Hi all: Larry Semo, CO visitors Steve Mlodinow and Tracy (I missed her last name), and I birded our way out to Jumbo Res. (Logan/Sedgwick) today with stops along the way at Jackson Res. (Morgan) and Prewitt Res. (Washington/Logan).
While Ted did report some fallish stuff (though, I'm not convinced that flocking Com. Grackles counts in that department) today, we had a flock of five southbound Long-billed Curlews crossing US 6 just about a 1/2 mile inside the Washington Co. line east of Morgan Co. Since the species is fairly scarce as a breeder in the area and because there were five birds together, we figured them for non-/failed breeders on their way south. This is just a few days earlier than the date that I consider the first of fall -- 22 June, the Summer Solstice! Yup, in the birding world, there is no such thing as summer! In just a few more days, the first waves of southbound shorebird migrants will really be hitting the state to find absolutely no shore on the various northeast CO reservoirs. The three reservoirs we hit were absolutely chock full of water and the South Platte was running higher than I've ever seen it! In fact, the water was so high, it greatly impacted accessibility of many Tamarack Ranch SWA (Logan) birding areas. The road on the south side of the river west of CR 81 south of Crook was entirely covered by the river all the way to the cattle guard at CR 81. Additionally, at CR 65.37 (east of Proctor), the river was just short of a mile wide (0.95 mi.), but well more than an inch deep. The take-home message is that if you're planning on a birding trip to the area, be prepared to not be able to get in to many spots without hip waders or a canoe. But, this should mean that those southbound shorebirds about to spill through ne. CO will find lots of flooded fields at which to forage, so shorebirding will still be at least okay. Tamarack Ranch SWA -- However, the road heading east (CR 385) a bit farther south was in good shape (until one gets very far east, when the entire surface is covered by water and is probably not traversable without luck, mega 4WD, and/or a floating vehicle. Also, the 2-track/poorer dirt road heading north off that one and then east along the river was in reasonable condition with only a few dicey spots. We had a couple Northern Cardinals, Red-headed and Red-bellied woodpeckers, Baltimore Oriole, Dickcissel, Field Sparrow, and (Steve and Tracy only) a singing Carolina Wren. Also here was a lifer for all of us, though whether it was Plains Clubtail (Gomphus externus) or Pronghorn Clubtail (G. graslinellus) I'm not sure, though we photographically hammered it! At the two ponds on the north side of CR 385 at the S-bend, we had at least 12 species of damsels/dragons, with lots of Dot-tailed Whitefaces (Leucorrhinia intacta), Calico Pennant (Celithemis elisa; one male on the north pond; species recently greatly expanding its range in CO), and Western Red Damsels (Amphiagrion abbreviatum). Jumbo Res. -- Lots of boaters, lots of people, and two basic- or formative-plumaged Common Loons (Sedgwick). The shelterbelt on the east side of CR 3 south of the res. had at least two strongly-singing Dickcissels. Riverside Park, Ft. Morgan (Morgan) -- Larry found a male oriole that was probably an adult male Baltimore, but we didn't see it long enough or thoroughly enough to rule out a Baltimore x Bullock's hybrid. Enjoy, Tony Leukering Villas, NJ -- 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.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
