Birding the South Platte River in Adams County

December 26, 2013

Richard Stevens:

Looking for a hike, I chose the S. Platte River trail north of 88th and Colorado Blvd.

I did not find the four birds reported yesterday by Cathy Sheeter (Rusty Blackbird, Barrow's Goldeneye, Harris's Sparrow and Greater Scaup).

A Long tailed Duck on the reservoir east of the trail (after it turns east to north) was a nice consolation prize. Sorry I cannot remember its name of the reservoir.

Other birds found included White crowned Sparrows, groups of Lesser Scaups, one adult Bald Eagle and only one Red tailed Hawk.

One final sight was a rare American Black Duck..........plastic decoy! I do remember that being there three years ago.

After lunch, I returned to the area and walked the South Platte River Birding Area from 88th avenue & Colorado Blvd south to Highway 224.  Then I backtracked to Clear Creek and walked west to Washington Avenue.  From there, I took the RTD bus back to my car.

Quite a few ducks spend the winter on the South Platte River.  Just about every "common" species can be observed.  It is a great place for photographers to get images of the ducks as the waterfowl get use to people walking by and are not too skittish.

The pair of Barrow's Goldeneyes was observed among many Common Goldeneyes on the Platte River, just upstream (south) of the green/white tower.

A Northern Shrike was east of the Platte River and west of Tani Reservoir.  I looked unsuccessfully for the Harris's Sparrow reported between 74th & 78th avenues. 

Sparrows appear to be scarce this winter at many of the Denver birding locations.  I only found six White-crowned Sparrows on my trek today.

All the reservoirs in the area were ice covered.  These included East Gravel Lake, the three West Gravel Lakes, Dahlia Ponds and Barrington Reservoir #5.  The one exception was the lake north of 88th where I found the Long-tailed Duck (later found to be named Cooley Gravel Pond on my map).

The many gulls standing on the ice at the various lakes were all Ring-billed Gulls.

It was a pleasant hike and a great way to spend this warmish winter day.  Temperatures in the high 40s; winds calm down in the river valley.

Exploring Kit Carson County

December 24, 2013

Richard Stevens:

Today, Bryan Ehlmann, Jacob Washburn, Ray Simmons and I walked around Fairview Cemetery in Burlington (Kit Carson County).  Pine Warblers have wintered here in the past.  Unfortunately, birding was slow today.  We did find a Great Horned Owl (perhaps keeping other birds from moving around) and two Yellow-rumped Warblers.

Three Great-tailed Grackles flew around Burlington (behind McDonald's and park near I70).

Later, we hiked around Flagler Reservoir (Kit Carson).  Two interesting birds were encountered.  A Swamp Sparrow was "called up" from below the dam.  Later Bryan spotted a Common Redpoll among a flock of House Finches (along the eastern side of the reservoir).

Many Rough-legged Hawks, one Ferruginous Hawk and a surprise Northern Goshawk were observed on our drive back to Denver (along Interstate 70).

Weather was quite cold today (temperatures never reached 30 degrees and anemometer readings were 14 mph, gusts to 22 mph).

Bonny Reservoir Christmas Count Week

December 23, 2013

Richard Stevens:

Bryan Ehlmann, Jacob Washburn, Ray Simmons and I visited Bonny Reservoir Wildlife Area today.  The timing was to include our sightings to the Bonny Reservoir Christmas Count (count week, not count day).

We considered our day to be quite successful as we found Eastern Screech-Owls (three locations), two Long-eared Owls, one Short-eared Owl, one Barn Owl and one Northern Saw-whet Owl.  We do not believe our Northern Saw-whet Owl was the same bird reported previously (ours was on private property which we had permission to bird).

Other interesting birds included a Northern Mockingbird, seven Red-bellied Woodpeckers and two Brown Thrashers.

Nearby Hale Ponds (Republican Wildlife Area) hosted a few interesting birds also.  We found two additional Eastern Screech-Owls, Eastern Bluebirds, Red-bellied Woodpeckers and Lapland Longspurs.  The highlight was a Winter Wren near Hale Ponds marsh.

Unfortunately, no Greater Prairie-Chickens could be located.  We also did not find the previously reported Harris's Sparrow.

