Location: extreme southeast corner of Grandview Cemetery, west end of Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado
The White-winged Crossbill pair, present at the cemetery since 22November2009, continue to progress in their nesting attempt. Today, Joe Himmel's daughter Suzie spotted a nestling beak straining above the nest cup rim to be fed. We later saw at least two red and yellow mouths, but since the viewing window is small, there could be, and probably are, more. Basically the brood is 1/3 of the way to fledging, which should be approximately two weeks from today (April 12). These birds are popular. Yesterday at least 26 people came to see them and I am conservatively estimating over 500 birder visits so far. Today Shea Meyer (age 2) and Joe Himmel (age 89) both took a peek thru the scope at the nest. There have been visitors from England, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Florida. A squirrel crept along the same branch as the nest this morning and came within a few feet of it, causing the male crossbill to perch quietly in the elm next to the nest tree, just staring at the intruder. I had not seen the male do this before. I continue to be concerned that when the nestlings get more vocal, the location could be compromised. In the A.M., when the temperatures are cooler, the male has been coming in to feed the family at roughly 45-60 minute intervals. In the afternoon he seldom comes in, particularly if it is warm and she is coming off the nest to help with food acquisition. The snow is fast disappearing, which is yet another obstacle the crossbill pair is faced with - where to obtain water? They need one more decent snowstorm. Also of note at the cemetery today: Pine Siskin fledglings (photos obtained of one bird with very stubby bill, brownish wing-bars, and very short tail) Osprey (flyover) FOS House Finches actively constructing nests Multiple observations which reconfirm the established pecking order: junco, w-w crossbill, house finch, siskin (from most dominant to least) I will be in the extreme southeast corner of the cemetery with my scope set up southeast of the pumphouse most mornings between 8 and noon. Birders who want to see the crossbills would have a decent chance if they come mid-morning and are willing to spend at least an hour. The visitation of the nest by the male, brief feeding session, and various post-feeding activities by the male (which could include seeking water on the ground) are the only real chances to observe the male and on average take a total of about 5 minutes. When these activities are over, there's nothing to see but less-than-satisfying views of the mother's back or wing atop a 2 x 2-inch visible section of nest for another hour until the male returns. I would remind visitors about the real potential for golf ball damage to vehicles if they park near the corner. When you first get there, figuring out where the spot is, parking somewhere else, and walking over to the corner would probably be best. Remember not to park on the grass, block roads, or otherwise interfere with the cemetery operations. The cemetery and golf course staffs are being very patient and accepting. We need to keep on good terms with them. Thank you. Dave Leatherman Fort Collins -- 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] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribegooglegroups.com or reply to this email with the words "REMOVE ME" as the subject.
