May 4-10, 2012
Richard Stevens:
May 4
My last grouse trip of 2012 started with clear skies and mild winds. Roger & Jean Staples from the UK and I headed to the mountains. The interesting construct of this trip was that it was their first visit to the United States. Many of the birds we will see will be lifebirds for them! That was exciting for them and for me (many of their target birds would be easy to find)!
Our first stop was Lowell Ponds Wildlife Area (Adams County). The male American Dipper was "standing guard" outside of the nest. The female and several young could be seen inside the nesting cavity.
On the way to Loveland Pass, we stopped at Genesee Mountain Park (Jefferson). We heard a Williamson's Sapsucker at the group picnic area. However being unable to see the bird, we made a leisure hike to the top of the park (Mountain).
A male Williamson's Sapsucker was drumming on his favorite tree just below and north of the flagpole. Another male flew in to "challenge" for the territory. Eventually, a female Williamson's Sapsucker flew through perhaps to survey the commotion?
We saw White-breasted Nuthatches, a small flock of Pygmy Nuthatches, American Crows, Common Ravens, and a few Pine Siskins.
Several hours were spent on Loveland Pass (Clear Creek). I was surprised by the lack of snow. Our record high temperatures had taken its toll on the snow pack. No White-tailed Ptarmigan were found. It is much easier to find them when searching and following their tracks in the snow.
A few American Pipits flew about the tundra. Many American Robins searched around for food.
No Rosy Finches could be found in Silverthorne (Summit). Clark's Nutcrackers, Band-tailed Pigeons, Downy Woodpeckers, Hairy Woodpeckers, many Pine Siskins and Mountain Chickadees were nice to see. However, they were not a substitute for our target birds (Rosy Finches).
Before the trip, I had looked online for any Rosy Finch sightings within 100 miles of Colorado borders (New Mexico, Wyoming & Utah). It appeared that no one was finding Rosy Finches in the warm weather. Access to nesting sites higher in the Colorado Mountains were hampered by snow blocked roads. In several cases, fallen trees needed to cleared before anyone was driving up the roads.
No Barrow's Goldeneyes were found at the Blue River Water Treatment Plant (Summit) or Windy Gap Reservoir (Grand) and our trip continued to the Colorado State Forest Visitor's Center (Jackson).
A male Pine Grosbeak, Pine Siskins, Red-winged Blackbirds and Mountain Chickadees, regulars came to the feeders behind the building. Several male Broad-tailed Hummingbirds stopped by for a drink of sugar water.
The highlight was a 10 minute visit by a White-throated Sparrow that has been here for several months.
We still had several hours before having to be at the Greater Sage-Grouse Leks and we detoured to Walden Reservoir (Jackson).
A lone Willet walked along the northern shore. A Bonaparte's Gull was picked out of several dozen Franklin's Gulls. A small flock of small terns appeared to be only Forster's Terns. Many American White Pelicans and ducks (including Redheads, Canvasbacks, Buffleheads, Lesser Scaups, and more common) swam around the lake. At least two Greater Scaup continued from the eight observed last week.
Finally, we parked at the Jackson County Road 26b Lek. The sun started to set and no grouse appeared. I always wonder if they will show (in spite of never missing them in 129 previous spring visits). Shortly after sunset, they started to come out of the sage. Thirty seven males and several female looking birds finally put on quite a show for us! A nice ending to our first day!
May 5
Grouse trips required early risings and late bed times. An hour before sunset, we drove the 80 Route Road (Routt) in search of grouse. The male Dusky Grouse that "hangs out" at the second cattle guard did not disappoint. He was out looking around for a female. Light was still too low for photos, however, all got a great look from 20 feet away.
While parked here, we could here many Greater Sage-Grouse off in the distance.
We continued to the entrance to the Jimmy Dunn State Trust Lands and waited for our target. Eventually twelve+ Sharp-tailed Grouse appeared and performed their version of "let's find some females".
