Birders,
Unable to go where I wanted on the south side of the Arkansas River on
11/3/11 due to construction on the BNSF train tracks east of Las Animas
(Bent County), I decided to explore along the Arkansas River. I stumbled
on a wooded oasis north of the railroad tracks north of Bent County Road
FF.5, two miles east of Bent County Road 13.5.
Outflow from an irrigation ditch crosses under the railroad tracks, and
trees are visible north of the tracks. I walked across the tracks and
entered the flooded woods (waterproof boots are necessary). The dominant
trees are multiple species of willows up to 50 feet in height, with some
cottonwoods mixed in. Elms and salt cedar are almost absent. After
crossing the track, the canal disappears, and running water flows
shallowly across a relatively broad lowland, resulting in a sedge
understory up to three feet in height. I knew I would find good birds in
this habitat.
Sparrows were present in good numbers. I saw one Fox Sparrow (red),
three Swamp Sparrows and three Lincoln's Sparrows among the multitudes
of more common sparrows. Marsh Wrens were abundant. Four Eastern
Bluebirds guarded the utility wires at the railroad crossing of the creek.
I imagine this site could be very productive for migrant warblers and
other land birds.
Duane Nelson
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