Southern Colorado Trip

December 20-22, 2013

Richard Stevens: Southern Colorado Trip

December 20

On the way to pick up Bryan Ehlmann at the airport, I drove the DIA Owl Loop and found a Ferruginous Hawk, two Red-tailed Hawks and a Prairie Falcon.  No Short-eared Owls appeared this morning.

Later we picked up Jacob Washburn and Ray Simmons and headed south (Limon to Rocky Ford to Springfield).

A stop in Rocky Ford found many Eurasian Collared-Doves and one White winged Dove.  No Inca Doves, I have not heard of a sighting in Rocky Ford since January 2011.

December 21
Bryan Ehlmann, Jacob Washburn, Ray Simmons and I (along with three bird feeder watchers) conducted the Carrizo Canyon Christmas Count today.  We ended up with a respectable 63 species (however not close to high of 72 species in 2006).

Highlights included a Winter Wren, Western Screech-Owls, a Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl, Lewis's Woodpecker (just one), Rufous-crowned Sparrows (2), Eastern Bluebirds, Hermit Thrush (unusual for count) and one Bohemian Waxwing (among 62 Cedar Waxwings).

Misses included: no Barn Owls or Northern Saw-whet Owl this year, no flyover Sandhill Cranes, Northern Shrike but no Loggerhead Shrike, Curve-billed Thrashers lacking, no longspurs (which had been on all previous counts as were Barn Owls), could not find the resident Northern Cardinal this year.

Total: only 4 birders this year, driving miles down to 52 as we only had one vehicle this year, 22 miles walking (mostly by Bryan and myself).  The center point was near CR 8 & CR J so as to include Picture Canyon, North Canyon, Cottonwood Canyon, and Carrizo Creek.

Final count will be published in a future issue of "Colorado Field Notes".

Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Green-winged Teal
Wild Turkey
Red-tailed Hawk
Ferruginous Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk
Golden Eagle
American Kestrel
Prairie Falcon
Killdeer
Ring-billed Gull
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Mourning Dove
Greater Roadrunner
Western Screech-Owl
Great Horned Owl
Long-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl
Belted Kingfisher
Ladder-backed Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Say's Phoebe
Northern Shrike
Blue Jay
Black-billed Magpie
American Crow
Chihuahuan Raven
Common Raven
Horned Lark
Black-capped Chickadee
Mountain Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Rock Wren
Canyon Wren
Bewick's Wren
Winter Wren - new to count
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird
Mountain Bluebird
Townsend's Solitaire
Hermit Thrush - new to count
Brown Thrasher - unusual for count
European Starling
Bohemian Waxwing - just one
Cedar Waxwing - 62
Spotted Towhee
Canyon Towhee
American Tree Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow - unusual for count
Song Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird
Western Meadowlark
Brewer's Blackbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

December 22

After spending the night at a friend's ranch in Furnish Canyon our troupe headed back north.  We drove around Comanche National Grasslands at first light in search of Lesser Prairie-Chickens; without success.

A hike to two previous "leks" (by way of open trails, not closed roads) did not find any prairie chickens.  We did encounter a Curve-billed Thrasher, which was missed on yesterday's Christmas Count.

Birding Two Buttes Reservoir (Baca County) is tricky this fall due to flooding and construction.  We did come across the "bird of our trip".  A Carolina Wren was in the thickets below the northern rocky cliffs (below the dam).

We walked around Lamar Community College (Prowers County) in the afternoon.  A male Northern Cardinal with his splendid red colors stood out at the southern end of the College woods.

A male Red-bellied Woodpecker, not quite as brilliant colored, was found at the northern end of the woods.  Other birds included a Brown Thrasher (rare in winter), too many Eurasian Collared-Doves, a White-winged Dove, and White-crowned Sparrows.  No uncommon sparrows (Harris's or White throated) could be found.

A quick detour to the Mike Higbee Wildlife Area just east of town did not find any uncommon sparrows either.

An Enjoyable and Successful Winter Day on the West Side of Denver

December 19, 2013

Richard Stevens:

Bryan Ehlmann and I made a quick trip through the DIA Owl Loop (as I took him to the airport).  After not seeing any owls for a few days, one of the Short-eared Owls was observed flying along the fence line east of the Prairie Dog Town located at 3.4 miles east of Tower Road & 96th avenue.  See map on Colorado Birding Society's website for recent additional locations that it has been seen (http://coloradobirdingsociety.net16.net).