Unlike the Greater Sage-Grouse with their elaborate displays and dances, Sharp-tailed Grouse run through the sage like mice. They stick their heads up and look around for their "prey". When not finding any, they duck back down and again scurry through the sage. Every now and then, they stick their tails up and shake them like rattle snakes. It is quite a humorous sight. However, as long as the female like it, that is all the matters.
While waiting for the Sharp-tailed Grouse to "wake up", several Sandhill Cranes flew over our heads. Vesper Sparrows sang from the sage and fence posts, filling the airwaves with delightful sounds to announce the start of another beautiful day in the rolling hills of North Park.
A drive 17 miles west of Maybell, Colorado (Moffat), 30 miles west of Craig, provides a good chance to find one of Colorado birders nemesis birds. While Sage Sparrows are not uncommon spring through fall, they are sulky birds and difficult to find.
A flooded field just west of Maybell was a great stop. Ninety six White-faced Ibis fed in the field. I was able to pick out an adult Glossy Ibis with its bright blue facial skin.
Jean Staples pointed out a Dickcissel not far from a flock of four Long-billed Dowitchers we tried to "turn into" Short-billed Dowitchers (not to be). Yellow-headed Blackbirds screamed their raucous wails from the willows.
Several years ago, I found that Oxbow S.T.L. was one of the better locations to search. It took us an hour; we finally found several singing atop the rabbit brush. Sage Thrashers on the other hand were quite numerous. More than a dozen were heard singing and observed in the rabbit brush.
Several Brewer's Sparrows also made an appearance. Pinyon Jays were heard off in the distance. A couple flyovers gave us a glimpse of this fine-looking blue bird.
Our trip back tracked to Craig and headed south to Rifle. A stop at Perch Pond (Moffat) found a few Common Mergansers, American Coots and White-cheeked Geese.
A pair of Great-tailed Grackles wandered around the picnic area at the Rifle Rest Stop (Garfield).
My agonizing drought of 58 hours (over 9 days) of unsuccessful Chukar searches ended last week in Coal Canyon (Mesa). Roger continued the successful streak to two in a row by finding another within 15 minutes hiking at the second gate (horse trailer parking area).
Black-throated Sparrows were numerous here and added their musical song to the airwaves. Rock Wrens, Vesper Sparrows and Brewer's Sparrows also sang away.
We opted to skip a Boreal Owl search and the jet-lagged birders retired early.
May 6
No leks to visit this morning, birders manage to get a couple of hours of extra sleep (six instead of the usual four).
Shortly after sunrise, we drove around the subdivision of homes outside of the eastern (southern) entrance to the Colorado National Monument (Mesa). Gambel's Quail could be heard everywhere. Several allowed us superb opportunities for photographs.
Our first stop inside the Monument was fantastic. Within a short 400 meter hike at Devil's Kitchen trail, we saw two Black-chinned Sparrows! Several Gray Vireos sang from the junipers. An Ash-throated Flycatcher joined the Vireos and woke up the morning with their songs.
Across the road at the Devil's Kitchen picnic area, both Rock Wrens and Canyon Wrens were singing. Another Ash-throated Flycatcher came by. A male Black-chinned Hummingbird surveyed the area from top of a juniper tree.
I stopped at two of the pullovers along the 22 mile drive through the canyon. The Colorado National Monument drive is always worth the time at least once in a lifetime. Views are spectacular, however, back to birding.
Only one Pinyon Jay was found at the Campgrounds. However, he provided good photograph opportunities. Half a dozen Juniper Titmice chattered among the junipers. White-throated Swifts "zoomed" below the overlook. It appeared to be too early for any Black-throated Gray Warblers to arrive in the Campgrounds (nest here each late spring).
After leaving the Monument, we stopped at Connected Lakes State Park (Mesa). The resident Western Screech-Owl was not out of his hole this morning. A Great Horned Owl with two young were using a make shift nest (basket put up by rangers) just outside of the entrance.
