Adams to Broomfield to Arapahoe Counties

October 31, 2019

Richard Stevens:

High temperature was 48 degrees.  Winds were 9-10 mph with gusts to 16 mph.

Did not find much when I drove through the Rocky Mountain Arsenal (Adams).  A Say's Phoebe was probably the highlight.  No uncommon waterfowl or gulls were found.

Got a text message about the Black Scoter at Plaster Reservoir and headed up that way.  It only took about 15 minutes to add a new county bird to my lists!

Aurora Reservoir (Arapahoe) was more interesting.  It took an hour or so the scope through the thousands of gulls below the Lower Park Area.  One Lesser Black-backed Gull stood on the shore.  Misses, no Iceland Gulls or other uncommon gulls and no uncommon waterfowl.

Then I walked up from the northwestern parking area.  Thousands of gulls, geese and ducks were near the shore behind the riparian area south of the restrooms. 

An Iceland Gull and another Lesser Black-backed Gull stood among the horde on the shore.  Five Greater White-fronted Geese and two Snow Geese mingled with the many Canada Geese and Cackling Geese.

Two Common Loons were found, one below the northwest end of the dam and the other at the mouth of Lonetree Cove.

Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe) was a cornucopia of birds.  Highlights among the many common waterfowl included the Red-necked Grebe, two loons, two Bonaparte's Gulls, three Common Goldeneyes and a first year Herring Gull.  

The two Common Loons were not the Yellow-billed Loon reported on 10/28.  I captured witness photos of the loons and grebes; unfortunately, they were too far away for great photos.

Misses included still no Long-tailed Ducks and the Black Scoter was not relocated.

No Short-eared Owls appeared at the DIA Owl Loop as I parked at 88th avenue and 470 toll road.

South Platte Birding Area, Barr Lake & DIA Owl Loop

October 30, 2019

Richard Stevens:

High temperature today was a cold 18 degrees. Winds were 7-8 mph with gusts to 14 mph.

I hiked the South Platte River from 96th avenue south to Hwy 224 and back (round trip about 9 miles).

Just about every type of common duck in Colorado can be found wintering on the Platte River.  Misses included not one Goldeneye duck.  The Barrow's Goldeneye(s), which show up every winter, were not found today.

I also scoped Northern & Southern West Gravel Lakes, the northern end of East Gravel Lake, Dahlia Pond, Tani Reservoir and Spat Platte Lake.  No uncommon waterfowl were encountered.

There were two highlights.  While walking the gravel road that runs east to west from the South Platte Birding Area along the north side of the Northern Gravel Lake I found a flock of eight American Goldfinches, two Pine Siskins and a Common Redpoll.

They were feeding on the Elk Thistle inside the West Gravel Lake fence (south of the road).  Eventually they flew to the deciduous trees in the ditch north of the fence.

One Western Grebe swam on the West Gravel Lake.

The other highlight was a White-throated Sparrow loosely associated with a flock of ten White-crowned Sparrows and four Song Sparrows.  This flock was in the bushes under the tall willows just downstream of the Light Rail Bridge.

A Wilson's Snipe hiding in a cubbyhole of grasses enticed me to set up my scope to make sure it was not an American Woodcock.

One Spotted Sandpiper, six Killdeer and twelve American Pipits walked along the more swallow rocky areas in the Platte.

American Kestrels were the majority raptor with eleven counted, two Red-tailed Hawks (one a dark morph) and one Prairie Falcon were also observed along the River.

On the way to Barr Lake (Adams), I detoured into the town of Barr.  One male Great-tailed Grackle was with hundreds of Red-winged Blackbirds along the main road heading toward the Lake.  

At Barr Lake, one Lesser Black-backed Gull stood off the boat ramp area; no loons found this trip.

My birding day ended searching for Horned Larks and such along the DIA Owl Loop (Adams/Denver).  Numbers were up today at 450+ birds.  No Snow Bunting or longspurs were among them.

Ferruginous Hawks were found at Trussville and 114th avenue and on the fracking material along Piccadilly Road between 128th & 120th avenues.

DIA Owl Loop in Snowstorm

October 29, 2019

Richard Stevens:

High temperature was 17 degrees today. Winds were 15-16 mph with gusts to 22 mph.

It snowed most of the day.  I drove the DIA Owl Loop (Adams/Denver) in the afternoon searching for Horned Larks, Snow Buntings, longspurs and Short-eared Owls.

A few flocks of Horned Larks contained perhaps 150 birds.  No uncommon birds were among them.  Roads were bad enough to discourage a trip into the city.

No Short-eared Owls appeared as I sat at the 88th avenue Bridge over 470 toll road.

DIA Owl Loop & Cherry Creek Reservoir

October 28, 2019

Richard Stevens:

Once the snow stopped, the sun came out and dried out the busier roads.  High temperature was a nippy 21 degrees.  Winds were 3-4 mph with gusts to 10 mph at Cherry Creek Reservoir.

I spent the morning trying to relocate the Snow Bunting Rebecca and I found yesterday.  It was not found.  One flock of 200+ Horned Larks flew north of 114th avenue.

In the afternoon, I drove over to the Cherry Creek Reservoir area.  While scoping from the east side of the Lake Loop I observed a Loon at 60 yards.  The identification was not a simple one.

Field marks for Yellow-billed Loon: the Loon held its bill in upward slant, bill appeared yellow especially at the point, and its back had pale barring

Field marks for Common Loon: dark culmen on 1/2 bill closer to head, in spite of obvious barring on back, the loon appeared darker than Yellow-billed Loons I have seen previously, and some Common Loons can appear to have yellowish bills especially at sunset

I ran into Cole Sage who had several photos of the Loon.  His photos were darker than actually looking at the Loon.  Being there, the Loon was much lighter in appearance.  I am at a lost to call the Loon either species.  

It took quite awhile; eventually I did detect the previously reported lone Black Scoter.  The larger size, similar to the Redheads and American Wigeons around it and darker flanks separated it from the possible male Ruddy Duck.

Two Bonaparte's Gulls flew toward the southwest marina.  Misses included the Red-necked Grebe, Jaeger and Clark's Grebe.

Fourteen American Pipits walked the road to the ranger's office.  One hundred twenty or so Sandhill Cranes circled over the field east of the Campgrounds.  They started to descend; however, I was not able to find them on the ground.

Successful Drive Along the DIA Owl Loop!

