On my way to scope some waterfowl at Stagecoach Reservoir (Routt Co.) this morning, I encountered a single waxwing that flew across the road as I drove by. I found a safe place to park and discovered a large flock of mixed waxwings with ~75 individuals. It was pretty evenly distributed, with an estimated 40 Bohemians and 35 Cedars. According to eBird data, this is one of only two BOWA observations this season in Colorado. I was able to spend some time with this flock and watched as they flew back and forth between a few Hawthornes and Aspen. It was a veritable frenzy as these birds gorged themselves on Hawthorne berries. This was easily my favorite avian encounter in months!
eBird checklist with photos: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155969982 Perhaps this flock is an indication of the winter to come. Last year while the Front Range was enjoying the irruption of BOWA, Routt experienced a "drought". I am only aware of one flock that was seen in Routt, in early March. In a typical year, I will see them around three or four times (almost always in massive flocks). Maybe my observation today is an indication of a more normal year for waxwings? Of course, this is pure speculation and only time will tell... Happy Birding! Noah Brinkman -- -- 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] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/ --- 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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/d056eb67-b6aa-4020-b823-e2a6eb8f840cn%40googlegroups.com.
