All- Today, Jeff and I decided to head to NE Colorado inspired by Chuck Hundertmark's Dickcissel motherlode report. The whole area is lush and unbelievably green with flowers blooming in many areas. In spite of all the moisture, we both managed to end the day without applying bug repellent and without any bug bites. The heat was bearable and the humidity not too horrible.
Our first stop was the area Chuck surveyed just west of Akron in Washington County. Here we found an outstanding number of Dickcissel, Cassin's and Grasshopper Sparrows amongst the more common breeding birds of the plains. Everyone was in full song and fine form. It appears to be a good year for Loggerhead Shrike - one house on CR U south of US 34 had at least six cavorting through the yard. Many others were seen through the day. Next we visited Tamarack Ranch SWA in Logan County. Here again, we found more Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow and an endless supply of Field Sparrow. We saw one male Northern Cardinal and heard others. We did not see (or hear) any Great Crested Flycatchers. Pity the mice living in the area - a couple dozen American Kestrel were hanging out on the powerline along the road. Then we headed to Jumbo SWA. Along CO 138 about four miles east of Crook we found several Upland Sandpipers. The puddles on CR 95 at Red Lion SWA hosted three Cattle Egret. The Dickcissel serenade began almost immediately upon turning north on CR 95 and continued unabated all the way up and along the south side of the reservoir. The biggest shock of the day came in the SW corner of Jumbo (Logan Co.). Five, basic-plumaged Common Loons! We have photos if needed. The lake was otherwise largely populated by motorized watercraft, but a good number of Black Tern were present with a couple of Forster's and at least one Franklin's Gull. A stop in Sterling for a milkshake turned up at two Mississippi Kites high over the north side of town. Feeling somewhat fortified, we made our way over to Lower Latham. Southbound migration is underway. The large puddle on the south side of CR 48 contained good numbers of Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs as well a flock of Stilt Sandpiper. I'm guessing the Wilson's Phalarope present were breeders. Black-necked Stilt babies followed their parents while begging for food. So, the day left me with one question: Are there any Dickcissel in Kansas this year? Good birding, Kathy Mihm Dunning Denver --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ 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 -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
