Compiler: Allison Hilf Date: July 6, 2014 email: [email protected] This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Saturday, July 5, updated at 0640, sponsored by Denver Field Ornithologists and Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory.
Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species.) Red-necked Grebe (Jackson) Green Heron (Mesa) EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE*(8Larimer) Black Phoebe (Boulder) Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Baca) Purple Martin (Gunnison) Blue-winged Warbler (Jefferson) Black-throated Sparrow*(Pueblo) White-winged Crossbill (Park) Migration notes: Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds are humming in the Centennial State, in small numbers on private property. Shorebirds are starting to come through. On July 2, Kibbe found Willets and Marbled Godwits among other species in Adams County, along Tower Road (midway between E. 96th and E. 104th Ave). Use caution when parking, as traffic is heavy. Peterson found a similar batch of shorebirds, with 142 Marbled Godwits, at Big Johnson reservoir in El Paso County, also on July 2. BACA COUNTY: --Janeal Thompson reported a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at a private residence on July 2. She kindly provided her email address ([email protected]) so you can contact her and seek permission to visit. BOULDER COUNTY: --On June 30 Starace noted that a Black Phoebe (with an Eastern Phoebe) continued at the 75th St. crossing of Boulder Creek. A Black Phoebe has been hanging out along the creek since the spring. GUNNISON COUNTY: -- Garrison reported Purple Martins on the north side of the Kebler Pass road, west of the Pretty Place road (near mile marker 11) on June 30. JACKSON COUNTY: --On June 18, Hundertmark reported that the pair of Red-necked Grebes continues incubating egg(s) on Lake John. He found them there again on June 28. JEFFERSON COUNTY: --A Blue-winged Warbler was discovered by Jones at Welchester Tree Grant Park on May 22, to the delight of many. It was most recently reported by Leatherman on June 26. Please let me know of any sightings or visits there with negative news. LARIMER COUNTY: --A singing EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE was reported by Mammoser on the Poudre River Bike Trail north of Prospect Road on June 26 was most recently reported by Leatherman on July 6. The bird started singing on a regular basis about 8:20am west of the bike trail on the west side of the river in a lush tall cottonwood grove west of the Cattail Chorus sign (Yellow-headed Blackbird on this sign) and spur trail that goes west from the main trail up to benches on a little hill. MESA COUNTY: --Kaempfer reported a Green Heron from James M. Robb Colorado River State Park—Connected Lakes section on July 3. PARK COUNTY: -- Hansley found White-winged Crossbills near Boreas Pass on June 26. They were about three miles south of the pass, along Park Co. Rd. 33, aka Rd. 404. From Denver take Hway 285 SW to the metropolis of Como, then follow signs for Boreas Pass or Rd. 33. The pass can also be reached from the north through Breckinridge. PUEBLO COUNTY: --Knight found 3 Black-throated Sparrows. The sparrows were found by parking at Liberty Point in Pueblo West at the end of Purcell Blvd. The rest involves a hike that isn't for those who are out of shape. Take the trail off to the right before the flag pole and memorial. Proceed to the bottom of the cliff keeping to your right. You will pass a cement "well" just before merging with a now unused dirt road which heads WNW to a distant pass in the cliff. The first arroyo with slab rocks is where the sparrows were. DFO Field Trips: The DFO Field Trip for Saturday, July 12 is to Riverside Cemetery/Platte River, led by Kevin Corwin. There is a limit of 12 people-- preregister with leader at [email protected] (preferred); home phone 720-482-8454. Meet at Riverside Cemetery at 8 a.m. for trip ending at noon. Entrance is at 5201 Brighton Blvd in Denver. The gates open at 8, so if they're closed when you arrive, park off yo the side to allow the cemetery workers to get through, and ensure you're not parked on the mainline railroad tracks that cross the entry drive. We will park next to the main office building, which is on the right as you enter the property. This will be an easy hike on flat terrain. The lanes in the cemetery are dirt, so they could be muddy if there's been a recent rain. We'll cover 1-3 miles, depending on the birds, weather, etc. Bring water, sunscreen, insect repellant, head gear, and optics. Restrooms available in the maintenance building next to the office building. The DFO field trip for Sunday, July 13 will be to Cherry Creek Wetlands Loop led by Karen von Saltza (cell 303-941-4881). Meet the leader a 0800 at the Prairie Loop lot in Cherry Creek SP. From either park entrance, follow Lake View Rd. to the Prairie Loop that is located at the south rim of the reservoir. State Parks Pass or day pass required. This half-day walk passes through most of the important habitats found in the park over a distance of about 3 miles. Trails could be slippery or muddy, so dress accordingly in layers and boots. Beginning birder's welcome. Bring water and snacks; lunch is optional No registration required. Note: this is a regularly conducted trip the second Sunday of each month, Cosponsored with the Audubon Society of Greater Denver. Sent from my iPad -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/1A9910BD-D5F5-4CB4-9BCA-A51A22330BC3%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
