wilson's Warblers, Willow Flycatchers and White-crowned Sparrows also seen.

The Garys found a Common Loon at Blue Mesa Reservoir. An interesting Gull was too far away to identify. By the time they circled around to the south side of the reservoir, the Gull was gone. They postulated that it was a Little Gull, but did not record as such.

Taylor Park Reservoir had a few Common Goldeneyes, no Barrow's. An American Three-toed Woodpecker and 4 Band-tailed Pigeons were found at the Lake View Campgrounds.

July 20, 2011

Jerry Petrosky and Richard Stevens saw 2 Black Swifts high over the canyon on their hike to Hanging Lake, Garfield Cty. They searched unsuccessfully for Purple Martins at the Sunlight Ski area and the Transfer Trail.

The Garys found a White-tailed Ptarmigan at Cumberland Pass, Gunnison Cty. Rains extremely limited their birding and owling today.

July 21, 2011

Bryan and Sue Ehlmann headed north from their southern birding. They spent the night in Telluride and found Black Swifts early in the morning at Bridal Veil Falls, San Miguel Cty.

Later they were rewarded by sighting a pair of White-winged Crossbills at Lizard Head Pass, Dolores Cty.

Jerry Petrosky and Richard Stevens enjoyed a great day of birding south of Glenwood Springs.

While searching for Purple Martins at an old nesting location below McClure Pass, they found a Chestnut-sided Warbler in the area and road below the first guard rail north of McClure Pass, Pitkin Cty.

They continued toward Marble and stopped at Prospect Ranch. Twenty plus Band-tailed Pigeons were in trees above the cabins. A Purple Martin was seen flying around the open field (airplane field).

They continued to Marble and decided not to drive up Schofield Pass. Rumors that the water crossing at Devil's Punchbowls was 3 feet deep. Instead returning to Prospect Ranch they climb part way up the waterfalls and found a Black Swift (nest).

While walking up Old Kebler Pass road, they found a Dusky Grouse south of the cattle guard. Later a Northern Pygmy-Owl was found between the road and the McClure Pass Campgrounds.

The Garys drove up Cumberland Pass Road, Gunnison Cty today. A long hike found a White-tailed Ptarmigan at the summit. After dusk, they found Northern Pygmy-Owls at Tincup and Mirror Lake.

July 22, 2011

Bryan and Sue Ehlmann: They hiked the Alta Trail today. It's a strenuous hike but they were well rewarded. Birds recorded: American Three-toed Woodpecker, Northern Pygmy-Owl and Boreal Owls. Owls responded well to recordings.

Jerry Petrosky and Richard Stevens drove up Kebler Pass, Gunnison Cty today. Hikes added an American Three-toed Woodpecker Dusky Grouse, near the old cemetery to their trip list. High winds, rain ruined most of their day. Schofield Pass could not be reached from Crested Butte.

Garys: Drove Tincup Pass Road, Gunnison Cty today. Many rocks, not possible without high clearance vehicle. Rufous Hummingbirds and two Calliope Hummingbirds found in town. Northern Pygmy-Owl responded to a tape at dusk. Owling hampered by rains.

Rescue in Park County

July 15, 2011

Richard Stevens:

It was a bad day for several of my birding friends. Jacob Washburn and Ray Simmons aborted their attempt to walk the Colorado Trail. I went up to Michigan Creek Road west of Jefferson and picked them up this morning. They had walked 78 miles of the trail in six days. Our wet summer got to be too much. It rained almost constantly during their trek.


We stopped at the American Three-toed Woodpecker site along Michigan Creek Road (see CoBus website) and did relocate the male about 20 yards south of Michigan Creek Road (a.k.a. Georgia Pass). When it started pouring, we abandoned hopes for any owling after dark. I took a couple of very wet and muddy birders back to Denver.

A Trip Up to Weld County

July 14, 2011

Richard Stevens:

Helen Gelon, Ana Wells and I went up to Pawnee National Grasslands area early to beat the predicted thunderstorms.