I enjoyed birding Jefferson & Arapahoe Counties today.  Temperatures were slightly cooler than yesterday (mid 40s); winds were mostly less than 5 mph.

I walked around the various Campgrounds at Chatfield State Park (Jefferson/Douglas) looking unsuccessfully for the Brant.  Then met up with Robb Hinds and we hiked the mile or so down the Highline Canal searching for the Winter Wren reported on Sunday.  Directions were vague and we do not believe the correct location was ever found; the Winter Wren was not found.

After returning to the parking area, Trudy (sorry I do not know her last name but am quite grateful), informed us that she had found the Brant (possible gray bellied?) in Campgrounds A.  Robb and I hurried over and relocated the Brant below the hill, north of the Campgrounds.

Eventually the Brant and 60+ White-cheeked Geese flew to the parking area for the handicapped fisherperson's dock.  We rushed over and were able to get nice views of the geese.  The geese were last observed walking south up the asphalt path leading back to Campgrounds A.

On the way home, I stopped at nearby South Platte Park Reservoir and scoped the lake for about 30 minutes.  Two or three Long-tailed Ducks had been reported there and I wanted to try to confirm the report of three.  Unfortunately, I only found two; they were quite a ways off (along the northern shore of this rather large reservoir).

Then I scoped nearby (to the east) Blackrock Lake and relocated two of the seven previously reported Greater Scaup.  My hike did not continue to Eaglewatch Lake (just north of Blackrock) where the remaining Greater Scaup may have been.  Both lakes were ice free.

My final stop was Red Rocks Park (Jefferson).  I threw out seed and the Golden-crowned Sparrow along with three Song Sparrows appeared within five minutes!  Many Dark-eyed Juncos also came out.  The weather was quite nice and no Rosy Finches were flying around (better viewed on inclement days).

An Enjoyable Afternoon at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal

December 18, 2013

Richard Stevens:

We stayed home most of the day doing chores (well I did chores).  Rebecca Kosten and I decided to drive through the Rocky Mountain Arsenal (Adams County) after lunch and relished the 60 degree temperatures and the sunny skies.

On the way over, we stopped at Lakecrest.  No uncommon geese were among the six thousand+ White-cheeked Geese on the ice covered lake.  I did count 23 Ring-billed Gulls.

Both Lake Ladora and Lower Derby Lake were completely ice covered (no birds).  We kept an eye on the feeders north of the Contact Station for 30 minutes.  A total of four Dark-eyed Juncos (no sparrows) made an appearance.  The feeders were full but did not attract any uncommon birds today.  Note: Dave usually fills the feeders on Tuesdays; it usually takes the birds a couple of days to empty (best time to search of birds is early in the week).

Except for a couple of Northern Flickers and one Red-tailed Hawk that was our bird count.  The highlight I suppose was that the Bison were close to the road today (took some nice closeups).

After sunset, I walked the path through the Governor's Row area; no Long-eared Owls were found this night.  We did enjoy one of Colorado's better sunsets (the result of the polluted skies over Denver).

Another Look at Aurora Reservoir

December 17, 2013

Richard Stevens:

Jerry Petrosky, Bill Cryder and I hiked the southern and eastern sides of Aurora Reservoir (Arapahoe County).  Most of the interesting gulls were in Lonetree Cove (mile 3.0) which cannot be seen from other locations around the reservoir.  One can hike down from the southern entrance and reduce the walk to less than 1.5 miles.

One of two Great Black-backed Gulls previously reported two of the six Lesser Black-backed Gulls and two of the ten Thayer's Gulls were observed here.  A dozen California Gulls and 80+ Ring-billed Gulls were also present.

As we returned to the entrance, we noticed a large "whitish" Gull at Senac Cove (mile 2.5, also difficult to see from the swim beach or dam).  We took photos and called the bird the Glaucous Gull that has been around.  Later examining the photos, we decided that it was not a Glaucous Gull but perhaps the possible Glaucous-winged Gull that has been reported on several occasions.

After lunch, Jerry and I drove to a friend's ranch east of Banner Lakes Wildlife Area (Adams County, closed on Tuesday).  Two Long-eared Owls continued at the windbreak surrounding my friend's home.

DIA Owl Loop to Aurora Reservoir to Deer Creek Canyon

December 16, 2013

Richard Stevens:

Bryan Ehlmann and I drove around the DIA Owl Loop and area (Adams County) at civil twilight.  A Short-eared Owl was observed flying over the airport property at the south end of Gun Club Road (as it runs south from 112th/114th avenue).

We continued south to Aurora Reservoir and walked the 8.9 miles on the bike path circling the lake. 

Our Gull Count Included: Glaucous Gull (Mlodinow, 12/15), 2 Great Black-Backed Gull (Mlodinow, 12/15), 6 Lesser Black-Backed Gull (Mlodinow, 11/24) & 10 Thayer's Gulls (Cross, 12/13).

Our afternoon plan was to look for owls (specifically Northern Pygmy-Owls) in Deer Canyon (Jefferson County).

As we passed South Platte Park Reservoir (Arapahoe), we stopped and scoped the lake.  The two Long-tailed Ducks swam along the southern end of the lake (below the dam).

We did not find any Northern Pygmy-Owls during a three hour drive/hike around Deer Creek Canyon.  A Great Horned Owl called from the Chatfield Reservoir Arboretum.

First Summit County Christmas Count

December 15, 2013

Richard Stevens:

Today, Bryan & Sue Ehlmann, Rebecca Kosten, Jerry Petrosky, Jacob Washburn, Ray Simmons, Gary Zeeto and I conducted the first Summit County Christmas Count.  Weather conditions were good for the mountains.  Partly sunny skies and temperatures in the 30s were pleasant.

We also managed to recruit fourteen feeder watchers who will likely add to our final count (which will be published in a future issue of "Colorado Field Notes".

Highlights included:

Jacob and Ray relocated a dozen Barrow's Goldeneyes on the Blue River Water Treatment Plant.  All of us watched 200+ Rosy Finches (three species, only two Black Rosy Finches) at a private feeder.

Jerry, Jacob and Ray cross country skied up the Argentine Trail and found a Northern Pygmy-Owl around 3:00 pm.

Meanwhile Bryan and I timed our ski trip up the Saints John Trail to be there at dusk.  After dark, we managed to get a Boreal Owl to respond to our recordings!

An American Three-toed Woodpecker was found at a private residence in Silverthorne (rare during winter as most access roads are closed due to snow).

Results so far were 59 species.

Cackling Goose  (rare for this county)
Canada Goose
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Mallard
Green-winged Teal
Ring-necked Duck
Common Goldeneye
Barrow's Goldeneye
Bald Eagle
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk
Golden Eagle
Prairie Falcon
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Northern Pygmy-Owl
Boreal Owl
Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
American Three-toed Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Northern Shrike
Gray Jay
Steller's Jay
Clark's Nutcracker
Black-billed Magpie
American Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Mountain Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Pygmy Nuthatch
American Dipper
Townsend's Solitaire
American Robin
European Starling
American Pipit
American Tree Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird
Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch
Black Rosy-Finch
Brown-capped Rosy-Finch
Pine Grosbeak
Cassin's Finch
House Finch
Red Crossbill
Common Redpoll
Pine Siskin
Evening Grosbeak
House Sparrow

Eight Annual Georgetown Christmas Count

December 14, 2013

Richard Stevens:

Today, seven of us and nine feeder watchers conducted the eighth annual CoBus sponsored Georgetown Christmas Count.  We ended so far, with 56 species.  Final results will be published in a future issue of "Colorado Field Notes".

Note: Dusky Grouse, Snow Geese & Ross's Geese are difficult to find in Clear Creek County.  Jacob noticed a flock of 120+ white geese flying high over Georgetown.  While Harris's Sparrows have been recorded in 6 of the 8 counts.

Highlights:

Bryan Ehlmann and I snow shoed to Guanella Pass and relocated two White-tailed Ptarmigan (below the large rocks on the hill southeast of the upper parking lot).  We found one of the resident American Three-toed Woodpeckers at the Guanella Pass Campgrounds.  Also a difficult find, as they do not move around much in the crisp, cold temperatures.

Jacob Washburn, Ray Simmons and Jerry Petrosky had an easier time of it on their White-tailed Ptarmigan search.  They found a pair walking around below the west side Summit (below the wooden fence facing west).