An hour walk around the park did not find a Western Screech-Owl. However, a singing Plumbeous Vireo was found and photographed.
Escalante Canyon was skipped (another Chukar location) and we headed to Fruitgrower's Reservoir (Delta).
At least three Willets were observed. Two were rather clamorous; they performed their mating flight over our heads for what we suspected was a female. Interesting at first, after an hour, it became irritating.
No Clark's Grebes were recognized among the dozens of Western Grebes. Several of the grebes performed their mating dance (running across the water). All three teal (Cinnamon, Blue-winged & Green-winged) were in the swallows north of the reservoir.
A highlight was the landing of two Whimbrel in the same shallows. One Sandhill Crane vanished into the clouds overhead.
Two Lewis's Woodpeckers flew around the cottonwoods below the dam (Evelyn Horn's front yard).
Finally, we motored to the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park (Montrose) to search for Dusky Grouse. Our arrival about an hour before sunrise allowed us to inspect several overlooks. A couple of Clark's Nutcrackers stopped by one of them. White-throated Swifts flew below.
At sunset, we found several Dusky Grouse displaying along the south rim drive (between the Visitor's Center and the Campgrounds). Another brilliant ending to our birding day!
May 7
Another trip to a lek, we arrived about an hour and a half early at the Waunita Hot Springs Lek outside of Gunnison (Gunnison). Gunnison Sage-Grouse numbers are down this year and they are leaving the lek early.
This morning was not an exception. I could pick out two Gunnison Sage-Grouse displaying in the darkness. Shortly after it was possible to see, they flew off. It was not good looks for Roger and Jean Staples.
The weather finally did not cooperate (we had been fortunate so far). It was snowing quite hard on Monarch Pass (Gunnison/Chaffee). The goal was to get off the pass as quickly as possible (no search for American Three-toed Woodpeckers).
It was raining at lower elevations for most of the trip from Salida to Pueblo. A few breaks in the rain allowed us to search for thrashers. Swallows Road added a Curve-billed Thrasher and several Scaled Quail sightings to our trip list.
Our next stop was Lake Cheraw (Otero) which is always good for a few shorebirds in spring. The highlight was good looks at a Piping Plover! It contrasted much with the nearby Snowy Plovers. Other birds observed included Willet, American Avocets, Black-necked Stilts, Baird's Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, Greater Yellowlegs and a Lesser Yellowlegs.
A stop at the Fort Lyons Wildlife Easement (Bent) saw windy conditions. Two Black Rails called at the marsh (1.5 miles east of Bent County Roads 16 & JJ). We heard a Virginia Rail and Sora saw neither.
Our birding day ended at Cottonwood Canyon (Baca). Lifebirds for the English birders included Canyon Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Eastern Phoebe, Red-headed Woodpecker, Lewis's Woodpecker, Chihuahuan Raven, and Bewick's Wren. Unfortunately, I could not find a Western Screech-Owl this afternoon.
Our bird sightings were down as it was a moving day. The 450 mile drive to Elkhart, Kansas took most of the day.
May 8
Another early rise, we sat at the blind at the Eastern Elkhart Lesser Prairie-Chicken Lek an hour before sunrise. It was late in the season, however a dozen Lesser Prairie-Chickens were still displaying. We could hear another half dozen surrounding the blind.
Cassin's Sparrows, Vesper Sparrows and Brewer's Sparrows sang along the roads back to Elkhart. A couple of Ring-necked Pheasant were also found.
Great-tailed Grackles were found around the gas station back in Elkhart; then we returned to Colorado.
Today we had a 320 mile drive to Wray; birding was again limited.
We did stop at the Lamar Community College Woods (Prowers). Three Mississippi Kites flew back and forth above the woods. We missed our target bird, Northern Cardinal. Northern Mockingbirds, a Sage Thrasher singing high from the cottonwoods, and Chimney Swifts were the highlights.
