Cobirders, It's easy to post with this byline as I hear groups of hunters on all sides as I sit at my computer.
Today, I saw 5 noteworthy species of Sparrows within the boundaries of the John Martin Reservoir Christmas Count Circle while trying to find out distribution in this complex area. 1) Fox Sparrow. Up to two "red" Fox Sparrows sporadically appear at a seed cache I have put out near the Purgatoire River. If I haven't put seed out, the chance of seeing the birds is much less. Occasionally, one of the birds calls, a husky "chup" reminiscent of the call of a Hermit Thrush. If you want to try to see this bird, let me know. I'll gladly help, and put out food in advance to increase the possibility of success. (Does anyone know if two "Red" Fox Sparrows have been seen together in Colorado?). 2) White-throated Sparrow. I believe up to eight individuals are in the same thicket as the Fox Sparrows. I have seen five at once. (Does anyone know what the maximum flock seen in Colorado is? This has to be a serious contender). 3) Swamp Sparrow. I saw two today in roughly the same location I found a LeConte's Sparrow last spring south of Road JJ between Roads 19 and 20. The crossing is wetter than last year. The sunflower-looking weeds are beggar ticks, and the seed heads are just waiting for someone to offer them a ride. I would highly recommend not wearing your best velcro pants. I made a suspect log crossing over the flowing creek. The only thing worse would be no log crossing. 4) Lincoln's Sparrow. I finally found what appears to be a wintering bird in the same location as the Swamp Sparrows. 5) Savannah Sparrow. I found five, and I'm sure there were more, in the huge wet grass field directly south of the lousy log crossing. This species is very rare in winter, and finding where they are is a huge challenge. On November 25th, I had a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher below the dam at John Martin Reservoir, the second time in two weeks at this location. I think this bird may attempt to winter here. I need dedicated counters for the John Martin Christmas Count. The continued existence of counts in rural areas depends on adequate coverage. Duane Nelson Las Animas, Bent County, CO -- Colorado Field Ornithologists: http://www.cfo-link.org/ 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
