Has any effort been made to plant replacements of trees with other species, prior to removal of Russian Olives at Two Buttes (or elsewhere where birds use them)? Virginia Simmons, Del Norte
From: [email protected] Sent: Friday, December 04, 2015 1:36 AM To: Digest recipients Subject: [cobirds] Digest for [email protected] - 9 updates in 6 topics [email protected] Google Groups Topic digest View all topics a.. Grant application to remove most of the Russian Olive trees in the Black Hole at Two Buttes in Baca County - 2 Updates b.. Previous winter time White-throated Swifts in Colorado - 3 Updates c.. Dunlins/Glaucous Gull--Larimer and Weld counties - 1 Update d.. Pueblo birds 12/3 (White-throated Swifts continue) - 1 Update e.. Black Phoebe - Mesa County - 1 Update f.. Colorado Rare Bird Alert, 3 December 2015 - 1 Update Grant application to remove most of the Russian Olive trees in the Black Hole at Two Buttes in Baca County "SeEttaM ." <[email protected]>: Dec 03 10:59PM -0700 I am asking for feedback about a grant application to remove most of the Russian Olive trees and all of the more sparse Tamarisk in the wildlife area east of the Two Buttes Dam in Baca County including the Black Hole area that is much coveted by birders. I am in a position as a member of the executive committee of the Arkansas Basin Roundtable (we do water planning for the Arkansas Basin) to give feedback about this grant proposal and any potential deleterious impacts it may have on birds and other native species. I expect that the timing of the vegetation removal is critical so please provide what time period you believe should be off-limits and why and especially any documentation to back up the need to not allow vegetation disturbance. I am copying the grant proposal below. I need the feedback by Sunday night so I have time to prepare for a meeting in which this will be discussed next Wednesday. Thanks in advance. SeEtta Moss Canon City http://BirdsAndNature.blogspot.com <<"Estimated Completion Date: June 30, 2018 Brief description of project: The Two Buttes Dam and Wildlife Area is listed on the State Register of Historic Places. It is Colorado Parks & Wildlife property, with the Two Buttes Wildlife Area extending between cliffs below the dam. Russian olive has taken over the understory of the wildlife area below the dam. For this project and timeline, the goal of this project is to suppress the infestation of Russian olive to 10% - 20% of the understory from the current estimate of 30% to 40% of the existing understory with some dense pockets. Some tamarisk is present, which we will eradicate. A bare-dirt area above the Black Hole is eroding into the Black Hole. Colorado Parks & Wildlife is currently using this area as part of a canal restoration project. They intend to grade this area when they are done. Native shrubs, and grasses will need to be planted near the top of the cliffs to prevent further erosion into the Black Hole. Management Goals This project seeks to improve water quality and quantity, improve wildlife habitat, and enhance recreational opportunity in the Two Buttes Reservoir and Wildlife Area through: (1) The eradication of tamarisk and suppression Russian olive from the 30 acres of wildlife area east of the Two Buttes Dam; (2) The introduction of different native species to the riparian ecosystem; (3) The suppression of erosion into the Black Hole; (4) The eradication of other List B and List C noxious weed species west of Two Buttes Dam. Management Objectives Suppress Russian olive understory from the current estimated 30% - 40% to 10% - 20% of understory area by June 2018. Eradicate tamarisk from wildlife area downstream from the dam to private land by June 2017. Reintroduce native willow cover in and around the Black Hole to help prevent tamarisk reestablishment by June 2018. Plant grass, and native shrubs above the west cliffs to suppress erosion into the Black Hole. These erosion controls are to be completed by June 2018. Eradicate common mullein and other List B and List C weeds as agreed upon by CPW around Two Buttes Reservoir. Integrated Pest Management Biological Planting grass and native shrubs above the west cliffs will help prevent invasive weed seeds from washing down into the Black Hole. Planting willows where tamarisk currently resides will prevent the high-light environment which allowed tamarisk to establish itself. Mechanical A tractor with “jaws” will pull out small- to medium-sized Russian olive trees and mature tamarisk plants. Mulching may be necessary to economically dispose of the plant material. Department of Corrections manual labor may be used to pull small Russian olive saplings. Manual collection of common mullein seed heads will take place as plants mature or recover. Chemical ‘Hack and squirt’ with aquatic-approved herbicide will be used to kill the large Russian olive trees. Because the cottonwood canopy is well established, cut stump treatment could be used. However, hack-and-squirt will kill the trees in place, reducing the risk of damaging the cottonwoods during removal of the Russian olives, and retaining the structure of the