Thursday, May 8, 2014

A Long Trip to Pawnee National Grasslands Area

May 4, 2014

Richard Stevens:

Rebecca Kosten and I went to Crow Valley Campground (Weld County).  She wanted to see the Painted Redstart that was first reported on 5/1 (it was reported early 5/4).  Regrettably, the bird was not relocated after 7:00 am.

We walked around for about three hours.  I hiked to the north end of the property without seeing the Redstart (it was last observed north of the fenced in area, north of the group camping area at 6:35 am).

Eventually, I did find a Townsend's Warbler (group picnic area) and Plumbeous Vireo (southwest corner of the Campgrounds).  A couple of Brown Thrashers, House Wrens and a Hermit Thrush were other interesting birds around.

After checking the Washington Work area (northeast of the Campgrounds), we headed to Murphy's Pasture (CR 96, west of CR 77).  The highlights here were a Black-throated Gray Warbler and Chestnut-collared Longspur.

We relocated the Mountain Plover in the field south of CR 96, west of CR 77 and a second Mountain Plover on a traditional nesting area (to remain unnamed to protect the birds).

Because it took quite an effort to obtain the permit, we stopped at the field southeast of Highway 85 and CR 114.  Another Chestnut-collared Longspur was observed without having to walk farther than 40 yards into the field.

We passed Lower Latham Reservoir (CR 48) on our way back home.  A couple of Marbled Godwits were the only shorebirds around.  No Short-eared Owls flew around at dusk.

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