Today, May 9, I visited Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins for the first time
in over two weeks. Lots of changes have occurred.
Biggest find was the Broad-tailed Hummingbird nest in the southeast corner had
a female on it. That makes 5 consecutive years of occupation AND SETS A NEW
WORLD RECORD according to the BNA account for that species. Each year a female
(not necessarily the same one) has refurbished the rim. What is it about this
nest that allows it to hold up as a cup, when the great majority of hummer
nests are pretty well flattened by the nestling movements, and then further
deteriorate during the winter months?
In addition to the hummingbird, it looks like other "mountain" species will
nest at the site also: Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Pine Siskin, and Chipping Sparrows.
The hackberries are late leafing out, still are swarming with gall-making
psyllid adults coming out of overwintering in the bark to lay eggs on the
leaves, and were highly attractive to Yellow-rumped Warblers. They would be
worth checking for unusual small neotropical migrants over the next couple
weeks.
As reported, the Great Horned Owl young are now visible. This situation gets
way too much attention as it is, so I won't say more. Why the adults don't
find a new site is beyond me. They are gluttons for punishment in the form of
"love".
At Sheldon Lake in nearby City Park I saw 9 White Pelicans (they must have
stocked fish lately), Spotted Sandpiper, Osprey, and, surprisingly (I am out of
Lamar now so I can be surprised), a Cackling Goose.
Dave Leatherman
Fort Collins
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