The ultimate highlight however was a Ruby-throated Hummingbird. The male hummingbird perched on top of a short willow for about 5 minutes. We obtained great looks at its forked tail, long tail (projects well beyond wingtips), bright red throat and white breast. No rufous (like Broad-tailed Hummingbird) or black and purple throat (Black-chinned Hummingbird) or short tail projection.
Our only other stop was Tempel Grove (Bent). It was not as birdy as I had hoped. A few American Goldfinches, several Swainson's Thrushes, many American Robins and an Eastern Phoebe were around.
The highlight was a Gray-cheeked Thrush. It allowed several decent looks. Grayish flanks, grayish face with no buffy color, heavy spots on breast, and no rufous color on gray-brown bird. Hermit Thrush would show olive gray flanks, rufous tail and no contrast on face. Swainson's Thrush has rufous olive flanks and distinctive spectacles.
Highway 387 north of Burlington (Kit Carson) seemed to be lined with Ring-necked Pheasants. We rolled into Wray about 10:00 pm.
May 9
At civil twilight, we sat near the Yuma County Road 45 Lek. Six to ten Greater Prairie-Chickens could be seen displaying in the distance.
They tend to display until 9:00 am or so. We decided to visit a second lek, which I had never been before. The CR 42 Lek had a dozen or so Greater Prairie-Chickens calling. However, we only got binoculars on one of them.
After breakfast in Yuma (great restaurant), we motored to Pawnee National Grasslands (Weld).
McCown's Longspurs were found along Weld County Road 96. I took Roger and Jean to a Mountain Plover nest (with eggs). The female had wandered off but did return and sit on the eggs (we did not approach anywhere close to the nest).
I took them up to the field southeast of highway 85 and Weld County Road 114. This is the most productive location to find Chestnut-collared Longspur. Our search lasted 30 minutes and was rewarded with a male and female Chestnut-collared Longspur sighting.
Back at Crow Valley Campgrounds, birding was slow. We found no warblers but added Brown Thrashers to our trip list.
Turning south, we stopped at the Weld County 59 Ponds. Many shorebirds wandered around the ponds. Black-necked Stilt, American Avocets, Willets, Wilson's Phalaropes, Red-necked Phalaropes, Least Sandpipers, and Killdeer.
The highlight was finding a Short-billed Dowitcher among (loosely associated with) six to eight Long-billed Dowitchers.
Beebe Draw Ponds was slow. A few additional Long-billed Dowitchers, a Willet and a couple of Red-necked Phalaropes were about it.
Lower Latham Reservoir (Weld County Road 48) was also slow. The mudflats had dried up. Dozens of Marsh Wrens sang and a few came out of the cattails. A Virginia Rail was heard, but never showed.
May 10
Our final day on the Grouse Tour. Snow was predicted and we chose between first visiting Pine Valley Ranch Park (Jefferson, for American Three-toed Woodpecker) or Guanella Pass (Clear Creek, White-tailed Ptarmigan). The White-tailed Ptarmigan won out (sort of).
We walked around the Rosalie and 603 trails for about 3 hours. No Ptarmigan were found.
Fortune was better at the Guanella Pass Campgrounds (Clear Creek). A Dusky Grouse fluttered its wings. An American Three-toed Woodpecker was heard drumming. We eventually found a Hermit Thrush that sang from a nearby Douglas Fir.
Mt Evans Byway was closed. Few birds few around Echo Lake. Only a few American Goldfinches flew around the Echo Lake Campgrounds. A few Broad-tailed Hummingbirds visited the Echo Lake Lodge feeders.
Our concluding stop was Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe). I played a recording at the Bellevue wetlands (new wetlands, east of the model airplane field). No respond, we started to leave when two Virginia Rails called. Finally, one of them peeked out of the cattails. Roger and Jean ended their trip with a final lifebird!
