Jackson County

November 15-18, 2018

Richard Stevens:

November 15

On the way to Gould, we stopped in Longmont.  The Blackburnian Warbler was easy to find, we just followed the crowd of birders.

After receiving a text message from Sue, we detoured to North Poudre Reservoir #3 (Larimer).  It took awhile; however, we were able to find the American Black Duck in the horde of waterfowl.

After dark, we stood at the upper parking area for Joe Wright Reservoir.  Surprisingly, winds were calm.  A Boreal Owl called from north of highway 14.

November 16

High temperature today was 31 degrees.  Winds were 5-6 mph with gusts to 12 mph.

We found two Gray-crowned Rosy Finches at the Colorado State Forest Visitor's Center.  Note: Bears have not hibernated yet; therefore the rangers only hang the Visitor's Center feeders out from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (or so).

An American Three-toed Woodpecker was heard drumming at the Ranger Lakes area, while we were standing on Highway 14.

A friend's ranch near Walden had 180+ Rosy Finches visiting her feeders.  All three species represented with two Blacks, majority were Gray-crowned Rosy.

Boreal Owls were heard just west of the Cameron Pass pullover/restroom area.  Winds were surprisingly calm.

November 17

Snowed most of the day.  Nothing uncommon found during our short trek into the Colorado State Forest.

November 18

Winds were again surprisingly calm four hours before sunrise.  High temperature would only reach 28 degrees.

A Boreal Owl was heard when I snow shoed down to the Crags Campgrounds before sunrise.

Later, we found a Greater Sage-Grouse walking along the east side of Jackson CR 26, west of Highway 14.

Six Gray-crowned Rosy Finches visited the Colorado State Forest Visitor's Center feeders this morning.  The male American Three-toed Woodpecker drummed north of Highway 14 and the Visitor's Center.