Two Chestnut-collared Longspurs were relocated at the field southeast of Highway 85 and Weld County Road 114.

On the drive to Pawnee National Grasslands birds observed included: Ferruginous Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Golden Eagle, Lark Buntings, Blue Grosbeaks, Loggerhead Shrikes, Brewer's, Lark, Vesper, Song, White-crowned, a few Cassin's and a Clay-colored Sparrows.

No Dickcissels were found at the previously reported locations.

We found one Mountain Plover at the dirt track that runs north from County Roads 94 & 63. McCown's Longspurs were easy to spot.

A quick stop to see the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron at Glenmere Park in Greeley and we continued to Lower Latham Reservoir. An American Bittern was right along the side of CR 48 where the many cattails grow.

A Marbled Godwit was at Beebe Draw Ponds.

I then hurried them to DIA. Afterwards, I walked quickly (many mosquitoes) at Barr Lake from the Boat Ramp to the Pioneer Trail and back. Again, I did not find the Gray-cheeked Thrush. No uncommon birds were found only the birds spending the summer. There is no sign of fall migration yet.

Foothills Birding in Jefferson & Park Counties

July 13, 2011

Richard Stevens:

Helen Gelon, Ana Wells and I arrived at Reynolds Park (Jefferson County) approximately an hour before sunrise. A Common Poorwill responded to my recording played at the parking area.

We walked the Songbird trail from the eastern parking area to the western lot, however found no Northern Pygmy-Owls.

Then we made the long hike up the Oxen Draw Trail to Eagle's View to Raven's Roost back to our car. Fortune was with us. We came up an American Three-toed Woodpecker just southeast of the Oxen Draw and Eagle's View trails. The intersection is one of the three places I hope to find a Dusky Grouse; however none today. (The other two being the Eagle's View clearing and 400 yards south of the Old Service Road).

Our trek continued up to the clearing at the top of Eagle's View. It provides a good view of the mountains to the south! A Dusky Grouse was heard booming just to the west of the clearing! It took some sneaking around and finally we got a view of the furtive bird!

On the trip back down the Raven's Roost trail, we saw "phantoms" of another Dusky Grouse crossing the trail (perhaps 600 yards south of the Old Service Road).

A male Williamson's Sapsucker called about 200 yards north of the old service road. A second American Three-toed Woodpecker was heard drumming (never seen) about 100 yards south of the old service road.

The woods were quite birdy. We found the expected 3 species of nuthatches, Pine Siskins, Mountain Chickadees, and 5 Red Crossbills.

No Townsend's Solitaires were found. Where have they gone? I have searched during 4 recent trips in Jefferson County and not been able to find any.

The plan had been to hang around Jefferson and Park County until dark and continue our owling. Severe approaching thunderstorms changed our minds.

Before heading back to Denver, we did hike Old Kenosha Pass road to the Twin Cone Peaks trail. Several Broad-tailed Hummingbirds, Wilson's Warblers, a pair of Red-naped Sapsuckers and a male Williamson's Sapsucker were observed. The sapsuckers were in the Aspen grove where the trail turns from south to east.

An unidentified thrush was encountered at the Campgrounds. It was not seen long enough to tell whether it was a Hermit or Swainson's. Although it was not a Veery.

I stopped briefly at Barr Lake (Adams) on the way home. The Gray-cheeked Thrush reported yesterday by Wolback could not be found. There are high weeds/brush in the area; the thrush could still be there. Thunder and lightning were not the best conditions in which to search.

Return to Mt Evans and a Trip to Boulder

July 12, 2011

Richard Stevens:

Helen Gelon, Ana Wells and I were at Mt Evans Byway at first light. We hoped to be the first car up to the top; we ended up second car. The goal is to find Ptarmigan before they are chased far from the road by cars and people.

