Monday, April 16, 2012

A Morning Around Adams County

April 16, 2012

Richard Stevens:

I circled the 8.7 miles around Barr Lake State Park (Adams County) this morning. Something I had not done in awhile because birding on the northwest side (mile markers 4 to 6) is not very productive.

Other than a few Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks and a Swainson's Hawk birds were few and far between. It is still early in the season.

Highlights included a Broad-winged Hawk near mile 2.6. The sighting was unexpected and took awhile to "sink in" my mind. The Hawk flew toward mile 3.0, then turned around, and flew back south.

A Hermit Thrush was near the banding area. Water is high and there was no way to explore the area further.

An Osprey was on the nesting platform near the Pioneer Trail. It was unfortunate that they did not straighten the post when there was no water underneath it. I hope it does not fall down if the Ospreys decide to use it.

On the way to the DIA Owl Loop, I drove through the subdivision of homes at Picadilly Road and 120th avenue. My second Broad-winged Hawk of the day was observed there. It appears they are finally starting to migrate through Colorado!

Burrowing Owls were out at the prairie dog village at 3.4 miles east of Tower Road and 96th avenue. No Lark Buntings yet.

The Harris's Sparrows were under the southern feeders at Star K Ranch Open Space (Morrison Nature Center) when I made a quick 5 minute stop.

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