Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Kit Carson and Yuma County Birding

September 16, 2015

Richard Stevens:

Bryan Ehlmann and I birded Flagler Reservoir (Kit Carson County) just after sunrise.  Winds were 8 mph, gusts to 12 mph; temperature was 58 degrees.

In two hours, we found a Northern Waterthrush, Cassin's Vireo and Brown Thrasher along the eastern and southern sides.  Two Eastern Bluebirds and a White-throated Sparrow were near the northeastern corner.  A Red-bellied Woodpecker and Marsh Wren were below the dam.

Our next stop of the day was Fairview Cemetery in Burlington (Kit Carson).  A Blue-headed Vireo was in the evergreens at the southwest corner.  Two Red Crossbills were a surprise sighting.  A Townsend's Warbler and Great Horned Owl were also in the cemetery.  Great-tailed Grackles (8) were across the highway.

After lunch (91 degrees at 3:00 pm), we finally arrived at Bonny Reservoir (Yuma).  Winds were 13+ mph; gusts to 22 mph.  Highlights were a Northern Cardinal and Long-eared Owl near Foster's Grove.  Four Wild Turkey walked CR 3, west of Foster's Grove.  Stalker Pond was quiet.  A Bell's Vireo was in the trees along County Road 2.  No birds were at the infamous CR 2 corner (first right turn east of Hwy 385).

A Philadelphia Vireo was the highlight of the day at wagon wheel Campgrounds.  At dusk, we got a Common Poorwill to respond to our recording (would have preferred a Whip-poor-will).  An Eastern Screech-Owl called about 60 minutes after sunset.

No comments: