Birding Adams and Weld County After Another Snowstorm

February 26, 2015

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Hello birders,

Rich Stevens, Bryan Ehlmann and I searched for the Burrowing Owl that has been reported several times near Trussville Road and 114th avenue.  I missed it for the second time; they missed it for the fourth time?

Many gulls flew around Barr Lake, but we did not find any rare gulls.  One of the Barn Owls was north of the banding station.

One Long eared Owl was relocated at Banner Lakes Wildlife Area.  the Gray Catbird was missed in a second attempt.

Good Birding!

Jerry Petrosky; Colorado Birding Society
Denver, CO
Contact CoBus/Report Interesting Birds: 303-324-7994
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Birding Up Interstate 76

February 25, 2015

Richard Stevens:

Bryan Ehlmann and I took advantage of the break between snowstorms and birded up Interstate 76.  Temperatures were in the 20s; however, winds less than 10 mph.

We found three Long-eared Owls at Banner Lakes Wildlife Area (along the western windbreak of Ponds 7 to 8; Weld County).

We did not find the previously reported Glaucous Gull or any uncommon gulls.  Four Long-eared Owls and a pair of Great Horned Owls were the consolation.

We returned to Denver before the snowstorm hit.

Greater Sage-Grouse On Their Lek

February 23-24, 2015

Richard Stevens:

February 23

Rebecca Kosten and I drove up to Jackson County for a short visit.  Our main target birds were Greater Sage-Grouse (were they on their lek yet?).

About 40 Rosy Finches (no Black) came to the Colorado State Forest Visitor's Center feeders.  We could not find the American Three-toed Woodpecker that has been north of the Visitor's Center and Highway 14 for several years.

After dark, we heard a Boreal Owl about 0.2 miles west of Cameron Pass.  After midnight, we heard a Boreal Owl at the Crags Campgrounds (2/24).

February 24

We sat at the Greater Sage-Grouse lek off Jackson County Road 26b before sunrise.  Two Greater Sage-Grouse did come out of the sagebrush and walk around the lek.  However, they did not display.

Whether is was the cold, too early in the season or lack of females "to show off for", we did not determine.  More birds should arrive in a few days or so.

About fifty Rosy Finches were at the Colorado State Forest Visitor's Center feeders when we passed by.  Today the male American Three-toed Woodpecker could be heard drumming north of the Visitor's Center and Highway 14 (it was not seen).

Once back in Denver, I drove over to Aurora Reservoir (Arapahoe) while out doing chores.  Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls and two Thayer's Gulls were on the ice shelf at the southwest corner of the lake.  Most of the lake was ice free.

No Birding Today, More Snow

February 22, 2015

Richard Stevens:

No birding, snowstorm kept us inside and warm.

A Short Trip to Rocky Mountain Arsenal & Denver City Park Before Another Snowstorm

February 21, 2015

Richard Stevens:

While out doing chores Rebbecca and I drove through the Rocky Mountain Arsenal (Adams County).  An Harris's Spaorrow was with 34 American Tree Sparrows outside of the entrance.  The flock was around the parking area south of the main road, across from the parking area for the only restroom along that road.  They spent much time under the three evergreen trees, also flew up to small trees at the other end of the parking area  when a car would come by.

Forty one Double crested Cormorants are now around the nests at Duck Lake in Denver City Park, Denver County.  We found none four days ago.

It started to snow rapidly and we headed for home.  Streets were snow covered and icy by late afternoon.  Roads were too dangerous to drive the DIA Owl Loop.

Search for Birds After the Snowstorm

February 20, 2015

Richard Stevens:

Bryan Ehlmann and I slowly drove the DIA Owl Loop (Adams County) which had received much snow yesterday.  We could not find the Burrowing Owl reported yesterday.

Afterwards we drove around Adams County.  A Greater Scaup was found on the Gravel Pit at Brighton Road & 120th Avenue.

Two Barrow's Goldeneyes were on the South Platte near the green/white water tower (south of 88th avenue, South Platte Birding Area).

Nothing uncommon was found at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal (Adams).

We ended our birding day at Banner Lakes Wildlife Area (Weld County).  Two Long-eared Owls were in the windbreak west of Ponds 7 & 8.  A Great Horned Owl called from somewhere around Pond 13.

Owling In Jefferson County

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February 19, 2015

Hello cobirders, 

Three of us searched for Saw-whet Owls at Reynolds Park this morning.  Bryan Ehlmann found a Northern Pygmy Owl up the Oxen Draw Trail.  Rich Stevens found a female Three toed Woodpecker east of the Oxen Draw Trail about 40 yards north of the Eagle's View Trail.  A Dusky Grouse was 20 yards west of the intersection of the two trails.  No Saw whets found.

We found another Three toed Woodpecker at the Strawberry Jack switchbacks at Pine Valley Ranch.  No Owls were found.

Directions to birding spots on CoBus website:
http://coloradobirdingsociety.net16.net

Terry Michaels, President, Colorado Birding Society
Denver, CO
Contact CoBus/Report Interesting Birds: 303-324-7994
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