No White-tailed Ptarmigan were found along the drive to the top or at the top of the mountain. This forced us to walk the field east of the first pullover north of the entrance to Summit Lake's parking area. As luck would have it, within 15 minutes we found 2 White-tailed Ptarmigan approximately 300 yards east of the road.

The hike along the north side of Summit Lake did not find any Rosy Finches. We sat down at the northwest corner. It took about an hour and 10 minutes; eventually a pair of Brown-capped Rosy Finches flew to the hillside above us!

A walk around Echo Lake Campgrounds did not find any American Three-toed Woodpeckers today. Broad-tailed Hummingbirds and a Rufous Hummingbird visited the feeders at Echo Lake Lodge. A Calliope Hummingbird would have been nice, but not today.

Lincoln's Sparrows wandered around the west side of Echo Lake. A Green-tailed Towhee was south of the building. American Three-toed Woodpeckers were missed along the western trail. As a consolation, a pair of Pine Grosbeaks stopped under the telephone wires. Great contrast between the red male and greenish female.

On the trip back to Denver and Red Rocks Park, we stopped at Genesee Mountain Park (Jefferson). A pair of Williamson's Sapsuckers was found near the snag and flagpole at the top.

Red Rocks Park added a few Western Scrub-Jays, Dark-eyed Juncos and a Lazuli Bunting to our trip list.

After dropping the birders off, Rebecca Kosten and I went for an early dinner. The storms had stopped for a while by 6:00 pm and we decided to go for a drive up to Boulder.

When we arrived at the Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks office off Cherryvale Road, all that was found was many mosquitoes. I tried to scan the fields to the east for Bobolink; however, the mosquitoes won and made the decision to leave a priority.

Just before leaving, we decided to walk to the back of the buildings. A loose flock of House Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows and one Canyon Towhee was on the gravel road. The Canyon Towhee eventually went into the parking area with all the trucks. It later flew over the buildings where I (Rebecca ran for shelter in the car) relocated the towhee north of the horse corrals.

As far as I can determine, this is only the second Canyon Towhee record for Boulder County. Thanks to Ryan Prioreschi for finding the bird!

Weather was still pleasant at 7:30 pm and we drove over to the Teller Farms parking area off Valmont. Where I could not convince Rebecca to leave the car (later could did not blame her as mosquitoes were horrific).

A speedy walk down to the canal ditch relocated the Dickcissel reported by Jack Harlan about a week earlier. I quickly scan the fields to the west and found at least one male Bobolink, then hurried back to the car for respite from the mosquitoes.

By the time, we came back to Denver, rainstorms with much lightning had returned also.

A Visit to Genesee Mountain Park

July 11, 2011

Richard Stevens:

Three of us went back to Genesee Mountain Park (Jefferson County) to check on the two Williamson's Sapsucker nests discovered a few weeks ago. One of the nests still had the male and female birds feeding at least two young. There was no activity at the other nest.

The first pair of Williamson's Sapsuckers did wander around the flagpole at the top of the park. The second or possibly a third male Williamson's Sapsucker was seen around the group picnic area.

Other birds encountered included: 1 Clark's Nutcracker, 4 Red Crossbills, three species of Nuthatches, Mountain Chickadees and several flocks of Pine Siskins.

Trip To Northeastern Colorado

July 10, 2011

Richard Stevens:

Roger Danka and I sat on a hill overlooking the southern sections of Tamarack Ranch Wildlife Area (Logan) about an hour before sunrise. After a stormy night, the early morning was calm; a crisp clear smell was in the air.

We enjoyed the serene nature of the scene. Unfortunately, no Short-eared Owls appeared this morning. We scoped the hillside and valley below us; no Greater Prairie-Chickens walked around in our view.

After dropping Roger off, I briefly circled Sedgwick County this morning. A couple of Cassin's Sparrows were found along CR 61 & 32. Two Dickcissels were seen along CR 32.

In Phillips County, a Mountain Plover was wandering the field near County Road 61 and CR 26. Holyoke Fishing Unit added a singing Bell's Vireo to my trip list. I missed the Marbled Godwit at County Road 2, west of highway 287. A Snowy Plover was there as a consolation prize.