Russian olives for habitat use in the near future. Foliar spray will be used to control tamarisk recovery. Cut stump or foliar spray will be used on Russian olive undergrowth as it recovers from the biological and/or mechanical controls. Spot (foliar) spraying will occur on List B and List C weeds found west of the dam. Secondary/Subsequent Weed Control Quarterly control of new sprouts for tamarisk and Russian olive will take place. This may be mechanical control (pull the sprouts) or chemical control (foliar spray). Revegetation in the Black Hole area should occur passively as Russian olive undergrowth is diminished. Revegetation in this area will be evaluated on each quarterly visit. Above the Black Hole on the west side, revegetation is required due to the massive dirt-work done in the last few years. The east edge (next to the cliffs on the west side of the Black Hole) will be planted with native shrubs and grass to prevent runoff into the Black Hole. Willows will be planted where tamarisk was present to prevent the high-light environment that allowed tamarisk to establish itself. Scouting and control of List weeds west of the dam will continue semiannually until June of 2018. Long Term Monitoring and Maintenance Monitoring of project effectiveness will continue at least annually after June 2018 as part of BCCD’s Weed Management Program. However, due to the extensive nature of the infestation, the plan for this project is not eradication of Russian olive, but suppression. In order to prevent re-infestation of Russian olive, eradication must be the long-term goal. Therefore, BCCD anticipates the need for additional control beyond the scope of this project. This will require more than annual monitoring. We will continue the work of Russian olive control in the Two Buttes Wildlife Area beyond the time-frame of this project as needed, but only if CPW permission is granted. CPW, at this time, doesn’t want eradication. Getting CPW onboard with total eradication will require significant results from this project that may not be apparent for several years. An annual monitoring report, using the recommended monitoring protocols and datasheets, will be provided to the CWCB from BCCD during the years 2019 – 2024.">>> "SeEttaM ." <[email protected]>: Dec 04 12:06AM -0700 Forward>> Subject: Grant application to remove most of the Russian Olive trees in the Black Hole at Two Buttes in Baca County I thought I could just provide summary info on this Russian Olive/Tamarisk removal project but in reviewing this I find some important info further down the application. So anyone interested in this proposed project may want to review the rest of the info I am copying below. SeEtta Moss Canon City <<Stakeholders Lead project sponsor: Baca County Conservation District Project partners: Colorado Parks & Wildlife NRCS Bent County Conservation District History of Accomplishments BCCD partnered with Southeast Colorado Resource Conservation and Development, Colorado State Bank, Colorado Department of Agriculture, the International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology, Southeast Colorado Power Association, Entegrity Wind Systems, Rocky Mountain Farmer’s Union, Baca County Farm Bureau, and McDonald Electric on a “Advancing Colorado’s Renewable Energy” (ACRE) grant which resulted in the first 50kw wind turbine on a farm in Colorado. (Oct. 2009) BCCD awarded matching grants for shelterbelts to eight Baca County producers. As part of this project, BCCD and NRCS staff planted a demonstration tree row along the north side of the US Forest Service building in Springfield. The tree row demonstrated twenty different species appropriate for our area. (Apr. 2009) BCCD partnered with landowners and NRCS on the EQIP Invasive Species Horse Creek Watershed project. (Nov. 2008) BCCD partnered with landowners and NRCS on the EQIP Invasive Species Two Buttes Creek Watershed project. (Nov. 2007) BCCD awarded six area producers cost share funds to establish water development practices on CRP through the Colorado State Conservation Board’s Matching Grants program. These water development practices help producers keep highly erodible soils in permanent vegetative cover. (May 2008) BCCD received a High Plains Invasives grant to contain and eradicate dalmation toadflax, diffuse knapweed, Russian knapweed, spotted knapweed, and leafy spurge. This grant enabled BCCD to eradicate narrow-leaf dalmation toadflax in Baca County and in Kim in neighboring Las Animas County. (May 2008) BCCD, partnering with NRCS, has helped producers in Baca County plant thousands of trees, with BCCD coordinating assistance from all of our local FFA and 4-H Chapters. (just in the last decade) Ten producers cooperated with BCCD to control and eradicate tamarisk and Scotch thistle on the Two Buttes Creek Watershed. (Sep. 2007) BCCD was awarded funds from the US Forest Service to address List A & B noxious weeds on lands adjacent to Comanche National Grasslands in Baca County two years in a row. (2007) On behalf of local producers, BCCD submitted a proposal to the state NRCS office for addressing tamarisk and Russian