Unfortunately, the only owl found was a Great Horned Owl.  It was not for lack of trying as we searched from sunset to midnight; without success.

Snow Goose
Ross's Goose
Cackling Goose
Canada Goose
White-tailed Ptarmigan
Dusky Grouse
Wild Turkey
Bald Eagle
Cooper's Hawk
Northern Goshawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Golden Eagle
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Great Horned Owl
Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
American Three-toed Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Gray Jay
Steller's Jay
Clark's Nutcracker
Black-billed Magpie
American Crow
Common Raven
Horned Lark
Black-capped Chickadee
Mountain Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Pygmy Nuthatch
American Dipper
Townsend's Solitaire
American Robin
American Pipit
American Tree Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Harris's Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird
Western Meadowlark
Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch
Brown-capped Rosy-Finch
Pine Grosbeak
Cassin's Finch
House Finch
Red Crossbill
Pine Siskin
Evening Grosbeak
House Sparrow

Colorado State Forest Christmas Count

December 13, 2013

Richard Stevens:

The four of us met up with Jerry Petrosky, Jacob Washburn, Ray Simmons and conducted the Colorado State Forest Christmas Count today.  Weather conditions were fantastic with little winds and temperatures in the 40s.

We also recruited five feeder watchers.  Final totals are not in yet.  We did have Boreal Owls, Dusky Grouse, Rosy Finches, American Three-toed Woodpeckers and the usual mountain species.  A surprise was a Greater Sage-Grouse along Jackson County Road 25.

A few Rosy Finches were again at the Colorado State Forest Visitor's Center.  An American Three-toed Woodpecker was north of the Visitor's Center, across highway 14.

Totals so far (with final report in January's "Colorado Field Notes"):
38 species:
Greater Sage-Grouse - Jackson CR 25
Dusky Grouse - Feeder Watcher
Bald Eagle
Cooper's Hawk
Northern Goshawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk
Golden Eagle
Rock Pigeon
Boreal Owl
American Three-toed Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Gray Jay
Clark's Nutcracker
American Crow
Common Raven
Horned Lark
Black-capped Chickadee
Mountain Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
American Robin
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch
Black Rosy-Finch
Brown-capped Rosy-Finch
Pine Grosbeak
Cassin's Finch
House Finch
Red Crossbill
Evening Grosbeak
House Sparrow

Exploring the Colorado State Forest Area

December 8-12, 2013

Richard Stevens:

December 8, 2013

Bryan & Sue Ehlmann, Rebecca Kosten and I headed up to North Park by way of Silverthorne.

Three species of Rosy Finches visited feeders at a friend's home (Summit County).

No Rosy Finches could be found in Kremmling (Grand County).

Our birding day ended at Jackson County Road 26 where a search for Greater Sage-Grouse was unsuccessful.

December 9, 2013

Bryan Ehlmann and I drove back to the Canyon Campgrounds 35+ miles east of Cameron Pass (Larimer) to look for the Carolina Wren and Lewis's Woodpecker reported yesterday by Nick Komar.  Unfortunately, they were not found.

On the trip down Highway 14, we stopped at the Colorado State Forest Visitor's Center (Jackson).  Several dozen Rosy Finches visited the feeders behind the building.  It is early in the season and it appears the Rosy Finches come early in the morning and do not stay throughout the day.

Later in the afternoon, we stopped by the Visitor's Center, no Rosy Finches.  While walking highway 14, the drumming of a male American Three-toed Woodpecker was heard just northeast of the Visitor's Center, north of hwy 14.

December 10, 2013

Late yesterday afternoon, Bryan and I cross country skied into the Colorado State Forest.  Our arrival at Ruby Jewell Road (along Jackson County Road 41 at 5.0 miles east of Hwy 14) was timed to be there around sunset.

We continued up Ruby Jewell Road for about two miles.  Winds were mild (less than 3 mph) and we could hear the forest sounds clearly.  Temperatures were in the single digits by midnight; the strenuous skiing kept us warm anyway.

It still amazes me how noisy the forest is at night, even in winter.  Cassin's Finches, Pine Siskins and a woodpecker or two called during our trek.  The breathing of an Elk was heard at least twice.  Fortunately, the resident bears should have all been hibernating (a relief to my mind to not run into one this night).  Several Aspens had been scarred/worked over during warmer times.

