The Sage Thrashers at Chico basin could have been early migrants, but
could possibly be wintering birds. I have found that Sage Thrashers
sometimes overwinter in the canyonlands south of the Arkansas River in
southeast Colorado. There presence seems to be related to years when the
juniper crop is good (as in this winter), but they are more often seen
in thick cholla. I had one in junipers at Setchfield SWA south of Las
Animas on 1/10/10. I had two in thick cholla at Setchfield on 1/25. I
rode my bike through Picketwire Canyon (Otero and Las Animas Counties)
on 1/13, and had a Sage Thrasher, once again in thick cholla, but at a
higher elevation than in Bent County. Most surprising, I had one make
one visit to my bird bath in Las Animas on 1/24. I have no idea what the
status of that bird was, but migrant seems more likely, as I've never
seen one outside of the canyon country in winter.
Duane Nelson
Las Animas, Bent County, CO
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