I continued south to Wray to say "Hi" to a couple of friends. Northern Cardinals were found at two yards. The pair of Fox Sparrows that spent the spring at private yard # 1 disappeared about a week ago.

Another male Northern Cardinal was observed in the windbreak at the Wray Fishing Unit. No uncommon sparrows appeared at Sandsage Wildlife Area.

From Wray I turned west and stopped at Brush Wildlife Area (Morgan). I relocated the male Red-bellied Woodpecker but struck out on the Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Eastern Screech-Owl (not the best time of day to search for that one).

Dropping down south, I gave Last Chance Rest Stop (Washington) an opportunity to provide some interesting birds. Regrettably, it was quiet; there were only a Western Wood-pewee and a Brown Thrasher moving about.

I continued south to Limon, which has never been a great birding place for me. Perhaps I just do not know where to search.

The Crested Caracara had not been seen in a couple of days, so I scratched the idea to head down to John Martin Reservoir and instead drove back east to Flagler Reservoir (Kit Carson).

I wandered around for about 2 hours, not really seeing many birds. Finally, I did get a Yellow-billed Cuckoo to respond to my recordings! At least something to write about! No Short-eared Owls came out at dusk and my journey turned toward home.

Finally Northern Owling Trip of Summer

Rebecca Kosten: I do not have a Google account and am using Richard Stevens'.

July 9, 2011

As a last owling trip to northern Colorado for the summer, four of us spent the night on Pennock Pass. We located nine Flammulated Owls, 3 nests for sure.

At daybreak, we relocated the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Weld County Road 100. Then Jerry and I returned to Denver while Richard took Roger back to Julesburg.

On their way to the northeast, Richard and Roger drove the Mountain Plover Loop, Weld County. They found two Mountain Plovers along the dirt road leading north from CR 94 and CR 63. McCown's Longspurs and Brewer's Sparrows were easy to find along CR 96. Burrowing Owls were are CR 90 and CR 51.

They searched for cuckoos at Pioneer and Overland Parks in Sterling. One Yellow-billed Cuckoo was found at Overland.

Dickcissels were found just outside of North Sterling State Park. Two were at CR 46 and CR 37.

They stopped at Tamarack Ranch Wildlife Area, Logan County and relocated: Eastern Towhee (section 1 West), Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1-2 West), Bell's Vireo (1 West), and Red-bellied Woodpeckers (1 West and 1 & 2 East). They returned later to hear an Eastern Screech-Owl at 6-7 East.

At dusk, they searched for Short-eared Owls at Sedgwick Draw. None was found. After dark, they found Eastern Screech-Owls at 1. the woodlot across from Sedgwick Draw; 2. the north side of Jumbo Reservoir; 3. Roger's ranch where there has been a nesting pair for years.

They also heard a Long-eared Owl on the west side of CR 95, the northwest corner of Jumbo Reservoir.

Bird Breeding Surveys

Rebecca Kosten: I do not have a Google account and am using Richard Stevens'.

June 27 to July 8, 2011

After two weeks, the owl count in North Park is finally finished. The tremendous amount of snow this spring still has a couple of passes and roads closed. Richard Stevens has waypoints on 15 Boreal Owls. Two active nests found for sure. The effort involved snow shoeing for miles. On two occasions, Richard and Jerry had to stay out all night, too tired to return in 4.5 miles of snow. It snows briefly in most afternoons. However, this is not adding to the snow pack.

Bryan and Sue Ehlmann have spent the last month in southwest Colorado. They are conducting bird-breeding surveys and found a couple of new county breeding records. Some of their sightings have included Cassin’s Sparrows in four counties, Yellow-billed Cuckoos in two counties and a Mexican Whip-Poor-will, heard only. They plan to write up their account in a future “Colorado Field Notes”.