On this night, we only heard one Boreal Owl (up Ruby Jewell Road).  It was not far from one of the nesting boxes that I monitor in June (although in eight years I have only found one Boreal Owl that ever used one of the 152 boxes in the Colorado State Forest).

It was quite an enjoyable trip, well worth the effort.

After a few hours sleep, we returned to the Colorado State Forest Visitor's Center (late afternoon and found only a few dozen Rosy Finches.  Earlier in the morning, Sue and Rebecca had counted only a dozen (no Blacks).

December 11, 2013

Four hours before sunrise, Bryan and I went out to listen for Boreal Owls.  Winds were in the 4-6 mph range.  While good conditions for hearing the soft calling owls, none was found this morning.

Then our troupe headed to Jackson County Road 26 to search for Greater Sage-Grouse just before sunrise.  None was found on this chilly winter morning.

We continued to Steamboat Springs and stopped at the road to the Highway Maintenance vehicle shed on Rabbit Ears Pass (Grand).  A female American Three-toed Woodpecker flew across the road!

Several stops along Rabbit Ears Pass did not add a White-winged Crossbill or Red Crossbill to our trip list.

Reservoirs around Steamboat Springs (Routt County) were frozen and had no birds.  After lunch, we walked along the Yampa River Riverwalk searching unsuccessfully for Waxwings.

At dusk, we stopped by a friend's home northeast of town.  Three Sharp-tailed Grouse roosted in one of his trees.  Most winter mornings, a few will drop down out of the trees and walk underneath his porch!

December 12, 2013

Early this morning, Bryan and I snow shoed to the Crags Campgrounds area (Jackson).  The resident Boreal Owls were not found.  We had been scouting for the past couple of days for tomorrow's Christmas Count.

Our planned cross country ski trip down the Michigan Ditch Road trail was canceled this week.  Conditions looked potentially too high for avalanches.  As I have said several times, I am quite familiar with the Colorado State Forest area having spent several hundred days birding there.  We always carry avalanche beacons in winter.  Wandering around below the mountains without experience can be quite severe.

In theory, it is possible to hike/cross country ski down the Michigan Ditch trail and reach Thunder Pass (in 4.0 miles).  One can take the pass (11,331 feet) from Routt National Forest southeast into Rocky Mountain National Park.  In 6.1 miles (Lulu City Ghost Town in 3.3) one will reach Trail Ridge Road (Highway 34).  All the while one is west of the Continental Divide (and does not cross it).

I have only done this once (in August).  The trip is not all that strenuous and passes through some beautiful country (and under Mount Richthofen (12,940 feet).  Make it a two day trip and you will enjoy two days of solitude with potential Boreal Owls (Flammulated Owls in season), and other mountain bird species.

When not birding, we have been playing bridge and resting our legs.  Weather conditions have been quite good this week.  Tomorrow, the 4th Annual Colorado State Forest Christmas Count.

Search for Snowy Owls, Weld & Morgan Counties

December 7, 2013

Richard Stevens:

Bryan Ehlmann and I traveled up to Weld County after receiving a report of an immature Snowy Owl north of Riverside Reservoir.  Besides driving up and down Weld County Road 89, we also traveled many of the gravel roads north and east of the Reservoir.  Unfortunately, Riverside Reservoir is a private reservoir and permission to scope the large reservoir was not found.

Eventually we ended up at Jackson Reservoir (Morgan County).  A few American Robins, White-crowned and Song Sparrows were observed.  No uncommon sparrows or Varied Thrushes among the Robins, it was quite cold, around 9 degrees at 2:00 pm.

We were able to entice an Eastern Screech-Owl to respond to our recordings.  A Long-eared Owl was found by scoping the riparian area while we stood on the main road.  Having already found Long-eared Owls here this fall, we did not disturb them by walking through the Campgrounds.

Return to Aurora Reservoir

December 6, 2013

Richard Stevens:

I went by Aurora Reservoir to see what gulls might be lingering around (also to visit a friend who lives along the southern border).  Roads were quite slippery today.  Temperatures in the single digits (sun melts top of snow and cold temps freeze it into ice).