October 27, 2019

Richard Stevens:

High temperature today was 30 degrees.  Winds were 16-18 mph most of the day.

In the morning, I went over to Barr Lake (Adams County) to search for the Pacific Loon reported yesterday by Ira Sanders.  The loon was swimming at the northern-center of the Lake.

A lingering Lesser Black-backed Gull stood on the east side of the banding station peninsula.  

Later Rebecca and I drove the DIA Owl Loop in search of flocks of Horned Larks and owls.  A Snow Bunting all by itself surprised us.  First observed south of 112th Avenue where it crosses W. Cargo Road and parallels 114th Avenue.  The Snow Bunting then flew south along and west of Gun Club Road.

We sat at Gun Club Road south of 104th avenue and saw a Short-eared Owl flying over the field to the southeast!  It was quite an enjoyable drive in the snowstorm!

Cherry Creek Reservoir

October 26, 2019

Richard Stevens:

High temperature in Walden today was 28 degrees.  Winds were 5-6 mph, mild for this area.

I went out two hours before sunrise and listened for Boreal Owls.  None called this morning.

No Rosy Finches visited the Colorado State Forest Visitor's Center this morning.  We heard the American Three-toed Woodpecker drumming north of hwy 14 however never saw it.

Reports of severe approaching snowstorms changed our plans and we returned to Denver.

We detoured through Cherry Creek State Park (Arapahoe) to search for the birds reported yesterday by Ben Sampson (Red-necked Grebe, Sabine's Gull, Jaeger).  

Unfortunately, none was found.  We did see two Bonaparte's Gulls and one of the previously reported Black Scoters.

Owling at Pennock & Cameron Passes

October 25, 2019

Richard Stevens:

Temperature was 14 degrees when we arrived in Gould.  Winds were calm this evening.

Rebecca and I headed up to Gould.  We drove by way of Pennock Pass (Larimer) and stopped four times at GPS waypoints of previous Flammulated Owl reports.  Regrettably, none was found tonight.

No Boreal Owls called at Joe Wright Reservoir (Larimer) or Cameron Pass (Jackson)

Chatfield Reservoir to Cherry Creek Reservoir to Aurora Reservoir

October 24, 2019

Richard Stevens:

High temperature was only 41 degrees today.  Winds were 6-7 mph with gusts to 15 mph.  The day was quite pleasant relative to last night.

My birding day commenced at Chatfield Reservoir (Jefferson/Douglas).  Most Murres found in Colorado have been during or just after a snowstorm.  Last night's storm dropped over 4 inches across metro Denver.

I scoped the Lake from above the Dam; unfortunately, no Murres, Jaegers or uncommon waterfowl were found.  A Lesser Black-backed Gull stood on the southeast sand spit.  An Iceland Gull (Thayer's) flew below my vantage point several times.

A report of Black or Surf Scoters at Cherry Creek Reservoir prompted my next stop.  Five Black Scoters swam off the western point at the Lake Loop. 

Additional scoping of the Lake did not find any other uncommon birds.  There were many Western Grebes, American Coots, Ruddy Ducks, and Ring-billed Gulls.  I thought there was a brief glimpse of a Red-necked Grebe; however, I could not confirm the sighting.

My next stop was Aurora Reservoir (Arapahoe).  The storm did not bring any uncommon waterfowl here.  Ruddy Ducks were the majority duck, followed by American Coots, American Wigeons and Pied-billed Grebes.

For an unknown reason the three thousand+ Gulls were not on the swim beach today; instead they were below the pavilion at the lower parking lot.

I studied the gulls for several hours looking for a Mew Gull or Sabine's Gull.  Highlights were one Lesser Black-backed Gull and one Iceland Gull (Thayer's).  Half a dozen Herring Gulls and dozens of California Gulls were among the horde of Ring-billed Gulls.

There was not enough daylight to reach Barr Lake before sunset; instead, I walked The Pronghorn Open Space.  Perhaps a Short-eared Owl would appear at sunset, none did however.

Highlight was a Swamp Sparrow and six American Tree Sparrows fluttering about the cattail marshes.  The Swamp Sparrow was about 400 yards from the parking area.  Not much else was encountered during the 1.2 mile (one way) hike.

A Warbler Day!

October 23, 2019

Richard Stevens:

Weather changed drastically throughout the day.  Boulder had a high of 54 degrees with winds 10-11 mph.  Denver's high was 51 degrees with winds 5-6 mph until the gusts of 33 mph and snow around 4:00 pm.

I enjoyed a superb warbler birding day.  After leaving Denver at 4:00 am to miss traffic and an early breakfast, I stopped at Meadowview Park (Boulder).  It only took about 10 minutes to find the Palm Warbler.

Then I drove over to the creek at 29th/30th Street (Boulder).  It took a bit longer to relocate the Black-throated Green Warbler, Townsend's Warblers and Nashville Warbler all previously reported.  The Wood Thrush was missed if it was around early in the morning.

My next stop was Belmar Place Apartment's Lake (Jefferson).  After walking around the southwestern trail, Renee Casius and I decided to try the southeastern corner.  There is not a complete loop around the Lake; one has to backtrack.

While we watched a couple of Yellow-rumped Warblers at the leaf-less trees in the southeast corner, the Palm Warbler joined them. Eventually the "flock" flew into the tall pine next to the most southeastern building.

My next bird was a strange coincidence.  Another birder gave directions to the nearest public library as 2nd and Perry Streets.  Perry and 2nd Streets in Denver do not meet and I circled the neighborhood searching for a library.  Note: the library was a good mile away at Alameda & Lowell.

While circling the neighborhood a flock of what turned out to be 14 Yellow-rumped Warblers caught my eye.  They were near a trailhead to Weir Gulch trail.  When I got out of my car for a better look a Palm Warbler was found among the flock!

I gave up trying to navigate Denver's traffic and had a late lunch as snow started to fall.

Later around 9:00 pm, Rebecca and I went out for a late dinner and to enjoy the snow covered landscape.  As we passed through Cherry Creek State Park (Arapahoe) we noticed a Great Horned Owl standing on the wooden fence at the west end of the West Shades Picnic area.  The snow covered owl stayed for as long as we wanted to watch!

Note: I ate too much today :-)

Aurora Reservoir & Barr Lake

October 22, 2019

Richard Stevens:

High temperature today was 62 degrees.  Winds were 15-16 mph with gusts measured at 31 mph at Cherry Creek Reservoir and 25 mph at Barr Lake.