olive on the upper Two Buttes Creek watershed and Scotch thistle throughout Baca County. The proposal resulted in cost share dollars made available to producers through NRCS’s EQIP program. (Mar. 2007) Partners’ Level of Support NRCS technical support Colorado Parks & Wildlife plant surveys and monitoring of project area Bent Co. Cons. Dist. equipment Relevant Information Sources Practices proposed in this grant are consistent with the practices set forth by Colorado State University, University of Denver, Colorado Department of Agriculture, and Denver Botanic Gardens in “Tamarisk BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES in COLORADO WATERSHEDS”. Included in this application is an “esri” map from the Tamarisk Coalition showing the yearly distribution of the tamarisk beetle from 2007–2014. Onsite inspection of tamarisk in the area showed no tamarisk beetle activity as of October 2015. Staffing BCCD estimates approximately 700 man-hours of work each year of this project. BCCD currently has one DCT and one Weed Technician. Between them they can contribute 48 hours per week. The equipment for pulling small trees and mulching will occupy our weed technician, which is included in the man-hours for each year of work listed above. DCT is Royce Bursch, employed since 08/2014. Weed Tech is Howard Wilson, employed since 08/2014. First pages of their employment applications are attached. BCCD anticipates the need for extra manpower during the pulling, clearing, and planting. We plan to recruit FFA and 4-H volunteers from our four local high schools to assist in these tasks. Department of Corrections workers may be utilized as required. BCCD recognizes that this project will require more than one full-time member of the project team. If this grant is awarded to us, we will hire an additional weed technician for the first year of this project. Resumes of the DCT and Weed Technician are included with this application. Match BCCD will provide approximately $22,000 of in-kind match (administrative expense, weed tech & DCT pay). NRCS will provide approximately $800 of in-kind match ($20/hr. for technical assistance). BCCD will provide cash match of $12,500 in the form of equipment, PPE, supplies, soil testing, chemicals, Corrections labor, and other line items not yet identified. Education Two Buttes Reservoir and Wildlife Area is one of two frequently visited recreational areas in the county. We will publish status reports in the Plainsman Herald, our local newspaper, before project kick-off, as progress is made the first year, at completion of the first year, and after each follow-up treatment and survey. Articles about the project will also be included in the BCCD quarterly newsletter. Effectiveness This IPM plan incorporates biocontrol, chemical, and mechanical control. It will begin with mechanical control. With the excellent canopy of cottonwoods, pulling the Russian olive understory and tamarisk was chosen over cut-stump to minimize chemical usage and the subsequent damage it could cause to the cottonwoods. Hack-and-squirt will be used on the largest Russian olives, leaving the tree structures available for nesting in the understory. Where the cottonwoods are thickest, access will be an issue for mechanical control. We will utilize volunteers or Corrections labor, following with mechanical control where possible and chemical control where mechanical control is not feasible. Due to the excellent canopy of cottonwoods and the abundance of moisture in the area, most of the restoration will occur passively. However, the dominant Russian olive population has excluded much of the native diversity. So, some restoration will need to take place. We will plant 25 Konza Fragrant Sumacs along the top of the south cliffs to suppress erosion into the Black Hole. We will introduce 50 McKenzie Black Chokeberries, 25 Common Hackberries, and 10 Chokecherries into the understory. We will do pole plantings of Willow trees wherever tamarisk has been removed. This will assure that the high-light environment that allowed tamarisk to establish itself is no longer present in that location. Soil and water testing will need to take place to determine feasibility of planting locations. Chemical control will be used in the second and third year of the project to control new sprouts of tamarisk and Russian olive. It is anticipated that chemical control will need to be continued for several years after completion of this project due to the degree of Russian olive infestation that is currently present. This action will only take place with CPW permission. Project Budget and Schedule The Tamarisk Coalition “Riparian Restoration Cost Calculator” was used to calculate the total expense of the project. All figures are approximate and do not include the Department of Corrections labor, the expense of which is not included in the cost calculator. Soil testing also does not appear to be included in the cost calculator. Multi-objective Aspects This project involves riparian re-vegetation, habitat improvement, and water quality and quantity. Russian olive in the wildlife area have diminished