Richard Stevens:
May 4
My last grouse trip of 2012 started with clear skies and mild winds. Roger & Jean Staples from the UK and I headed to the mountains. The interesting construct of this trip was that it was their first visit to the United States. Many of the birds we will see will be lifebirds for them! That was exciting for them and for me (many of their target birds would be easy to find)!
Our first stop was Lowell Ponds Wildlife Area (Adams County). The male American Dipper was "standing guard" outside of the nest. The female and several young could be seen inside the nesting cavity.
On the way to Loveland Pass, we stopped at Genesee Mountain Park (Jefferson). We heard a Williamson's Sapsucker at the group picnic area. However being unable to see the bird, we made a leisure hike to the top of the park (Mountain).
A male Williamson's Sapsucker was drumming on his favorite tree just below and north of the flagpole. Another male flew in to "challenge" for the territory. Eventually, a female Williamson's Sapsucker flew through perhaps to survey the commotion?
We saw White-breasted Nuthatches, a small flock of Pygmy Nuthatches, American Crows, Common Ravens, and a few Pine Siskins.
Several hours were spent on Loveland Pass (Clear Creek). I was surprised by the lack of snow. Our record high temperatures had taken its toll on the snow pack. No White-tailed Ptarmigan were found. It is much easier to find them when searching and following their tracks in the snow.
A few American Pipits flew about the tundra. Many American Robins searched around for food.
No Rosy Finches could be found in Silverthorne (Summit). Clark's Nutcrackers, Band-tailed Pigeons, Downy Woodpeckers, Hairy Woodpeckers, many Pine Siskins and Mountain Chickadees were nice to see. However, they were not a substitute for our target birds (Rosy Finches).
Before the trip, I had looked online for any Rosy Finch sightings within 100 miles of Colorado borders (New Mexico, Wyoming & Utah). It appeared that no one was finding Rosy Finches in the warm weather. Access to nesting sites higher in the Colorado Mountains were hampered by snow blocked roads. In several cases, fallen trees needed to cleared before anyone was driving up the roads.
No Barrow's Goldeneyes were found at the Blue River Water Treatment Plant (Summit) or Windy Gap Reservoir (Grand) and our trip continued to the Colorado State Forest Visitor's Center (Jackson).
A male Pine Grosbeak, Pine Siskins, Red-winged Blackbirds and Mountain Chickadees, regulars came to the feeders behind the building. Several male Broad-tailed Hummingbirds stopped by for a drink of sugar water.
The highlight was a 10 minute visit by a White-throated Sparrow that has been here for several months.
We still had several hours before having to be at the Greater Sage-Grouse Leks and we detoured to Walden Reservoir (Jackson).
A lone Willet walked along the northern shore. A Bonaparte's Gull was picked out of several dozen Franklin's Gulls. A small flock of small terns appeared to be only Forster's Terns. Many American White Pelicans and ducks (including Redheads, Canvasbacks, Buffleheads, Lesser Scaups, and more common) swam around the lake. At least two Greater Scaup continued from the eight observed last week.
Finally, we parked at the Jackson County Road 26b Lek. The sun started to set and no grouse appeared. I always wonder if they will show (in spite of never missing them in 129 previous spring visits). Shortly after sunset, they started to come out of the sage. Thirty seven males and several female looking birds finally put on quite a show for us! A nice ending to our first day!
May 5
Grouse trips required early risings and late bed times. An hour before sunset, we drove the 80 Route Road (Routt) in search of grouse. The male Dusky Grouse that "hangs out" at the second cattle guard did not disappoint. He was out looking around for a female. Light was still too low for photos, however, all got a great look from 20 feet away.
While parked here, we could here many Greater Sage-Grouse off in the distance.
We continued to the entrance to the Jimmy Dunn State Trust Lands and waited for our target. Eventually twelve+ Sharp-tailed Grouse appeared and performed their version of "let's find some females".
