I continue to see both the male Black and probable female Eastern Phoebes from the Canon City Riverwalk (across the Arkansas River from the vault toilet near the Sell's Lake parking area) though not every day ( I saw both this morning). I haven't seen any likely offspring of this mixed pair for several days. I did, however, get some interesting photos of an apparent BlackXEastern hybrid juvenile a few days ago though I didn't post them right away as I was hoping to get closer photos (but didn't). This young phoebe demonstrates an intermediate plumage with features of both Black and Eastern Phoebe. The juvenile phoebe in these pics shows the white belly with inverted 'V' of white feathers extending up into breast while the rest of the breast, the wings, tail and back are blackish as is found on Black Phoebes (though in young birds the black coloration is usually very black not the more charcoal-like coloration on this bird). Then this phoebe shows a whitish throat as is found on Eastern Phoebes (while Black Phoebes have black throats). I have uploaded the photos onto my BirdsAndNature<http://BirdsAndNature.blogspot.com>blog.
I have also continued following the family of Western Screech Owls which now number a total of 6 (previously seen only 5 but apparently there are 4 young with both parents). I have been able to find them before it gets dark and got some better video. Tonight 2 of the younger juveniles practiced their hunting skills quite near me and landed within 20 feet of where I was standing (the older siblings are flying off further with the parents). I have posted a short video clip of one of these young owls flying down to the ground, pouncing on some unseen prey, then flying off with it (it was successful as a later video clip shows it eating something it caught but I haven't uploaded that clip yet). SeEtta Moss Canon City http://BirdsAndNature.blogspot.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.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