plant diversity in the area. Removal will allow native plants to reestablish in the area. We will assist this passive recovery with the active introduction of Konza Fragrant Sumacs, McKenzie Black Chokeberries, Common Hackberries, Chokecherries, and willow trees. The removal of the Russian olives will also improve wildlife access to the area. The Russian olives currently have a thick underbrush monoculture that restricts both wildlife and human access. The removal of tamarisk next to the Black Hole and around Two Buttes Creek will improve soil and water quality by decreasing salinity. The removal of the vast Russian olive population should decrease water usage around the Black Hole, improving water flow downstream. Beyond those aspects mentioned above, this project will enable the cottonwoods to maintain their canopy in this riparian environment. Cottonwoods cannot sprout in total shade but Russian olive can. This means that, given current conditions, there will be no new cottonwoods in the future. This project will save the cottonwood canopy and should carry it several years into the future. Scope of Work GRANTEE: Baca County Conservation District PRIMARY CONTACT: Howard Wilson ADDRESS: P.O. Box 398 Springfield, CO 81073 PHONE: 719.523.6251 PROJECT NAME: BCCD IPCP 2016 GRANT AMOUNT: $83,500 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND This project seeks to improve water quality and quantity, improve wildlife habitat, and enhance recreational opportunity in the Two Buttes Reservoir and Wildlife Area through: (1) The removal of tamarisk and Russian olive from the 30 acres of wildlife area east of the Two Buttes Dam; (2) The introduction of different native species to the riparian ecosystem; (3) The suppression of erosion into the Black Hole; (4) Eradication of List weeds around Two Buttes Reservoir. OBJECTIVES Suppress Russian olive understory from current 70% - 80% to 10% - 20% of understory area by June 2018. Eradicate tamarisk from wildlife area downstream from the dam to the property line by June 2017. Reintroduce native willow cover in and around the Black Hole to help prevent tamarisk reestablishment by June 2018. Plant grass and native shrubs above the west cliffs to suppress erosion into the Black Hole. These erosion controls are to be completed by June 2018. TASKS TASK 1 – Soil and Water Testing Description of Task Collect water sample and soil samples from the Two Buttes Wildlife Area. Test for depth of water table. Method/Procedure Collect water sample from the Black Hole. Starting near the dam and focusing on areas where restorative planting will occur, take one soil sample approximately every 600 feet. Also, take one soil sample from above the south cliff. Utilize techniques detailed in “How to sample soil” in the reference “Best Management Practices for Revegetation after Tamarisk Removal”. Use soil auger to determine water table depth above south cliff. Send water and soil samples to the CSU lab for testing. Deliverable Testing results will be used to verify the selection of plants listed in the plan. Selections of plants for the project may need to be changed based on the results of the testing. Results of the tests will give us a baseline of the soil and water characteristics as they exist at the beginning of the project. TASK 2 – Plant Survey Description of Task Determine plant diversity in project site. Determine percentages of cover for existing plants on the project site. Method/Procedure Colorado Parks & Wildlife biologist will use best practices to conduct surveys in and around the project area. Deliverable Survey results will be used to verify the selection and/or number of plants listed in the plan. Selections and numbers of plants for the project may need to be changed based on the results of the survey. Results of the survey will give us a baseline of the vegetation cover at the beginning of the project. TASK 3 – Pull Tamarisks and Russian Olives Description of Task Pull tamarisks and all Russian olives that can be pulled mechanically. Method/Procedure Utilizing equipment leased from Bent County Conservation District, pull all tamarisks and Russian olives that are accessible and of manageable size. Utilizing the same equipment but a different attachment, mulch the debris. Depending on the weather and/or CPW guidance, either burn the mulch or haul it away. Deliverable Invasive will be suppressed and access will be improved for wildlife. Understory will begin passive recovery. Plant diversity should begin to increase. Access should now be improved for the subsequent tasks of the project. TASK 4 – Remove Tamarisks and Russian Olives Not Accessible in Task 2 Description of Task Clear the remaining tamarisks and Russian olives that were not accessible by machine. Method/Procedure Utilizing Department of Corrections labor, clear the inaccessible areas within a week if possible. Deliverable Russian olives will be suppressed and access will be improved for wildlife. More water will be available for native plants and wildlife. Understory will begin passive recovery. Plant diversity should begin to increase. Access should now be improved