I met Terry Michaels at Aurora Reservoir (Arapahoe) and we spent two hours looking for our target bird; without success.  Hundreds of Gulls were again on the swim beach.  Highlights were an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull and Iceland Gull.

After we split up, I spent five and a half hours at Barr Lake (Adams).  A detour to Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe) again found no shorebirds on Pelican Point.  Eight Song Sparrows wandered around in the willows.  Fourteen American Pipits walked the shore.

While walking to Pelican Point, I caught a glimpse of a sparrow that appeared to be a Sagebrush Sparrow.  Unfortunately, it scurried into the willows at the eastern end of the Point.  The bird had gray head and nape, pale gray-brown slightly streaked back and long tail.  Regrettably, I did not see its breast of face.  Most likely a Sagebrush Sparrow, however I am reluctant to report it was such.

My plan at Barr Lake was to search for shorebirds.  However, activity in the riparian area around the banding station was full of bugs and kept my interest for almost two hours.

The willows below the main trail had a male Wilson's Warbler, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Ruby-crowned Kinglet.  A male Hairy Woodpecker drummed on the cottonwoods overhead.

The area north of the willow field and south of the northern east-west banding trail had many birds.  These included an Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler, two Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a late migrating Hermit Thrush, a House Wren and Black-and-white Warbler.

Finally, I made it out onto the sandy shore.  A walk along the shore from mile 8.8 to the Pioneer trail (mile 8.1) found only one shorebird.  A lone Baird's Sandpiper stood on the most extreme northern point.

Many Franklin's Gulls and Ring-billed Gull stood at the water's edge.  Highlights were an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull, which has been around since 9/14, and an Iceland Gull.

Later I found one Long-eared Owl in the windbreak along the entrance road.

No Short-eared Owls appeared this evening along the DIA Owl Loop as I parked at the 88th avenue high spot.

Denver West Office Complex & Aurora Reservoir

October 21, 2019

Richard Stevens:

Temperatures only reached 52 degrees on this cold Monday.  Winds were 7-8 mph with gusts to 15 mph.

After waiting for rush hour to end, I drove to the Denver West Office Complex (Jefferson County).  The action was along the southern side of building # 6.

First, the Magnolia Warbler flew into the pines at the southeast corner.  It was followed by two Townsend's Warblers one of which flew down to the creek for a bath (photos on Colorado Birding Society's website eventually).

Three or four Yellow-rumped Warblers fluttered about the deciduous trees next to the building.  A pair of Ruby-crowned Kinglets and two Red-breasted Nuthatches also visited the pine trees.

Finally, the Nashville Warbler made an appearance.  The warbler stayed mostly deep in the pines; however, it did emerge several times allowing for identification looks.

My next stop was Aurora Reservoir (Arapahoe).  Hundreds of gulls stood on the swim beach.  Highlights were three Iceland Gulls and two adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

Around 4:00 pm, most of the gulls on the swim beach flew up.  I looked around for a reason (no people around) and observed a Jaeger chasing a couple of gulls.

I looked for the white flashes on the under wing and upper wing.  It had short pointed central tail feathers, dark brown cap and dark bill.  It looked similar to the Parasitic Jaeger photos from Warren Lake (Larimer).  Perhaps it was the same bird?

After 15-20 minutes, it followed gulls and disappeared below the dam.  I circled around but did not see the bird again.

On the way home, I stopped by Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe) to see if the Semipalmated Plover was still there (to update a friend).  It was not there.  Neither were the two Western Sandpipers and Lesser Yellowlegs (with broken foot).  They appeared to stay together since October 18.

Windy Afternoon at Cherry Creek Reservoir

October 20, 2019

Richard Stevens:

I have a friend and relative staying at a rehab Hospital near Cherry Creek Reservoir and swing by the Lake when in that area.

Winds were 30 to 32 mph most of the afternoon.  High temperature was 51 degrees; it felt much cooler than that.

The Semipalmated Plover was still at Pelican Point.  Also around were a Solitary Sandpiper, two Western Sandpipers, a Lesser Yellowlegs and a few Killdeer.

I briefly looked over the Lake with my binoculars however did not take the time to break out my scope.  Keeping the scope steady in the wind would have been difficult.

Birding Around Eastern Metro Denver

October 19, 2019

Richard Stevens:

High temperature today was 63 degrees on this pleasant fall day.  Winds were 3-4 mph most of the afternoon.

I briefly stopped at Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe) to see if the Semipalmated Plover had stayed over night.  Fourteen people and two unleashed dogs walked around the Pelican Point.  

The Semipalmated Plover was still around; however, it was much farther south than previous visits.  A lone American Avocet was also observed.

We then drove through the Rocky Mountain Arsenal (Adams).  Nothing uncommon was encountered.

I walked to Havana Ponds and found two American Avocets, two Baird's Sandpipers, one Greater Yellowlegs and two Lesser Yellowlegs.

Continuing to the Rod and Gun Club Pond did not add anything to my day list.

The First Creek Trail (outside the eastern side of the Arsenal) added only a Lincoln's Sparrow and a dozen Chipping Sparrows to my day list.

Return to Arapahoe County

October 18, 2019, Afternoon

Richard Stevens:

High temperature in this afternoon in Denver  was 61 degrees, another enjoyable fall day!  It was a tad windy at 13-14 mph with gusts to 22 mph.

I returned from a trip to Eastern Colorado in the afternoon.  Today was uneventful until I reached Arapahoe County.

Two adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls stood on the Aurora Reservoir swim beach.  I scoped the Lake from the Upper Swim Beach parking area, however found few waterfowl.

A pair of Rusty Blackbirds walked the shore southeast of the handicapped parking area below the office buildings.

Cherry Creek Reservoir also had few non-gulls and Western Grebes on it.  I scoped from the western side of the Lake Loop and found a juvenile Sabine's Gull.  If it had not flown, I may not have picked it out of the dozens of Franklin's Gulls swimming around.

While scoping the Lake from the eastern end of the Lake loop I saw a Pacific Loon.  Later from Pelican Point, I tried to relocate the Loon.  All that was there was a lone Double-crested Cormorant.  I was about to convince myself that it was a Double-crested Cormorant seen from the far distance, when the Pacific Loon surfaced.  The loon stayed above water less than three seconds at a time before diving again.

