Moisture has reinvigorated the eastern plains. Yesterday and today I ran two Breeding Bird Surveys, one in Washingon County, the other in Yuma County. Along with other BBS volunteers last summer, I reported that Lark Bunting numbers were down. This year, numbers were up on both of my routes, appearing to affirm that these birds are highly responsive to drought/moisture patterns.
More interesting was a remarkable spike in several other grassland species. Cassin's Sparrows were notably more abundant than in previous years, particulary on the Washington County route. Grasshopper Sparrows were also more prevalent as were Dickcissels. The Waverly route, in Yuma County, also sprouted several small ponds, perhaps relicts of plowed playas. A few Mallards occupied some along with a pair of Blue-wined Teal. Southeast of the intersection of CR 48 and CR J, a Black Tern was bouyantly wafting above the water. A first for the Waverly route was a group of three Wild Turkeys along CR S south of CR 48. Chuck Hundertmark 2546 Lake Meadow Drive Lafayette, CO 80026 Phone/fax: 303-604-0531 Cell: 720-771-8659 [email protected] --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ Colorado County Birding: http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