for the subsequent tasks of the project. TASK 5 – Chemically Control Remaining Russian Olive Trees Description of Task Apply chemical control to remaining Russian olive trees. Method/Procedure Utilizing the “hack-and-squirt” technique, apply undiluted Pathfinder II to the large Russian olive trees. Using foliar spray, apply Imazapyr as a 1% solution with 1% MSO to any remaining tamarisks or Russian olives. Deliverable Russian olives will be suppressed and access will be improved for wildlife. More water will be available for native plants and wildlife. TASK 6 – Check Viability of Restoration Plans Description of Task Collect water sample and soil samples from the Two Buttes Wildlife Area. Test for depth of water table. Method/Procedure Collect water sample from the Black Hole. Starting near the dam and focusing on areas where restorative planting will occur, take one soil sample approximately every 600 feet. Also, take one soil sample from above the south cliff. Utilize techniques detailed in “How to sample soil” in the reference “Best Management Practices for Revegetation after Tamarisk Removal”. Use soil auger to determine water table depth above south cliff. Send water and soil samples to the CSU lab for testing. Compare results with prior testing. Make adjustments to plant selections as the soil and moisture conditions dictate. Deliverable Testing results will be used to verify the selection of plants listed in the plan. Selections of plants for the project may need to be changed based on the results of the testing. Results of the tests will give us a picture of the soil and water characteristics as they exist after the first season of the project. TASK 7 – Restoration Description of Task Plant Konza Fragrant Sumacs, McKenzie Black Chokeberries or Common Hackberries or Chokecherries ,and willow trees. Method/Procedure Plant 25 Konza Fragrant Sumacs (Rhus aromatic serotina) 2-3’ seedlings above the south cliffs (third year). Plant 50 McKenzie Black Chokeberries (Aronia melanocarpa) 18-24” (first year), plant 25 Common Hackberries Back to top Previous winter time White-throated Swifts in Colorado "Brandon K. Percival" <[email protected]>: Dec 03 11:44PM Duane Nelson reports White-throated Swifts in Picketwire Canyon (Las Animas and Otero Counties) on February 28, 2009. These were probably early spring migrants, though they did make in the "Winter" Season. So, White-throated Swifts have been seen in Colorado, all 12 months of the year now, except for January. I'm not sure before this year, they had been seen in November or December in Colorado. White-throated Swift seem to be more hardy birds, then we might think. A swift in Colorado in the "winter" is still pretty amazing. The known winter range in the US, is southern New Mexico; southern Arizona; El Paso, Texas; and in California. I wonder if they actually winter further north, then is known. Brandon PercivalPueblo West, CO Charles Hundertmark <[email protected]>: Dec 03 05:52PM -0700 Climate change might also be a factor. Chuck Hundertmark Ted Floyd <[email protected]>: Dec 03 06:51PM -0800 Hi, all. Here is the "winter" (December-February) range map for the White-throated Swift in the United States: *http://tinyurl.com/WTSw-winter* The multiple records from Arkansas are pretty amazing. A record of 8 birds from Churchill County, northern Nevada, Feb. 25 of this year, likely refers to early migrants, I would think. Interesting discussion. Great discovery. Ted Floyd Lafayette, Boulder County On Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 4:44:12 PM UTC-7, Brandon wrote: Back to top Dunlins/Glaucous Gull--Larimer and Weld counties [email protected]: Dec 03 01:42PM -0800 The Dunlin pair continue at Lake Loveland. Still finding enough to eat at water's edge, far northern shore. Visible from park. On Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 4:35:11 PM UTC-7, Mark wrote: Back to top Pueblo birds 12/3 (White-throated Swifts continue) "Brandon K. Percival" <[email protected]>: Dec 03 09:32PM Steve Mlodinow and I counted 17 White-throated Swifts flying above the Arkansas River, and Valco Ponds #2 and #3 this morning. We were both able to obtain photos, and I will submit a record to the Colorado Bird Records Committee, this these birds are first for Colorado during the winter months (Dec-Feb). Thanks to Margie Joy for finding these birds yesterday. The next question is, how long will they hang around (I know I'm hoping they will be present on 19 December for a first Pueblo Reservoir CBC record, we'll see)! Other highlights below Pueblo Reservoir dam, west and east of the Valco Ponds parking lot: Rusty Blackbird - 1 Winter Wren - 1Blue-winged Teal - 2Mew Gull - 2Greater Scaup - 2Swamp Sparrow - 1Mexican Duck - 1 At Pueblo Reservoir:I saw a male Long-tailed Duck and three Common Loons this morning, off West Fishing Road, the duck flew west into the SWA. Steve saw five adult Lesser Black-backeds early this morning on the South Shore Marina tires, I saw one adult later on. The adult Great Black-backed Gull was around all morning there as well. Brandon PercivalPueblo West, CO Back to top Black Phoebe - Mesa County Mike Henwood <[email protected]>: Dec 03 09:07AM -0700 Late yesterday morning (Dec. 2) Eileen Cunningham and I paid a visit to the Redlands Parkway Ponds. Highlights included 16 Canvasbacks, and relocating both the Say's Phoebe and Black Phoebe seen in the same location on Nov. 21. The *BLACK PHOEBE *was perched on a branch just above the edge of the pond. It would fly down, land on the ice, pick up an insect???, then return to it's perch. Other times it would just hover above the ice, pick up something without landing, then return to it's perch on the bank. Quite fascinating to watch it feed in the cold and using the ice. Mike Henwood Grand Junction Mesa County Back to top Colorado Rare Bird Alert, 3 December 2015 Joyce Takamine <[email protected]>: Dec 03 04:02AM -0700 Compiler: Joyce Takamine e-mail: RBA AT cobirds.org Date: December 3, 2015 This is the Rare Bird Alert, Thursday, December 2\3, sponsored by Denver Field Ornithologists and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species). BRANT (Pueblo) Trumpter Swan (Grand, Larimer, Mesa) Tundra Swan (Adams, Arapahoe, Bent, Boulder, *Delta, Douglas, Jefferson, El Paso, Garfield, Huerfano, Larimer, Mesa, Routt) EURASIAN WIGEON (*Pueblo) Surf Scoter (Arapahoe, Douglas/Jefferson, Jefferson, Larimer) White-winged Scoter (Boulder, Logan, *Otero) Black Scoter (Pueblo) Long-tailed Duck (Logan, Sedgwick) Barrow's Goldeneye (Adams, Arapahoe, Gunnison, Moffat, Routt) Red-throated Loon (Arapahoe, Logan, Morgan, Weld) Pacific Loon (Boulder, Douglas, Larimer, Morgan) Red-necked Grebe (Douglas,Jefferson) Dunlin (Larimer) AMERICAN WOODCOCK (Larimer) Thayer's Gull (Boulder, Larimer) Lesser Black-backed Gull (Adams, *Arapahoe, *Boulder, Larimer, Pueblo, Weld) Glaucous Gull (Arapahoe, Weld) Great Black-backed Gull (Pueblo) Greater Roadrunner (Larimer) Red-headed Woodpecker (Logan) Red-bellied Woodpecker (Bent) Black Phoebe (Mesa, Pueblo) Eastern Phoebe (Weld) BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Jefferson) Winter Wren (El Paso, Pueblo) Varied Thrush (El Paso) Curve-billed Thrasher (Bent) Tennessee Warbler (Larimer) Northern Parula (Weld) Chestnut-sided Warbler (El Paso) Canyon Towhee (Bent) Field Sparrow (Logan) Golden-crowned Sparrow (Boulder) Rusty Blackbird (Adams, Pueblo) Brown-capped Rosy-Finch (San Juan) Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (El Paso, Larimer, Routt, San Juan) PURPLE FINCH (Bent) Common Redpoll (Larimer, Logan) ADAMS COUNTY: --3 Tundra Swans were reported by Georgiah Hartman at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR on November 21. --A Barrow's Goldeneye was reported by John Breitsch at Lake Ladora at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR on November 21. --A Lesser Black-backed Gull was reported by Ira Sanders at Barr Lake SP on November 28. --2 f Rusty Blackbirds were reported by Norm Erthal below the dame at Barr Lake SP on November 30. On December 1, Gregg Goodrich reported 2 f Rusty Blackbird at Barr Lake SP. ARAPAHOE COUNTY:. --On November 21, Glenn Walbek reported Red-throated Loon at Cherry Creek from Lake Loop. --On November 24, Glenn Walbek reported m Barrow's Goldeneye at Cherry Creek SP. --On November 27, Gene Rutherford and Craig Rasmussen reported Glaucous Gull at Cherry Creek SP. --On November 28, C Warneke reported 2 Surf Scoters at South Platte Reservoir on the Arapahoe/Jefferson County line. --On November 28, Gene Rutherford reported 13 Tundra Swans at South Platte Reservoir in South Platte Park. --On November 30, Karl Stetcher reported Red-throated Loon at Cherry Creek Reservoir seen from picnic tables S of the marina. --On November 30, David Suddjian reported 3rd-cyc Lesser Black-backed Gull at Cooley Lake. --On December 2, Bob RIghter reported ad Lesser Black-backed Gull at Cherry Creek SP. BENT COUNTY: --On November 16, Duane Nelson reported that he has had f-type PURPLE FINCH, m Red-bellied Woodpecker, Curve-billed Thrasher, and Canyon Towhees visit his feeders in Las Animas. Birders are welcome if you notify Duane in advance at dnelson1 ATcenturytel.net On November 19, Duane Nelson reported that the f-type PURPLE FINCH returned and the other birds continue. --A Tundra Swan was reported by Jane Stulp and Janeal Thompson on Verhoeff Reservoir which is private on November 21. Observe bird from highway. Trespassers will be prosecuted. BOULDER COUNTY: --On November 19, Christian Nunes reported 14 Tundra Swans at Valmont Reservoir in Boulder. On November 22, Bill Kaempfer was reported at Leggett Reservoir at the Valmont complex. --On November 24, Stephen Knox reported Golden-crowned Sparrow at Teller Farm.On November 27, Ted Floyd and Tracy Pheneger reported Golden-crowned Sparrow at Teller Farm. --On November 24, David Dowell reported breeding plumaged Pacific Loon and ad Thayer's Gull at Terry Lake. --On November 27, Bill Kaempfer reported a winter plumaged Pacific Loon at Six Mile Reservoir. --On November 28, Peter Gent reported a f-type White-winged Scoter at Baseline Reservoir. On November 29, Tom Behnfield and Gregg Goodrich reported White-winged Scoter at Baseline Reservoir. --An ad Lesser