Jacob Washburn and Ray Simmons started yesterday on their attempt to hike the whole 469 miles of the Colorado Trail. They found Ovenbirds yesterday at the start, Roxborough State Park.

Normally, the start would be easier; however, Waterton Canyon is closed until the end of the year. They had to go by way of Carpenter Peak trail in Roxborough State Park. Plans are to re-supply them at several junctions along their route. As far as we know, no birders have accomplished the feat. Best of luck!

La Plata, Sedgwick/Logan and Jefferson County Updates

July 2, 2011

Amy Davenport:

La Plata County
Bryan and Sue Ehlmann found a Virginia's Warbler at the Junction Creek Campgrounds. They ran into the "Mesa Verde" couple who had found a Flammulated Owl last night. Additional searching to come tonight.

Sedgwick and Logan Counties
Jacob Washburn and Ray Simmons searched unsuccessfully for the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron seen a few weeks ago at Jumbo Reservoir.. An Eastern Screech-Owl called again at sunrise along the north side. Several Dickcissels were heard also. Two Common Loons remain on the reservoir.

Birds still found a Tamarack Ranch Wildlife Area: Northern Cardinals, Field Sparrows, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Bell's Vireos, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Eastern Bluebirds and Eastern Screech-Owl.

They stood near the southern section of Tamarack Ranch Wildlife Area at sunset. No Greater Prairie-Chickens, Sharp-tailed Grouse or Short-eared Owls were found.

Jefferson County
Richard Stevens drove down from Gould, Jackson County and met Suzie Weverka and Amy Davenport. We continued south to Bailey where we visited Richard's friend. For the fourth time in eleven years, a Magnificent Hummingbird has shown up at the mountain feeders. It has been around since 6/28. Will keep cobirders posted on its visitation. The landowner prefers to not have unknown visitors.

Richard later stopped by Lair 'O Bear Park and found the Prairie Warbler reported to have been at the western end of the park for almost a month.

Richard picked up Roger Danka and Terry Michaels and they went back toward Jackson County on owling surveys.

La Plata, Sedgwick and Jackson County Updates

July 1, 2011

Amy Davenport:

La Plata County
Bryan and Sue Ehlmann relocated a Williamson's Sapsucker family at Haviland Lake Wildlife Area. They relocated two Acorn Woodpeckers at Wildcat Canyon, and then drove up Junction Creek Road.

They found a Townsend's Warbler and Grace's Warbler at the Junction Creek Campgrounds. A Northern Saw-whet Owl was heard not far from the Campgrounds. A second Northern Saw-whet Owl was heard farther up the road from the Campgrounds.

Sedgwick County
Jacob Washburn and Ray Simmons continued their northeastern bird counts. They found a Great Crested Flycatcher at the Julesburg Wayside Rest Stop. No way to know if it was the one found on 5/31/2011.

A White-throated Sparrow was on the southwest hillside at DePoorter Lake. A Dickcissel was at Highway 138 and County Road 15.

An Eastern Screech-Owl was found on private land.

Jackson County
Stevens and Petrosky ended up with 11 Boreal Owls over three nights. One nest box had a female and one young. Another nest box had two destroyed eggs. None of the nests was located within 3 miles of a paved road.

Sedgwick, Montezuma and La Plata Counties

June 30, 2011

Amy Davenport:

Slim reports today.

Sedgwick County
Jacob Washburn and Ray Simmons relocated a Field Sparrow along the eastern side of Sand Draw Wildlife Area.

On private land, they found two Eastern Screech-Owls, an eastern Fox Sparrow and a pair of Long-eared Owls. All had been reported previously.

Montezuma & La Plata Counties
Bryan and Sue Ehlmann searched for Black-chinned Sparrows and other uncommon birds near the New Mexico border; without success. A visit to Mesa Verde National Monument was uneventful (their words). Another birding couple reported a Long-eared Owl; however, the Ehlmanns were not able to relocate it.

Jackson County
Stevens & Petrosky decided to stay out a third night.