A walk out onto Pelican Point found the Semipalmated Plover reported by Amanda Spears on Wednesday.  Other shorebirds included two Baird's Sandpipers, two Western Sandpipers, one Least Sandpiper, half a dozen Killdeer and a Lesser Yellowlegs with a damaged foot.

I will put photos of the Semipalmated Plover and Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the CoBus photo library before going to bed.

coloradobirdingsociety.net 

Search for Sprague's Pipits on the Eastern Plains of Colorado

October 14-18, 2019

Richard Stevens:

October 14, 2019

What a superb day with a high of 75 degrees.  Winds were 5-6 mph with gusts to 10 mph.

I returned to Chatfield Reservoir (Jefferson/Douglas) in the morning to attempt for better photos of the shorebirds.

The Plum Creek Delta shorebirds continued and included the American Golden-Plover, Black-bellied Plovers, Dunlin and Pectoral Sandpipers.  One of the Burrowing Owls remained at the southeast entrance to the State Park.

My plan was to drive to the Eastern Colorado border and check Sprague's Pipit spots.  I timed the drive to arrive at a Greater Prairie-Chicken Lek in Yuma County just before sunset.  Regrettably no Prairie-Chickens were found this evening.

When I arrived at Hale Ponds (South Republican Wildlife Area, Yuma) an Eastern Screech-Owl was enticed to respond to my recordings.

October 15, 2019

Temperatures reached 66 degrees.  It was a windy day at 15-16 mph and gusts to 26 mph.

First thing in the morning, I scoped Pipit Hill below the Bonny Reservoir dam.  Two of the previously reported five Sprague's Pipits were found.

Later a walk around Hale Ponds found a pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers near the Kansas border (but in Colorado).  Four Eastern Bluebirds were observed along the road from Kansas to the western Hale Pond.

A wren popped out of the cattails at the western pond.  Regrettably, it only allowed two brief looks and remained unidentified during an hour wait.

Hopper Ponds has been dried up for several years.  It is one of the better spots to find uncommon sparrows at the Wildlife Area.  While no uncommon sparrows were found, a Nashville Warbler was spotted under the bushes.

Fosters Grove was a good stop.  Best bird was a Black-throated Green Warbler just west of the building.  A male Northern Cardinal added a quick glance of red color to my day.

Other birds encountered included six Wild Turkeys, a Lincoln's Sparrow, two Lark Sparrows, many White-crowned Sparrows and Chipping Sparrows.

I arrived in Wray in late afternoon and walked around the City Park and the hospital.  One of the Red-bellied Woodpeckers continued at the Park.  No Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were encountered around the Hospital.

Just before dark, I visited a friend's ranch and caught a glimpse of a Harris's Sparrow.  One of his Eastern Screech-Owls called shortly after sunset.

October 16, 2019

Temperatures dropped to a high of 61 degrees.  It was another windy day, 18-19 mph with gusts to 28 mph.

I drove Yuma County Road 45 (turns into CR P) a half hour before sunrise.  No Greater Prairie-Chickens or Short-eared Owls appeared this morning.

The plan was to search for Sprague's Pipits in Phillips & Sedgwick Counties today.  Five stops were made on the trip north.

A friend in Holyoke (Phillips) had a White-throated Sparrow visiting her yard.

Bird of the day would be a Black-throated Green Warbler at Holyoke City Park.  While a Townsend's Warbler was the only uncommon bird found at the Cemetery.

A brief walk at Frenchman Creek Wildlife Area did not find any uncommon birds.  A Field Sparrow and Loggerhead Shrike were observed at Sand Draw Wildlife Area.

The afternoon was spent searching previous locations of Sprague's Pipit sightings.  Unfortunately, none was found today.

The searches included around Phillips CR 49-51, Sedgwick CR 59 (btw 26 & 30), CR 20 btw CR 45 & CR 63.

A Harris's Sparrow and Eastern Screech-Owl were seen at Roger Danka's Ranch near sunset.

October 17, 2019

What a different day makes with a high of 83 degrees today.  Winds were 7-8 mph with gusts to 14 mph.

Roger Danka and my Sprague's Pipit search today was around CR 30 to CR 36, CR 29 to CR 35.  Again, no Sprague's Pipits were encountered.

A stop at DePoorter Lake found two Harris's Sparrows along the South Platte River.  The Red-bellied Woodpecker at Ovid Woods is a reliable sighting.

While the Northern Cardinal was missed at Julesburg Wildlife Area, a Red-bellied Woodpecker and White-throated Sparrow were found.

Nothing uncommon was found at Jackson Reservoir (Logan/Sedgwick).  Shortly after sunset, we observed a Short-eared Owl flying across the field below the reservoir at CR 24.8, west of Sedgwick CR 3.

October 18, 2019

Temperatures would reach 81 degrees at Prewitt Reservoir today.  Winds were calm at 1-2 mph with a gust or two reaching 6 mph.  

Friday, it was time to return home.  The only stop made was Prewitt Reservoir (Logan/Washington).  Shorebirds were few however did include two Pectoral Sandpipers.

Gulls were more interesting.  I found an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull, one Bonaparte's Gull and one whitish Gull.  After viewing photos later in the weekend, the light Gull turned out to be an Iceland Gull!

Few passerines fluttered about below the dam.  A Swamp Sparrow and Ruby-crowned Kinglet were just about all that were found.

Slow Day In Eastern Denver and Aurora

October 13, 2019

Richard Stevens:

Today was uneventful birding wise.  High temperature was 72 degrees.  It was windy 13-14 mph most of the afternoon.

Rebecca and I stopped at several locations in eastern Denver and Aurora.  

We could not find the Eastern Bluebirds (Denver County) and Brown Thrasher (Adams) reported yesterday along the First Creek Trail.

Two Pectoral Sandpipers were relocated at the Lowry Westerly Creek Wetlands.  They turned out to be the highlight of our day.

We scoped Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe) at least five times.  The Surf Scoters found on 10/11 did not were not found; they may have moved on.

Similarly, the Surf Scoter at Aurora Reservoir was not relocated either.  We only scoped the Lake from the upper swim beach parking area and the east end of the dam.

Our next stop was Barr Lake (Adams).  The American Golden-Plover and Sabine's Gull reported yesterday also were not found today.

We drove through the DIA Airport; however did not find the Burrowing Owl reported yesterday.  