Black-backed Gull was reported by Peter Gent at Baseline reservoir seen from Cherryvale Road on December 2. --Ted Floyd reported an ad Lesser Black-backed Gull at Waneka Lake on December 2. DELTA COUNTY: --3 Tundra Swans were reported by Scott Jorgensen at Sweitzer Lake on December 2. DOUGLAS COUNTY: --8 Tundra Swans were reported by Mary Burger at Rueter-Hess Reservoir (restricted access) on November 22. --A juv plumaged Pacific Loon was reported by Gleen Walbek from the Handicapped Fisherman's pier on November 24. --2 Red-necked Grebes were reported by Joey Kellner and Glenn Walbek from Marina Sandspit at Chatfield on November 28. --19 Tundra Swans (11 ad, 8 juv) were reported by Gregg Goodrich and many others from Marina Sandspit at Chatfield on November 28. DOUGLAS/JEFFERSON COUNTIES: --2 f-type Surf Scoters were reported by David Suddjian at Chatfield SP on December 1. EL PASO COUNTY: --On November 21, David Chartier reported Winter Wren and 1-st winter F Chestnut-sided Warbler at Mile Marker 18 at Fountain Creek Regional Park. On November 22, Gwen Moore reported Chestnut-sided at Warbler Fountain Creek RP. On November 23, Christ Knight reported Chestnut-sided Warbler at Fountain Creek RP. On November 24, dale and Joel Adams reported Chestnut-sided Warbler at Fountain Creek RP. --6 Tundra Swans (2 ad, 4 juv) were reported by Bill Maynard and Aaron Driscoll at Big Johnson Reservoir on November 22. --On November 26, John Maynard reported Gray-cronwed Rosy-Finches at Red Rock Canyon Open Space in Colorado Springs. Access the area from US 24 at Ridge Road. --A Varied Thrush was reported by David Chartier and Bill Maynard at Fountain Creek RP on November 29. It was by the beaver dam on the north end of Rice's Pond. --A Winter Wren was reported by Bill Maynard at Fountain Creek RP on November 29. GARFIELD COUNTY: --A juv Tundra Swan was reported by Jackson Trappett at Rifle Gap Reservoir on November 28. GRAND COUNTY: --A Trumpeter Swan was reported by Carol Hunter at Lake Granby Dille Dock on November 30. GUNNISON COUNTY: --On November 21, Jason Beason reported 30 Barrow's Goldeneyes (only 3 females) at Blue Mesa Reservoir east of Hwy 149 bridge. On November 22, Coen Dexter reported 35 Barrow's Goldeneyes (28m 7F) at Blue Mesa Reservoir. --On November 21, Coen Dexter reported 1m Barrow's Goldeneye at Taylor Park Reservoir. HUERFANO COUNTY: --3 Tundra Swans (1 ad, 2 juv) were reported by Polly Wren Neldner at Lathrop SP on November 21. JEFFERSON COUNTY: --On November 14, Bill Kaempfer reported 2 Surf Scoters at South Platte Reservoir on the Jefferson County side. On November 17, David Suddjian reported 2 f-type Surf Scoters at South Platte Reservoir. On November 23, David Suddjian reported 2 f-type Surf Scoters at South Platte Reservoir. On November 27 Dale Pate reported 2 Surf Scoters at South Platte Reservoir. On November 30, David Suddjian reported 2 f-type Surf Scoters at South Platte Reservoir. --On November 17, Peter Pereira photographed a BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield. --On November 28, Tom Behnfield reported 2 Red-necked Grebes and 2 Tundra Swans from Swim Beach at Chatfield. LARIMER COUNTY: --On November 16, David Wade reported Surf Scoter and Dunlin at Timnath Reservoir. On November 21, Austin Hess and Nick Komar reported Dunlin at Timnath Reservoir. On November 22, Brandon Nooner reported Dunlin at Timnath Reservoir. On November 24, Irene Fortune reported Dunlin at Timnath Reservoir --A Tennessee Warbler was reported by Dave Leatherman at PERC (Plant Environmental Research Center in the SW corner of the CSU Campus on November 19 and was seen by David Wade. On November 20, Nick Komar, Sean Walters, Irene Fortune, and Bobbie Tilmant reported Tennessee Warbler at PERC. On November 21, Austin Hess reported Tennessee Warbler at PERC. On November 22, Sean Walters, Jesse Casias, and Adam Vesely reported Tennessee Warbler at PERC. On November 23, Ira Sanders and Dave Leatherman reported Tennessee Warbler at PERC. On November 24, Brad Biggerstaff, Mark Chavez, Gwen Moore, and Lori Zabel reported Tennessee Warbler at PERC. On November 25, Robert Beauchamp and Josh Bruening reported Tennessee Warbler at PERC. --5 Tundra Swans were reported by John Shenot at N Poudre # 4 on November 21. --On November 21, an AMERICAN WOODCOCK was found by John Shenot at PERC on the CSU Campus. The woodcock was seen by Andy Bankert, Dave Leatherman, and Austin Hess. --8 Trumpeter Swans were reported by Jeff Birek flying over Horsetooth Reservoir on November 22. --A Tundra Swan was reported by Sean Walters at Douglas Reservoir on November 22. --A Thayer's Gull was reported by Sean Walters at Horsetooth Reservoir on November 22. --On November 22, Brandon Nooner reported Tundra Swan and Pacific Loon at Timnath Reservoir. -- Greater Roadrunner was reported by Nick Komar and David Wade at Lory SP on November 23. --Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches were reported by John Shenot at Livermore Community Church on November 27. On November 28, Dave Leatherman reported 3+ Common Redpolls at Livermore Community Church. --A Trumpeter Swan was