Unlike the Greater Sage-Grouse with their elaborate displays and dances, Sharp-tailed Grouse run through the sage like mice. They stick their heads up and look around for their "prey". When not finding any, they duck back down and again scurry through the sage. Every now and then, they stick their tails up and shake them like rattle snakes. It is quite a humorous sight. However, as long as the female like it, that is all the matters.
While waiting for the Sharp-tailed Grouse to "wake up", several Sandhill Cranes flew over our heads. Vesper Sparrows sang from the sage and fence posts, filling the airwaves with delightful sounds to announce the start of another beautiful day in the rolling hills of North Park.
A drive 17 miles west of Maybell, Colorado (Moffat), 30 miles west of Craig, provides a good chance to find one of Colorado birders nemesis birds. While Sage Sparrows are not uncommon spring through fall, they are sulky birds and difficult to find.
A flooded field just west of Maybell was a great stop. Ninety six White-faced Ibis fed in the field. I was able to pick out an adult Glossy Ibis with its bright blue facial skin.
Jean Staples pointed out a Dickcissel not far from a flock of four Long-billed Dowitchers we tried to "turn into" Short-billed Dowitchers (not to be). Yellow-headed Blackbirds screamed their raucous wails from the willows.
Several years ago, I found that Oxbow S.T.L. was one of the better locations to search. It took us an hour; we finally found several singing atop the rabbit brush. Sage Thrashers on the other hand were quite numerous. More than a dozen were heard singing and observed in the rabbit brush.
Several Brewer's Sparrows also made an appearance. Pinyon Jays were heard off in the distance. A couple flyovers gave us a glimpse of this fine-looking blue bird.
Our trip back tracked to Craig and headed south to Rifle. A stop at Perch Pond (Moffat) found a few Common Mergansers, American Coots and White-cheeked Geese.
A pair of Great-tailed Grackles wandered around the picnic area at the Rifle Rest Stop (Garfield).
My agonizing drought of 58 hours (over 9 days) of unsuccessful Chukar searches ended last week in Coal Canyon (Mesa). Roger continued the successful streak to two in a row by finding another within 15 minutes hiking at the second gate (horse trailer parking area).
Black-throated Sparrows were numerous here and added their musical song to the airwaves. Rock Wrens, Vesper Sparrows and Brewer's Sparrows also sang away.
We opted to skip a Boreal Owl search and the jet-lagged birders retired early.
May 6
No leks to visit this morning, birders manage to get a couple of hours of extra sleep (six instead of the usual four).
Shortly after sunrise, we drove around the subdivision of homes outside of the eastern (southern) entrance to the Colorado National Monument (Mesa). Gambel's Quail could be heard everywhere. Several allowed us superb opportunities for photographs.
Our first stop inside the Monument was fantastic. Within a short 400 meter hike at Devil's Kitchen trail, we saw two Black-chinned Sparrows! Several Gray Vireos sang from the junipers. An Ash-throated Flycatcher joined the Vireos and woke up the morning with their songs.
Across the road at the Devil's Kitchen picnic area, both Rock Wrens and Canyon Wrens were singing. Another Ash-throated Flycatcher came by. A male Black-chinned Hummingbird surveyed the area from top of a juniper tree.
I stopped at two of the pullovers along the 22 mile drive through the canyon. The Colorado National Monument drive is always worth the time at least once in a lifetime. Views are spectacular, however, back to birding.
Only one Pinyon Jay was found at the Campgrounds. However, he provided good photograph opportunities. Half a dozen Juniper Titmice chattered among the junipers. White-throated Swifts "zoomed" below the overlook. It appeared to be too early for any Black-throated Gray Warblers to arrive in the Campgrounds (nest here each late spring).
After leaving the Monument, we stopped at Connected Lakes State Park (Mesa). The resident Western Screech-Owl was not out of his hole this morning. A Great Horned Owl with two young were using a make shift nest (basket put up by rangers) just outside of the entrance.