No Short-eared Owls appeared along the DIA Owl Loop.  

Beautiful Fall Day at Barr Lake & Chatfield Reservoir

October 12, 2019

Richard Stevens:

What a fantastic fall day.  High temperature was 66 degrees.  Winds were 5-6 mph with gusts 11 mph.

My birding day started at Barr Lake (Adams County).  The American Golden-Plover reported yesterday was relocated on the shore northwest of the Niedrach Boardwalk.

A text message indicated that the Chatfield Reservoir Dunlin and plovers were still there; I headed southwest to the Lake.  Before driving to the sand spit, I went to the southeastern entrance.  The Burrowing Owls reported earlier in the day were standing on one of the prairie dog mounds.

Then I walked from the marina sand spit to the Plum Creek Delta (Douglas).  The sand spit had only gulls, mostly Ring-billed and a couple of California Gulls.  Two American Pipits fluttered about the new rocky hillside.

Dozens of shorebirds walked the mudflats at Plum Creek Delta.  Highlights at the mudflats included the American Golden-Plover, three Black-bellied Plovers, three Pectoral Sandpipers, several Baird's Sandpipers, Lesser Yellowlegs and Long-billed Dowitchers.  A Semipalmated Plover walked the shore at the extreme eastern side of Plum Creek Delta.

I decided to return to my car by walking Plum Creek back to the old parking area.  High grasses/cattails and wet muddy areas changed my route several times.  It was difficult to recognize a path with the new changes to the area.

Eventually I followed what I thought was a sandy dried up Plum Creek.  After 1/4 mile or so, it turned out I was on the wrong (eastern) side of Plum Creek.  It required a longer walk to find a place to jump across the Creek.

Along the way, a Tennessee Warbler was observed loosely associated with six Yellow-rumped Warblers and two Black-capped Chickadees.

At the old Plum Creek parking area, now just an overgrown clearing with restroom and parking spots removed, I found a Cassin's Vireo in one of the old tall Cottonwoods.  Another highlight with location not made public, a Long-eared Owl was "hiding" in one of the thick bushes along Plum Creek.

I continued the hike and found that the old footbridge across Plum Creek has also been removed.  Other birds ran across on the detour included a Marsh Wren, Lincoln's Sparrow, a dozen Chipping Sparrows, and one remaining House Wren.

On the drive out of the State Park, I detoured to the model airplane field.  Two Chestnut-collared Longspurs wandered around the southeast corner.

On the way home, several additional stops were made without seeing any uncommon birds.

Only American Wigeons and Mallards swam on McLellan Reservoir (Arapahoe/Jefferson).  Nothing uncommon was at Marston Reservoir (Denver).  In addition, Belmar Historic Park (Jefferson) offered no highlights.

Aurora and Cherry Creek Reservoirs

October 11, 2019

Richard Stevens:

High temperature today was 49 degrees.  Winds were 7-8 mph with afternoon gusts to 14 mph.

I walked into Aurora Reservoir (Arapahoe) by way of the southern trail to see if any uncommon waterfowl or shorebirds were brought by yesterday's snowstorm.

Highlight was a juvenile or female Surf Scoter.  The bird was loosely associated with a raft of American Wigeons.  

No other uncommon ducks or loons were found as the Lake was scoped four times or so.  One strange looking Ruddy Duck took a while before I decided it was not a Long-tailed Duck.

A text message received noted two Surf Scoters at Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe).  The Reservoir is about 8 miles west of Aurora Reservoir; I headed that way.

Scoping the Lake from Pelican Point and into the sun found only American Coots, American Wigeons and dozens of American White Pelicans.

The east side of the Lake Loop offered better views with the sun at my back.  The two Surf Scoters were observed swimming in the middle of the American Wigeon raft.

Later I hiked from the Smoky Hill picnic area to Augie's Pond and back.  No passerines were encountered.  A check of the Pond and two drainages flowing into it found only Black-billed Magpies.  The Rusty Blackbirds that wintered in 2018-2019 have not returned.

Snow in Denver, Early October Wow

October 10, 2019

Richard Stevens:

After this morning's snow (3-4 inches), the high only reached 27 degrees.  Winds were 14-15 mph with gusts during the snowstorm of 30 mph.  It was 56 degrees colder than yesterday; that is Colorado!

I stayed out of the deep snow and walked the main trail at Barr Lake (Adams).  Most of the leaves were snow covered.  No little birds were observed moving around.

The hundreds of American White Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants huddled along the shore.  Dozens of Western Grebes swam off shore.  The only shorebirds seen were Killdeer.

Again, no Short-eared Owls appeared along the DIA Owl Loop (Denver/Adams).

Eastern Arapahoe County and Another Prothonotary Warbler Search

October 9, 2019

Richard Stevens:

Today was a good example of Colorado's fluctuating weather.  The high was a hot 83 degrees.  Winds were 12-13 mph when I hiked around Barr Lake.  See tomorrow's forecast!

I drove around eastern Arapahoe County this morning.  At least one Eastern Bluebird continues at Richmil Ranch Open Space; no kingbirds were found.  

Misses included the Burrowing Owl along CR 18, the Sage Thrasher off CR 213 and Chestnut-collared Longspurs along CR 269.  However, I did find two Chestnut-collared Longspurs along CR 42 east of I70.  

The Burrowing Owls along CR 30 and CR 129 appear to have moved on for the year.  No Red-headed Woodpeckers found at previous locations at County Line Road and Richmil.

Another highlight was a Northern Mockingbird at last year's location along CR 42, east of CR 161.

A text message received stated that the Barr Lake State Park Prothonotary Warbler was found again today; I headed that way.  My three hour search yesterday was unsuccessful.

Today was a better day; follow the Yellow-rumped Warblers.  A flock of six or so was flying about the cottonwoods at the peninsula north of the banding station.  Other birds included two Orange-crowned Warblers, two Ruby-crowned Kinglets and the Red-eyed Vireo.  

The Prothonotary Warbler was also in the area.  Regrettably, it only allowed 3-4 second looks before disappearing back into the brush.  When last seen it was moving back toward the banding station.

A walk along the north shore of the peninsula found eighteen Killdeer to be the only shorebirds there today.

I then walked the northern shore from mile 6.0 (end of dam) to mile 5.0.  Again, no other shorebirds were encountered.  The Lesser Black-backed Gull was not relocated today.

