Thanks to all who pointed out my incorrect ID on the grouse - it's a Dusky Grouse, not a White-tailed Ptarmigan! That's why it helps to consult with the locals.
As to the mystery "sparrow", so far I have suggestions of juvenile or female Lazuli or Indigo Bunting (there were no adult buntings of either species around -- would that matter?), immature House Sparrow, and Blue Grosbeak. I'm not sure any of these fit, given the white throat on my bird and it's lack of wing bars. Dixie Sommers Alexandria, VA From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Dixie Sommers Sent: Sunday, August 28, 2011 5:28 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [cobirds] ID help needed, and White-tailed Ptarmigans on Mt. Evans I visited the Denver area last weekend, and need help with ID on the bird (some sort of sparrow?) in the first two photos - http://ddpix.smugmug.com/Western-States/Colorado/Around-Denver-August-2011/1 8747245_8srp4j#1450739709_6MFQLCz <http://ddpix.smugmug.com/Western-States/Colorado/Around-Denver-August-2011/ 18747245_8srp4j%231450739709_6MFQLCz> These were taken in Chatfield State Park, Plum Creek picnic area parking lot around 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 20. It was tough to get a decent photo, as these small birds flitted around very quickly in groups. They used the open field habitat nearby and flew in and out of low trees and shrubs on the field edge. Thanks for any suggestions. On my day and a half birding prior to a Monday business meeting, I also went to Loveland Pass and Mount Evans. Added several species to my life list, including White-tailed Ptarmigan. A little family of three birds started to cross the road in front of me and a cyclist on the descent from Mt Evans, before Summit Lake. Fortunately, there was a place I could pull over and get out for both photos and keeping the traffic from hitting them! The photo sequence is on the site above. Dixie Sommers Alexandria, VA -- 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. -- 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.