An hour walk around the park did not find a Western Screech-Owl. However, a singing Plumbeous Vireo was found and photographed.
Escalante Canyon was skipped (another Chukar location) and we headed to Fruitgrower's Reservoir (Delta).
At least three Willets were observed. Two were rather clamorous; they performed their mating flight over our heads for what we suspected was a female. Interesting at first, after an hour, it became irritating.
No Clark's Grebes were recognized among the dozens of Western Grebes. Several of the grebes performed their mating dance (running across the water). All three teal (Cinnamon, Blue-winged & Green-winged) were in the swallows north of the reservoir.
A highlight was the landing of two Whimbrel in the same shallows. One Sandhill Crane vanished into the clouds overhead.
Two Lewis's Woodpeckers flew around the cottonwoods below the dam (Evelyn Horn's front yard).
Finally, we motored to the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park (Montrose) to search for Dusky Grouse. Our arrival about an hour before sunrise allowed us to inspect several overlooks. A couple of Clark's Nutcrackers stopped by one of them. White-throated Swifts flew below.
At sunset, we found several Dusky Grouse displaying along the south rim drive (between the Visitor's Center and the Campgrounds). Another brilliant ending to our birding day!
May 7
Another trip to a lek, we arrived about an hour and a half early at the Waunita Hot Springs Lek outside of Gunnison (Gunnison). Gunnison Sage-Grouse numbers are down this year and they are leaving the lek early.
This morning was not an exception. I could pick out two Gunnison Sage-Grouse displaying in the darkness. Shortly after it was possible to see, they flew off. It was not good looks for Roger and Jean Staples.
The weather finally did not cooperate (we had been fortunate so far). It was snowing quite hard on Monarch Pass (Gunnison/Chaffee). The goal was to get off the pass as quickly as possible (no search for American Three-toed Woodpeckers).
It was raining at lower elevations for most of the trip from Salida to Pueblo. A few breaks in the rain allowed us to search for thrashers. Swallows Road added a Curve-billed Thrasher and several Scaled Quail sightings to our trip list.
Our next stop was Lake Cheraw (Otero) which is always good for a few shorebirds in spring. The highlight was good looks at a Piping Plover! It contrasted much with the nearby Snowy Plovers. Other birds observed included Willet, American Avocets, Black-necked Stilts, Baird's Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, Greater Yellowlegs and a Lesser Yellowlegs.
A stop at the Fort Lyons Wildlife Easement (Bent) saw windy conditions. Two Black Rails called at the marsh (1.5 miles east of Bent County Roads 16 & JJ). We heard a Virginia Rail and Sora saw neither.
Our birding day ended at Cottonwood Canyon (Baca). Lifebirds for the English birders included Canyon Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Eastern Phoebe, Red-headed Woodpecker, Lewis's Woodpecker, Chihuahuan Raven, and Bewick's Wren. Unfortunately, I could not find a Western Screech-Owl this afternoon.
Our bird sightings were down as it was a moving day. The 450 mile drive to Elkhart, Kansas took most of the day.
May 8
Another early rise, we sat at the blind at the Eastern Elkhart Lesser Prairie-Chicken Lek an hour before sunrise. It was late in the season, however a dozen Lesser Prairie-Chickens were still displaying. We could hear another half dozen surrounding the blind.
Cassin's Sparrows, Vesper Sparrows and Brewer's Sparrows sang along the roads back to Elkhart. A couple of Ring-necked Pheasant were also found.
Great-tailed Grackles were found around the gas station back in Elkhart; then we returned to Colorado.
Today we had a 320 mile drive to Wray; birding was again limited.
We did stop at the Lamar Community College Woods (Prowers). Three Mississippi Kites flew back and forth above the woods. We missed our target bird, Northern Cardinal. Northern Mockingbirds, a Sage Thrasher singing high from the cottonwoods, and Chimney Swifts were the highlights.