No Short-eared Owls appeared along the DIA Owl Loop (Adams/Denver) this evening.

Hooded Warbler in Littleton, Missed Prothonotary Warbler at Barr Lake

October 8, 2019

Richard Stevens:

A fantastic fall day with a high of 78 degrees.  Winds were 6-7 mph with gusts to 15 mph.

It took about two hours to locate the Hooded Warbler that has been hanging around the Lee Gulch Trail (Arapahoe) since first reported by Santiago Tabares on 9/20.  The warbler first popped out of the bushes on the south side of the creek at 50 feet west of Mineral Avenue.  It eventually flew behind me while I was standing in the nearby clearing on the north side of the creek.

After receiving a text message about a Prothonotary Warbler at Barr Lake (Adams), I headed over.  In about three hours, I was not able to relocate the warbler.  The fantastic fall day with little wind was enjoyable in itself.  

A White-throated Sparrow jumped out of the Choke Cherry Bush along the main trail at 40 yards west of the banding station.  I was not aware that Meredith McBurney had banded it earlier in the day.

I scoped the Lake from the main trail.  No shorebirds were seen between the banding station and the west end of the Niedrach Boardwalk.

Birding North Park and a Pileated Woodpecker Hunt

October 1-7, 2019

Richard Stevens:

October 1

Terry Michaels and I to North Park in search of White-winged Crossbills, American Three-toed Woodpeckers and as it turned out a Pileated Woodpecker.  See the article in October 2019 "Colorado Field Notes" on Pileated Woodpecker records and sightings in Colorado.

coloradobirdingsociety.net/coloradofieldnotes.htm

Ironically at the same time, we received a report of a Pileated Woodpecker north of Chambers Lake, the "cobirds" listserve was discussing a possible Pileated Woodpecker nesting hole.

October 1

High temperature was 66 degrees at Cameron Pass.  Winds were mild at 7 mph which is uncommon for the area.

Terry and I hiked the Zimmerman Lake Loop (Larimer County), target birds White-winged Crossbills and American Three-toed Woodpeckers.  We encountered two flocks of Red Crossbills during the trek, no White-winged Crossbills.  One American Three-toed Woodpecker was at the trail spit around the Lake.

Later to rest our legs we walked the level part of the Michigan Ditch trail.  Highlight was a Long-eared Owl staring out of a thick evergreen at us! 

Just before sunset, we walked down to the Crags Campgrounds.  A Boreal Owl responded to our recording after dark.  No additional Boreal Owls were located at Cameron Pass or highway 14 to the west.  That inspired a two day hunt for the bird.

October 2

High was 54 degrees.  Winds again a mild 10 mph for this area.

We received a text message that two Illinois birders had seen a Pileated Woodpecker along Laramie River Road a short distance north of Chambers Lake (Larimer County).

Terry and I circled Chambers Lake (Larimer) however found no sign of a Pine Warbler (bird or nesting hole).  We did encounter two American Three-toed Woodpeckers along the eastern side of the Lake and a Dusky Grouse at the northeast corner (just west of Laramie River Road).

After a four hour search, we drove up to Tunnel Campgrounds, which is approximately 5 miles to the north.  We spent another couple of hours hiking around the Campgrounds and nearby roads.  Again no sign of a Pileated Woodpecker or nesting hole.

A few interesting birds were found.  These included a male Williamson's Sapsucker, two American Three-toed Woodpeckers and a Townsend's Warbler.

After sunset, we walked Laramie River Road.  A Boreal Owl responded to our recordings.  The owl was just northeast of Chambers Lake.

October 3

Another great fall day along the continental divide.  High was 68 degrees. Winds steady at 6 mph.

Today Terry and I continued our Pileated Woodpecker hunt.  We tried farther north at Browns Park Campgrounds and later Hohnholz Lakes Wildlife Area (both in Jackson County).

Once again no sign of a Pileated Woodpecker or their distinctive nesting hole.

An American Three-toed Woodpecker was run into at Browns Park Campgrounds.  Another American Three-toed Woodpecker, Sage Thrasher and six Red Crossbills were observed at Hohnholz Lakes.

No owls were heard after dark.

October 4, 2019

For the mountains the high of 73 degrees was rather warm.  Winds were strong at 24-25 mph with gusts in the afternoon of 33 mph.

We abandoned our Pileated Woodpecker search and headed to Routt County today.  Target birds were White-winged Crossbills and Dusky Grouse.

North of the town of Columbine, we hiked Forest Road 550 east of CR 129.  Terry spotted two White-winged Crossbills circling overhead about 2.5 miles northeast of CR 129!

Other birds encountered during our trek included a MacGillivray's Warbler and two Wilson's Warblers in willows in the drainage along the road.

After sunset we set up our two "owl listening stations" and hiked the forest in search of owls (Boreal Owl?).  Neither our "owl listening stations" nor we picked up any responding owls.

October 5, 2019

It was a much different day with a high of 57 degrees.  Winds were 7-8 mph with gusts to 18 mph.

We had set up camp in the forest and walked around early in the morning.  Highlights were four Dusky Grouse.  We also observed two flocks of Red Crossbills, sixteen birds in total; unfortunately, no White-winged Crossbills were among them.

The White-winged Crossbills found yesterday along Forest Road 550 did not reappear during our hour return.

Three Broad-tailed Hummingbirds were found at feeders in Columbine.

A stop at Steamboat Springs State Park (Routt) and later Pearl Lake (Routt) did not find any uncommon birds.

October 6

Temperatures continued to drop, high was 54 degrees.  Winds around 5-6 mph most of the day.

After a good night sleep in Steamboat Springs, Terry and I decided to head up Buffalo Pass Road (CR 38) before it was closed for the winter.  We meandered up Routt County Road 38 and spent the night at Summit Lake (Jackson).  This drive is always beautiful and quite interesting.

We enjoyed a fantastic fall day in the northern mountains.  Birds come across in Routt County included four American Three-toed Woodpeckers (3 locations along CR 38), one Dusky Grouse, four Williamson's Sapsuckers (2 locations), Red Crossbills, Pine Siskins, and a pair of Pine Grosbeak.  Most surprising birds of the drive were a Common Grackle and Juniper Titmouse.

Another two American Three-toed Woodpeckers were found during the day at Granite Campgrounds.  After dark, a Flammulated Owl responded to our recording played at Fish Creek Reservoir.  A Boreal Owl was heard along CR 310 (the road out of Fish Creek Reservoir).

