COBirders, A winter bird count was held at the Chico Basin Ranch (fee area) located in parts of southern El Paso and northern Pueblo Counties on Friday the 15th. Of the 54 species recorded, highlights included: Northern Goshawk, Long-eared and Western Screech-Owls, eastern White-breasted Nuthatch, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Harris's Sparrow, and Great-tailed Grackle. The water was 99 percent frozen but one Canvasback and a Common Goldeneye dove from the sole open area. Twenty-two volunteers, including home-schooled kids and ranch hands, divided into three groups. The resident specialties, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Scaled Quail, and the many Curve-billed Thrashers were on display and enjoyed by many. Although the temperatures were 22 degrees F at the start, by midday the air had warmed to a seasonal 50 degrees. Thank you to all of the participants for adding your expertise and sharp birding skills to this annual winter count. Red-shouldered Hawk, Snowy Owl, and Mandarin Duck were neither detected, photographed, nor flushed from areas birded during this count.
Bill Maynard Colorado Springs ____________________________________________________________ Nutrition Improve your career health. Click now to study nutrition! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/c?cp=YwX9ZAtTOyZpyLnUntrleAAAJ1Bv0zKlSaNvi8hdiFTsCljYAAYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASQwAAAAA=