Many gulls stood along the southwestern shore.  These included a Mew Gull (Moore, 11/3), two Lesser Black-backed Gulls (Mlodinow, 11/24), two Thayer's Gulls (Mlodinow, 11/22) and the possible Glaucous-winged Gull (Mlodinow, 11/24). 

Note: the Colorado Bird Records Board does not recognize any pure Glaucous-winged Gulls in Colorado (the Colorado Bird Records Committee does).  There are too many hybrids of Glaucous-winged Gulls with their large Gull brothers and no way without DNA studies to prove Glaucous-winged Gulls have flown into Colorado.

Cherry Creek State Park Gulls

December 5, 2013

Email to "cobirders"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cobirders/messages

Hello cobirders,

I had the chance to drive through Cherry Creek State Park (Arapahoe County) while doing chores this afternoon.  Roads were quite icy, temperature was 5 degrees when I left around 4:00 pm.  Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls were off the southwest boat ramp.  A Northern Shrike was down the road to the Gun Range.  Eight Bald Eagles perched near the Campgrounds.

I had hoped for a Sage Sparrow or Snow Bunting; it was not to be.

Earlier I drove to Rocky Mountain Arsenal (Adams).  Nothing uncommon was found today.  I passed through the DIA Owl Loop when it was too dark to see much.

Richard Stevens

Aurora Reservoir and DIA Owl Loop

December 4, 2013

Richard Stevens:

I led a trip to Aurora Reservoir (Arapahoe County).  Winds were 12+ mph, temperatures in the 30s and below.

Gulls come and go all day long at Aurora Reservoir.  Some definitely head north to nearby DADS (Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site) and return throughout the day.  Others fly west toward Cherry Creek Reservoir.

Today we found two Lesser Black-backed Gulls, which represented our only uncommon gulls.  At least one Long-tailed Duck continues (Steve Mlodinow reported five on 11/24).

The last hour of daylight, Bryan Ehlmann and I drove the DIA Owl Loop (Adams).  A Short-eared Owl was found flying over the rocky remnants of old roads on the west side of Queensburg Street, south of 114th avenue.  It eventually disappeared over the Airport runways to the west.

Search for Dusky Grouse in Jefferson County and Barrow's Goldeneyes in Adams County

December 3, 2013

Richard Stevens:

On the way to pick up some birders near the foothills, Bryan Ehlmann and I made a quick stop at Aurora Reservoir (Arapahoe County).  A Lesser Black-backed Gull and the possible Glaucous-winged Gull were the only uncommon gulls found.

Nate Williams, Karl Clark, Billy Blake and I made a good effort to find Dusky Grouse at Reynolds Park later this morning.  Temperatures were 20 degrees colder than yesterday (in the 40s) and winds 10+ mph, gusts to 21 mph.

We made the whole circuit (Raven's Roost to Eagle's View to Oxen Draw to Elkhorn trails.  No sign of any Dusky Grouse, one can only give it a good try.

A female American Three-toed Woodpecker crossed Oxen Draw trail just north of the Eagle's View/Raven's Roost intersection.  Three species of nuthatches, one Brown Creeper, four Red Crossbills and Pine Siskins were also seen.

After dropping them off at their motel, I decided to hike the South Platte River from 88th and Colorado Blvd to Highway 224 and back (east side of Platte south, cross over and west side back to 88th). 

There was a report of eleven Barrow's Goldeneyes on the Platte River yesterday.  Eventually I found four male and one female Barrow's Goldeneyes.  Three males were on the Platte River and a pair of Barrow's Goldeneyes was on East Gravel Lakes.

Other interesting birds observed included a Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, two Red-tailed Hawks and a Northern Shrike.

Perhaps the Last Foray Into the Mountains for 2013

December 2, 2013

Richard Stevens:

Five of us took advantage of the nice weather and returned to Guanella Pass (Clear Creek County).  It took a little over an hour before we found two White-tailed Ptarmigan on the hillside southeast of the upper parking area.

We were not as fortunate at Pine Valley Ranch Park (Jefferson).  No American Three-toed Woodpeckers or Northern Pygmy-Owls were found in a three hour search.

On my way home, I drove the DIA Owl Loop (Adams).  No Short-eared Owls were observed tonight.  Two Northern Harriers, two Red-tailed Hawks, a Ferruginous Hawk and a male American Kestrel wandered around north of the airport.