October 7

It was warmer today even though we were at a higher elevation.  The high temperature was 68 degrees.  Winds were steady at 13-14 mph.

We woke up to a superb fall morning.  An American Three-toed Woodpecker drummed south of Summit Lake. A Dusky Grouse and American Three-toed Woodpecker were at Hidden Lake Campgrounds.

Additional birds found along Buffalo Pass Road (Jackson CR 24) included a pair of Williamson's Sapsuckers, twenty Red Crossbills, Pine Grosbeaks, Evening Grosbeaks, a Red-naped Sapsucker and three additional American Three-toed Woodpeckers.

On the way home, a brief stop back at the eastern and north sides of Chambers Lake (Larimer) did not find a Pileated Woodpecker. 

Brief Stop at Cherry Creek Reservoir

September 30, 2019

Richard Stevens:

The high today was 76 degrees.  Winds were 6-7 mph with gusts to 13 mph.

Rebecca and I drove through Cherry Creek State Park (Arapahoe) on our way to dinner.  Nothing uncommon stood out.  No shorebirds were found; water level was quite high leaving limited shore line.  The darkish California Gull (hybird?) stood ankle deep in water at Pelican Point.  No uncommon gulls flew around.  No jaegers have shown up yet this fall.

Exploring Banner Lakes Wildlife Area

September 29, 2019

Richard Stevens:

Even warmer today, the high was 89 degrees.  Winds continued to be strong at 16-17 mph with gusts to 29 mph.

I returned to Banner Lakes Wildlife Area this morning.  No Long-eared Owls were encountered at their usual locations north and south of Highway 52.  A Townsend's Warbler flew around the Pond 4 windbreak.

A nearby friend's ranch provided a Long-eared Owl sighting in his windbreak.  We drove to a Prairie Dog Town north of his ranch.  The nesting Burrowing Owls appeared to have departed for parts south.

Barr Lake State Park

September 28, 2019

Richard Stevens:

It was a warm fall day with a high of 81 degrees.  Winds were strong at 20-21 mph with gusts to 30 mph.

To stretch my legs and too many miles in a car this week I walked from the Visitor's Center Bridge to the banding station at Barr Lake (Adams).  Nothing uncommon stood out.  A Cassin's Vireo made an appearance.  The majority species was Chipping Sparrows.

Another Trip for Fall Migration

September 23-27, 2019

Richard Stevens:

September 23

It was a hot 88 degrees on the Plains today.  Winds were 6-7 mph with gusts to 18 mph.

Terry Michaels and I drove east for another fall migration search.  Eastern migrants were rare.

Back at the South Republican Wildlife Area (Yuma), we again stuck out on Sprague's Pipits at Pipit Hill.  It really is a bit early to find them here.

A Blue-headed Vireo and Nashville Warbler were along the Republican River northeast of the 90 degree bend in Yuma County Road 2.  In recent years, this area has been one of the more interesting spots at the Wildlife Area.

We relocated the male Red-bellied Woodpecker along the South Gated Road.  Two Spotted Towhees and a Brown Thrasher were just about it for sightings.

Hale Ponds added a pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers, a pair of Eastern Bluebirds and another Brown Thrasher to our bird list.  A mystery wren at the northeastern Hale Pond was more likely a Marsh Wren and not a Winter Wren.  It quickly dove into the cattails, appeared too big for a Winter Wren.

After sunset, an Eastern Screech-Owl called north of the ponds.  We searched Hale Ponds and then into Kansas looking for Common Poorwills or any goatsuckers, without success.

September 24

Another change in our fluctuating temperatures with a high of 66 degrees.  Winds were calm today.

The day was spent round Wray.  No Greater Prairie-Chickens appeared as we sat near the Yuma CR 45 lek at sunrise.  Neither was any found on the drive to the Kitzmueller Ranch.

A Broad-winged Hawk perched in a cottonwood at the northwest corner of Stalker Lake.  A late migrating Baltimore Oriole was discovered below the dam.

The male Northern Cardinal flew around the evergreen windbreak at the Wray Fishing Unit.

A male Red-bellied Woodpecker continued at the southeast corner of Wray City Park.

We stopped at four yards of my friends.  Birds observed included three male and one female Northern Cardinal, one Harris's Sparrow and one Common Poorwill sunning on a window ledge!

September 25

High was 78 degrees.  Winds were 3-4 mph.

We continued north into Phillips County today.

Holyoke City Park added a Tennessee Warbler and Red-bellied Woodpecker to our trip list.

A Blue-headed Vireo moved around the cottonwoods at the eastern end of the Holyoke Fishing Pond.  A pair of Eastern Kingbirds hawked insects along the south side of the Pond.

A visit to Frenchman Creek Wildlife Area was disappointing.  It has supplied many uncommon sparrows over the years.  Today only one Field Sparrow was found.  A Towhee gave us fits.  It took over an hour to identify it as a Spotted Towhee.  Highlight was yet another migrating Broad-winged Hawk!

A drive west to Haxtun Sewage Ponds found no birds (no shorebirds).

September 26, 2019

High temperature was 77 degrees. Winds were 12-13 mph with gusts to 27 mph on this windy day.

Our trek continued north this morning.  A stop at Sand Draw Wildlife Area (Sedgwick) found similar birds to Frenchman Creek Wildlife Area yesterday.  A Broad-winged Hawk and Barn Owl were in the western windbreak.  A Field Sparrow and Loggerhead Shrike were along the eastern boundary.

Sedgwick Bar Wildlife Area (Sedgwick) added a male Red-bellied Woodpecker and a pair of Eastern Bluebirds to our day.  We missed Northern Cardinals at Julesburg Wildlife Area but found yet another Broad-winged Hawk.

Julesburg Wayside Rest Stop was interesting.  Besides a Red-bellied Woodpecker and Eastern Bluebird, we heard an Eastern Towhee calling.  When finally narrowing down the location of the bird in willows along the South Platte River, it turned out to look like a Spotted Towhee.  Could it have been a hybrid?

In the afternoon, we stopped at Jumbo Reservoir (Logan/Sedgwick Counties).  Highlights included a Black-bellied Plover, a Semipalmated Plover (found yesterday by Dan Stringer) and a Common Tern.

At sunset, we watched Sedgwick Draw; no Short-eared Owls appeared this evening. 

