It's clear from all the posts on Broad-winged Hawks yesterday that there was a
major movement of this species through our state (given it is relatively
uncommon here). A few other things were noticeable in my neck of the woods
(Larimer Co.).
When I returned home yesterday afternoon, the neighboorhood was crawling with
chipping sparrows, which prior to yesterday had not made a major appearance
here. Also noteworthy were a few "cryptic" migrants, i.e. those species that
are here year round, in some places at least, making their "arrival" more
difficult to detect. Unfortunately a Townsend's Solitaire died when it flew
into one of my windows -- very sad (and now my windows are criss-crossed with
masking tape, in addition to all the supposedly bird-visible hummingbird
stickers, etc.). but I would have never suspected this bird was a
long-distance migrant (since they are here year round) without the chance to
inspect it's body condition (it was a second-year bird with a fat score of 3,
i.e. a significant build-up of subcutaneous fat that is used primairly to fuel
long-distance flights). A hairy woodpecker also showed up yesterday (hadn't
had one in months). Pine siskins were more
abundant than ever, with at least 30 in my yard. Other new arrivals yesterday
included Common Poorwill calling at night, my FOY (First Over my Yard)
White-throated Swifts (despite seeing my first in the state well over a month
ago), killdeer flyovers, as well as a noticeable influs of spotted towhees.
This morning I had 5 more Cassin's Finches at my feeders (after not having any
for at least a week), and a pair of Violet-green Swallows.
Enjoying the migration phenomenon,
Arvind Panjabi
5700' feet, Larimer County, CO
On the north slope of Milner Mtn
Mountain mahogany shrubland and grassland
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