The ultimate highlight however was a Ruby-throated Hummingbird. The male hummingbird perched on top of a short willow for about 5 minutes. We obtained great looks at its forked tail, long tail (projects well beyond wingtips), bright red throat and white breast. No rufous (like Broad-tailed Hummingbird) or black and purple throat (Black-chinned Hummingbird) or short tail projection.
Our only other stop was Tempel Grove (Bent). It was not as birdy as I had hoped. A few American Goldfinches, several Swainson's Thrushes, many American Robins and an Eastern Phoebe were around.
The highlight was a Gray-cheeked Thrush. It allowed several decent looks. Grayish flanks, grayish face with no buffy color, heavy spots on breast, and no rufous color on gray-brown bird. Hermit Thrush would show olive gray flanks, rufous tail and no contrast on face. Swainson's Thrush has rufous olive flanks and distinctive spectacles.
Highway 387 north of Burlington (Kit Carson) seemed to be lined with Ring-necked Pheasants. We rolled into Wray about 10:00 pm.
May 9
At civil twilight, we sat near the Yuma County Road 45 Lek. Six to ten Greater Prairie-Chickens could be seen displaying in the distance.
They tend to display until 9:00 am or so. We decided to visit a second lek, which I had never been before. The CR 42 Lek had a dozen or so Greater Prairie-Chickens calling. However, we only got binoculars on one of them.
After breakfast in Yuma (great restaurant), we motored to Pawnee National Grasslands (Weld).
McCown's Longspurs were found along Weld County Road 96. I took Roger and Jean to a Mountain Plover nest (with eggs). The female had wandered off but did return and sit on the eggs (we did not approach anywhere close to the nest).
I took them up to the field southeast of highway 85 and Weld County Road 114. This is the most productive location to find Chestnut-collared Longspur. Our search lasted 30 minutes and was rewarded with a male and female Chestnut-collared Longspur sighting.
Back at Crow Valley Campgrounds, birding was slow. We found no warblers but added Brown Thrashers to our trip list.
Turning south, we stopped at the Weld County 59 Ponds. Many shorebirds wandered around the ponds. Black-necked Stilt, American Avocets, Willets, Wilson's Phalaropes, Red-necked Phalaropes, Least Sandpipers, and Killdeer.
The highlight was finding a Short-billed Dowitcher among (loosely associated with) six to eight Long-billed Dowitchers.
Beebe Draw Ponds was slow. A few additional Long-billed Dowitchers, a Willet and a couple of Red-necked Phalaropes were about it.
Lower Latham Reservoir (Weld County Road 48) was also slow. The mudflats had dried up. Dozens of Marsh Wrens sang and a few came out of the cattails. A Virginia Rail was heard, but never showed.
May 10
Our final day on the Grouse Tour. Snow was predicted and we chose between first visiting Pine Valley Ranch Park (Jefferson, for American Three-toed Woodpecker) or Guanella Pass (Clear Creek, White-tailed Ptarmigan). The White-tailed Ptarmigan won out (sort of).
We walked around the Rosalie and 603 trails for about 3 hours. No Ptarmigan were found.
Fortune was better at the Guanella Pass Campgrounds (Clear Creek). A Dusky Grouse fluttered its wings. An American Three-toed Woodpecker was heard drumming. We eventually found a Hermit Thrush that sang from a nearby Douglas Fir.
Mt Evans Byway was closed. Few birds few around Echo Lake. Only a few American Goldfinches flew around the Echo Lake Campgrounds. A few Broad-tailed Hummingbirds visited the Echo Lake Lodge feeders.
Our concluding stop was Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe). I played a recording at the Bellevue wetlands (new wetlands, east of the model airplane field). No respond, we started to leave when two Virginia Rails called. Finally, one of them peeked out of the cattails. Roger and Jean ended their trip with a final lifebird!
1 comment:
Again, what a great blog for Colorado birders! Thanks for all the information. Hopefully I will be able to make such a trip next year!
Bill Cryder
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