September 27, 2019

More seasonal temperatures, the high was 66 degrees.  Winds were 8-9 mph with gusts to 17 mph.

We stopped at Prewitt Reservoir on our way back to Denver.  An Eastern Screech-Owl called from the northern camping area just before sunrise.

The shorebird hotspot, the inlet canal was not so much today.  A Black-bellied Plover was the highlight for uncommon shorebirds.  We did not find the reported "possible" American Golden-Plover reported on 9/25.

The riparian area below the dam (north of the ranger's home) was more exciting.  Best sighting was a Black-throated Green Warbler.  A Cassin's Vireo and many Yellow-rumped Warblers also fluttered about the area.  A Red-bellied Woodpecker drummed along the canal.

From the northwest end of the dam, we could see half a dozen Common Terns, several Forster's Terns and one Black Tern flying around.

Brief Trip to Barr Lake

September 22, 2019

Richard Stevens:

Another drop in temperature, high of a pleasant 74 degrees.  Winds were 6-7 mph with a few gusts measured at 14 mph.

Spent most of the day during chores but I did make it over to Barr Lake (Adams) for an hour.  Again, the search for the Black-throated Blue Warbler was unsuccessful.  No Short-eared Owls appeared along the DIA Owl Loop (Adams/Denver) this evening.  

A Turkey Vulture circled overhead and a Ferruginous Hawk stood in the middle of the Prairie Dog Village at Third Creek and West Cargo Road.  Burrowing Owls have been absent this year along the Owl Loop.

Missed the Black-throated Blue Warbler at Barr Lake

September 21, 2019

Richard Stevens:

It warmed up to 88 degrees.  Winds were 20-21 mph, gusts to 27 mph.

Megan Miller had found a Black-throated Blue Warbler at Barr Lake (Adams) this morning.  I spent several hours trying unsuccessfully to find the bird in the afternoon.  Consolation birds included a Cassin's Vireo and the lingering Lesser Black-backed Gull.  Few shorebirds walked the shore line.

Missed a Prothonotary Warbler By One Day

September 20, 2019

Richard Stevens:

Beautiful 74 degrees today with winds 8-9 mph, gusts to 14 mph.

I went looking for the Prothonotary Warbler at Belmar Historic Park (Jefferson) this morning.  Guess I was one day late, no one found the bird today.  A Plumbeous Vireo fluttering about the evergreen trees at the southeast corner of Kountze Lake.  Not much else was found.

On the drive home, I detoured through Cherry Creek State Park (Arapahoe).  Meg Reck had found a Gray Flycatcher along the railroad bike trail east of the shooting range.  I did not relocate the flycatcher but did see a Cordilleran Flycatcher and Red-eyed Vireo.

Pelican Point had many American White Pelicans and gulls including the Lesser Black-backed Gull.  No shorebirds walked around the limited shore.

Looking For Fall Migration On the Eastern Plains

September 17-19, 2019

Richard Stevens:

September 17

High temperature today was 87 degrees.  Winds were 8-9 mph with gusts late in the afternoon of 26 mph.

Terry Michaels, Jacob Washburn and I headed to northeastern Colorado in search of fall migration.  Fall migration appears slow or late or over; we are not sure which.

Tamarack Ranch Wildlife Area (Logan County) was our center of attention today.  No Chicken-like Birds were found around the windmill area along CR 55, south of I76 this morning.

We did hear an Eastern Screech-Owl calling before sunrise (between sections 6 & 7 east.  Later we hiked the western sections 1 & 2 west before continuing east to Tamarack Pond.  Best birds were a Bell's Vireo between 1 & 2 West and a Black-throated Green Warbler between 1 & 2 East.

Additional birds encountered included five Red-bellied Woodpeckers, one Brown Thrasher, two Spotted Towhees (no Eastern Towhees), one Red-eyed Vireo, one Cassin's Vireo, a Nashville Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, half a dozen Yellow-rumped Warblers, one Field Sparrow and a male Northern Cardinal.

September 18

It was cooler today with a high of 78 degrees.  Winds were down to 4-5 mph with afternoon gusts of 14 mph.

Today we circled Little Jumbo Reservoir (Logan) and in the afternoon Jumbo Reservoir (Logan/Sedgwick).

A Nashville Warbler was in the riparian area north and east of the Little Jumbo Reservoir dam.  The many sparrows included Vesper, Song, White-crowned, one White-throated, a Lincoln's, and a few Lark.  No uncommon "ammodramus" sparrows appeared.  A Long-eared Owl was in the line of Russian Olive Trees south of the reservoir.

Shorebirds at Jumbo Reservoir were disappointing in the lack of uncommon species.  Killdeer dominated with a couple of Western Sandpipers and Baird's Sandpipers.  One Bank Swallow, two Violet-green Swallows were among hundreds of Barn Swallows.  

A Nashville Warbler fluttered around the eastern Campgrounds.  The resident Eastern Screech-Owls did not respond to our recordings today.  No Short-eared Owls appeared as we watched sunset from the southeast corner of the Wildlife Area.

September 19

It was another warm day with a high of 90 degrees.  The day was windy at 10-11 mph gusts to 16 mph.

We headed to the South Republican Wildlife Area (formerly Bonny Reservoir) after dark.  No Common Poorwills were enticed to responding to our recordings played at Hale Ponds.  We woke to an Eastern Screech-Owl calling from the northeast corner of the Hale Ponds area.

Our main target bird had not yet arrived at Pipit Hill; no Sprague's Pipits were found.  The Hale Ponds area added a pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers, one Spotted Towhee, and two Eastern Bluebirds to our trip list.  In past fall visits I had found a late Yellow-billed Cuckoo along the Republican River; none was found this morning.

A Red-bellied Woodpecker and a Spotted Towhee were just about all found as we hiked the southern gated road along the Republican River at Bonny Reservoir.  A lone female Oriole turned out to be a Bullock's Oriole.

Highlight of the day was a Philadelphia Vireo 60 yards northeast of the 90 degree turn in Yuma County Road 2 (usually a hotspot).  No uncommon sparrows were found at Hopper Ponds (a good location to look for migrating "ammodramus" sparrows).

Two Field Sparrows were along the south side CR 2 windbreak.  Red-headed Woodpeckers were found at CR 3 & Highway 385 and the telephone poles at the first farm west of Highway 385.