reported by Andy Bankert and Tom Behnfield at Lon Haley Reservoir in Loveland on November 29. Beware that duck hunters are present so the swan may not be present. --A Dunlin was reported by Irene Fortune at Lake Loveland on November 29. On November 30, Nick Komar reported Dunlin at Lake Loveland. Two Dunlin were reported by Nick Komar and Mark Chavez at Lake Loveland on December 1. --A Trumpeter Swan was reported by Nick Komar at Boedecker Lake in Loveland on November 29. --A f type Surf Scoter was reported by Nick Komar at Dry Creek Reservoir in Loveland on November 29. --At Lake Loveland on December 1, Mark Chavez reported 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 1 Thayer's Gull. LOGAN COUNTY: --A White-winged Scoter was reported by Kathy Mihm Dunning at North Sterling Reservoir on November 22. --On November 23, Steve Mlodinow reported Red-headed Woodpecker at Red Lion SWA. --A Field Sparrow was reported by Steve Mlodinow at Tamarack Ranch SWA on November 23. --A Red-throated Loon was reported by Joey Kellner and Kathy Mihm Dunning at Prewitt Reservoir on November 29. --A Long-tailed Duck and Common Redpoll was reported by Joey Kellner and Kathy Mihm Dunning at North Sterling Reservoir and SP on November 29. MESA COUNTY: --A Black Phoebe was reported by Mike Henwood at Redland Parkway Pond on November 21. --2 Tundra Swans were reported by Ron Lambeth at Cheney Reservoir on November 21. --2 Trumpeter Swans were reported by Denise and Mark Vollmar at Whitewater ponds on November 25. 2 juv Trumpeter Swans were reported by Mike Henwood at Whitewater ponds on November 27. Mike Henwood reported on November 28 that upon further review, The swans at Whitewater ponds are juv Tundra Swans. --At Highline Lake SP on November 28, Mike Henwood and Rom Lambeth reported 5 ad Trumpeter Swans. On November 29, Nic Korte reported 5 Trumpeter Swans at Highline Lake SP. MOFFAT COUNTY: --13 Tundra Swans (10 ad, 3 juv) were reported by Forrest Luke on WFMC Ponds in Craig on November 20. MORGAN COUNTY: --At Jackson Lake SP on November 20, Norm Lewis reported Pacific Loon and Red-throated Loon. OTERO COUNTY: --A White-winged Scoter was reported by Stan Oswald at Holbrook Reservoir on December 2. PUEBLO COUNTY: --On November 21 along the Arkansas River below Pueblo Reservor Dam, Brandon Percival reported Black Phoebe, 2 Winter Wren, and 2 Rusty Blackbirds. --An ad Lesser Black-backed Gull was reported by Brandon Percival at the South Shore Marina at Pueblo Reservoir on November 22. --On November 24, Brandon Percival reported that a Great Black-backed Gull has returned to South Shore Marina at Pueblo Reservoir for the 22nd consecutive winter. --2 Red-necked Grebes were reported by Brandon Percival at Pueblo Reservoir from North Plains CG on November 25. --A f-type Black Scoter was reported by Brandon Percival at the cove south of South Shore Marina at Pueblo Reservoir on November 25. --A Black BRANT was reported by Dave Silverman at Lake Beckwith in Colorado City on November 27. --A pair of EURASIAN WIGEON was reported by Matthew Papula at the Comanche Generating Station on December 2. Papula works at the station so do not know if public has access to the area. ROUTT COUNTY: --On November 21, Tom Litteral reported 82 Barrow's Goldeneyes at Stagecoach Reservoir. --4 Tundra Swans were reported by Tom Litteral at Steamboat Lake Meadows Picnic Area on November 22. --On November 21 at Steamboat Lake Park, Forrest Luke reported 2 Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches and 4 Tundra Swans. --On November 22, Forrest Luke reported about 30 Barrow's Goldeneyes on the Yampa River near Craig Station inlet pond. SAN JUAN COUNTY: --On November 29 in Silverton, Riley Morris reported 100 Brown-capped Rosy-Finch, 22 Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (including 7 Hepburn's). SEDGWICK COUNTY: --A Long-tailed Duck was reported by Joey Kellner and Kathy Mihm Dunning at Jumbo Reservoir on November 29. WELD COUNTY: --An imm Red-throated Loon was reported by Steve Mlodinow at Union Reservoir on November 25. --At Windsor Reservoir on December 1, Mark Chavez reported Glaucous Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull. DFO Field Trips: The DFO Field Trip for Saturday, November 28 will be to Fountain Creek Regional Park led by Wendy Wibbens and Sue Summers (wibbwj AT aol.com; 303-330-1175). Meet at 0730 at Castle ROck King Soopers parking lot (NW corner of lot), 100 Founders Parkway (I-25, Exit 184). OR meet at 0830 at Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain Co 80817. Take Exit 132A from I-25, go east on Hwy 16 for .5 mile and south on Hwy 87 for .5 mile to Pepper Grass Lane. This is a half-day trip to search of ducks, raptors and a variety of songibrds. Wear layers and strong boots. Bring Water and snacks. Should end about noon and return to Castle Rock about 1300. Register online or contact leader Good Birding, Joyce Takamine Boulder Back to top You received this digest because you're subscribed to updates for this group. You can change your settings on the group membership page. 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