Weather predictions are for 3-6 inches of snow in the Denver area for Wednesday.  With 12-24 inches predicted for the mountains, birding may be restricted to the plains this week.  High temperatures around 14 degrees, lows -10 degrees, it is going to be a cold one.

One more day/morning a passable weather, winter is arriving.

A Hike Around Aurora Reservoir

December 1, 2013

After great barbecue hosted by Bill Cryder, we decided to burn a few calories with walk around the south and eastern sides of Aurora Reservoir.  Our group included Bryan & Sue Ehlmann, Rebecca Kosten, Bill Cryder and I.

Among hundreds of gulls, we found two Lesser Black-backed Gulls and the Gull that others report as a Glaucous-winged Gull (we hold that no pure Glaucous-winged Gulls can be identified or occur in Colorado but rather are hybrids of some degree).

Other birds included a Long-tailed Duck and a Common Loon.  Misses included the Glaucous Gull and Mew Gull reported a few days earlier.  Jerry Petrosky called to say a Glaucous Gull was at Cherry Creek Reservoir (not more than 9 miles to the west, it could have been the Aurora Reservoir bird?).

Wandering Around Adams County

November 30, 2013

Saturday was another fantastic fall day in Colorado.  Temperatures reached into the middle 60s; winds were less than 6 mph.

A stop at Barr Lake State Park (Adams) did not find the Tundra Swan reported two days earlier.  A Common Loon swam with many Western Grebes, gulls (mostly Ring-billed, a few California and a couple of Herring).

No uncommon geese were picked out of the thousands of White-cheeked Geese out on the lake.

Next, we decided to drive through the Rocky Mountain Arsenal (Adams County).  Lower Derby Lake hosted hundreds of ducks and geese.

We spotted a female/immature Surf Scoter at the southwest corner of the lake.  At times, it would disappear behind the southwest bank.  Be sure to obey no trespassing signs.  Two reasons, it is not a good idea to break the law on federal property and fines are listed at $225.

Eventually a Greater White-fronted Goose was picked out of the thousands of geese on Lower Derby Lake.  Other waterfowl included Bufflehead, Redheads, Canvasbacks, a few Mallards, American Coots, two Western Grebes and a couple of Pied-billed Grebes.

Heading toward Lake Ladora, we stopped to look for sparrows and rails in the cattails along the southern end of the lake.  A Swamp Sparrow responded in less than three seconds when a recording was played at the southeast corner.

Only a few Buffleheads, American Coots and Gadwall were on the lake.  A hundred or so gulls were represented by Ring-billed and one Herring.

We stayed until dark (park closes at 6:00 pm) to look and listen for Long-eared Owls at the Governor's Row area of the Arsenal.  None appeared/called tonight.

Black Friday Birding

November 29, 2013

The newly formed Sedgwick County Birding Club (now has 11 members) made a circuit around the county today.  Temperatures were in the 50s, winds were mild.

One of the Birding Club members reported a reddish Fox Sparrow.  We drove over and found an adult "Passerella iliaca taiga" that Bill reports has been hanging around for ten days or so.

We stopped in Ovid (Sedgwick County) to say hi to a friend of mine (and recruit her for the club) and were lucky to be there when her Purple Finch made an appearance.  The finch has been detected for six days now!

A stop at Jumbo Reservoir (Logan/Sedgwick) was quite productive.  The highlight was a Winter Wren below (west) the road at the southwest corner of the Wildlife Area.

Gulls were represented well with a Lesser Black-backed Gull, two Thayer's Gulls, Bonaparte's Gull and Mew Gull.  A Common Loon and at least two Greater Scaup swam around the lake.

On the trip back to Denver (after saying adios to our new friends), we stopped briefly at Prewitt Reservoir (Logan/Washington).  A Common Loon was on the reservoir.  One of the resident Eastern Screech-Owls responded to our recordings.  Misses included the Winter Wren that called on 11/26 and a Lesser Black-backed Gull that had flown over the lake on 11/26.

In Morgan County, we circled Log Lane Village searching for feeders and possible Purple Finches.  Finding no finches, we scoped Riverside Park in Fort Morgan and found a Greater White-fronted Goose among thousands of White-cheeked Geese (eastern end of property).