Fremont & Pueblo Counties

January 22-23, 2020

Richard Stevens:

January 22

High temperature was 53 degrees.  Winds were strong all day.  Anomometer readings were 14-15 mph with gusts to 22 mph.

I headed to Fremont County by way of Chatfield State Park (Jefferson/Douglas Counties).

Interesting birds on Chatfield Reservoir included the previously reported loons: Common Loon, Pacific Loon & Yellow-billed Loon.  The White-winged Scoter was also swimming around off the north boat ramp.

Winds were quite strong today; I decided to skip Pueblo Reservoir until my return tomorrow.

Instead, I searched past locations of sapsuckers in Canon City (Fremont).  Unfortunately, none was found at Holy Cross Abbey, Lakeside Cemetery, Rouse Park or Centennial Park.

At dusk, I drove up Phantom Canyon Road in search of owls.  Regrettably, not one owl was found this evening.  Winds were roaring down the canyon.

January 23

It was colder today with a high of only 47 degrees.  Winds were 4-5 mph with gusts to 10 mph.

Two hours before sunrise I again drove Phantom Canyon Road; target birds were Spotted Owls and Northern Saw-whet Owl.  None was found.  No Northern Pygmy-Owls appeared at Beaver Creek Wildlife Area.

Winds were quieter than yesterday at Pueblo Reservoir (Pueblo).  However first I searched and found the Palm Warbler at Valco Ponds Wildlife Area.  The previously reported Golden-crowned Sparrow along the Arkansas River below City Park was not found.

The rest of my birding day was spent walking Pueblo Reservoir at many locations along this long Lake.

Most of the "goodies" previously reported were relocated.  Loons included the Red-throated Loon and two Common Loons.  One of the two Dunlins was off the south marina.

Gulls included the wintering Great Black-backed Gull, one Bonaparte's Gull, a Lesser Black-backed Gull and Iceland Gull.  The Red-necked Grebe was at the western end.

Misses included the Franklin's Gull, the Long-tailed Ducks, Yellow Warbler and Black Phoebe also previously reported.

After an early dinner, I headed back to Denver, deciding to skip the detour to Teller County in search of owls this trip.