[cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert, 22 December 2013
Compiler: Joyce Takamine Date: December 22, 2013 email: rba AT cfobirds.org phone: 303-659-6750 This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Sunday, December 22, 2013 sponsored by the Denver Field Ornithologists and the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. If you are phoning in a message, you can skip the recording by pressing the star key (*) on your phone at any time. Please leave your name, phone number, detailed directions including county, and dates for each sighting. It would be helpful if you would spell your last name. Highlight species include (* indicates new information on this species in this report): BRANT (Douglas/Jefferson) TRUMPETER SWAN (Pueblo) TUNDRA SWAN (Boulder) Long-tailed Duck (Grand, Jefferson, Pueblo) Barrow's Goldeneye (Pueblo) RED-THROATED LOON (Pueblo) Pacific Loon (Pueblo) Thayer's Gull (Arapahoe, Boulder, Douglas/Jefferson, Larimer, Pueblo) Lesser Black-backed Gull (Arapahoe, Boulder, Larimer, Pueblo) GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL (Pueblo) Glaucous Gull (Arapahoe, Larimer) GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (Arapahoe, Larimer) White-winged Dove (Pueblo, *Weld) YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER (Pueblo) Chihuahuan Raven (El Paso) Winter Wren (Bent, Boulder, Douglas/Jefferson, El Paso, Larimer) Wren Spec (El Paso) VARIED THRUSH (*Larimer) Bohemian Waxwing (Routt) Northern Parula (Pueblo) Swamp Sparrow (Bent, El Paso, Pueblo) White-throated Sparrow (Bent, El Paso, Pueblo) Harris's Sparrow (Routt) GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (Boulder, Jefferson) Northern Cardinal (Bent, Pueblo) ARAPHOE COUNTY: --On December 15 at Aurora Reservoir, Modlinow reported 10 Thayer's Gulls, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 2 ad GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS, 1 Glaucous Gull. BENT COUNTY: --On December 17 on the John Martin CBC, Duane Nelson reported Winter Wren, White-throated Sparrow, Swamp Sparrows, and 1 m Northern Cardinal. BOULDER COUNTY: --On December 15 on the Boulder CBC, Schmoker reported Winter Wren, GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW, TUNDRA SWAN, Thayer's Gull, and Lesser Black-backed Gull. DOUGLAS/JEFFERSON COUNTIES: --A BRANT was found by Stachowiak at Chatfield open water on the Denver CBC on December 14. The BRANT was seen by Mlodinow on December 15 at Chatfield SP. On December 16, Kilpatrick and Suddjian reported that the BRANT continues at Chatfield. On December 17, Warneke reported the BRANT at Chatfield SP. On December 19, Hinds reported that BRANT continued at Chatfield SP. On December 20, Brown reported that the BRANT continues at Chatfield. --A Winter Wren was reported by Erthal at Plum Creek downstream from Highline Canal on December 14. --An ad Thayer's Gull was reported by Suddjian at Chatfield SP on December 16. EL PASO COUNTY: --On December 16, Floyd reported the following at Fountain Creek Regional Park: Chihuahuan Raven, 2 Winter Wren, one Pacific/Winter Wren, 3 Swamp Sparrows, 1 White-throated Sparrow. JEFFERSON COUNTY: --On December 14 on the Denver CBC, Kellner reported that the GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW was seen at Red Rocks Trading Post. --On December 10, Keithler reported 2 Long-tailed Ducks at South Platte Reservoir and Suddjian reported 3 Long-tailed Ducks at South Platte Reservoir. On December 14, on the Denver CBC Kellner reported that 2 Long-tailed Ducks were seen at South Platte Reservoir. On December 15, Cameron reported pair of Long-tailed Ducks at South Platte Reservoir. LARIMER COUNTY: --An ad m VARIED THRUSH was reported by Sean Walters in his yard in Loveland on December 5 through 21. If you would like to try to see the bird contact him at waltersintherockies AT gmail.com for updates and directions. --A Winter Wren was reported by Sparks along the Poudre River Bike Trail about .25 miles east of Shields on December 20. --At Lake Loveland on December 19, Rashid reported 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 ad Glaucous Gull, 1st-cycle GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL, and Thayer's Gulls. On December 20, Komar reported Lesser Black-backed Gull and 2 (1 ad, 1 juv) Thayer's Gulls. PUEBLO COUNTY: --On December 14 on the Pueblo Reservoir CBC, Percival reported Long-tailed Duck, Barrow's Goldeneye, RED-THROATED LOON, Pacific Loon, Thayer's Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, White-winged Dove, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, TRUMPETER SWAN, GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL. ROUTT COUNTY: --On December 14, on the Steamboat Springs CBC, Litteral reported 419 Bohemian Waxwings, Harris's Sparrow, and Rosy-Finches. WELD COUNTY: --A White-winged Dove was reported by Sheeter at Frederick Recreational Area on December 21. DFO Field Trips: No Field Trips this week because of Christmas Bird Counts. Please consider helping on a CBC Good Birding, Joyce Takamine Boulder -- 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit
[cobirds] Long-tailed ducks still present at South Platte Park Res
Diving actively - Douglas Cty? North side at 11:30 am. Bryan and Kristin Arnold Jeffco - 5,500' -- 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/a67bab82-4dd9-4b43-9020-3fa25cb30bc8%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
RE: [cobirds] Heard at Red Rocks - mimic thrush?
Cobirders, I have heard an occasional exuberant Townsend's Solitaires burst into song during the winter at Red Rocks. Could one of these have been the culprit? Good birding, Steve Stachowiak Highlands Ranch, CO From: cobirds@googlegroups.com [mailto:cobirds@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Joe Roller Sent: Sunday, December 22, 2013 11:41 AM To: Colorado Birds Subject: [cobirds] Heard at Red Rocks - mimic thrush? Gwen Moore, one of several dedicated volunteers, was spreading seed at the Red Rocks Trading Post this morning, as she has been doing twice weekly, when her astute ear heard am unexpected short burst of song. Sounded like a mimic thrush! Could it be a Northern Mockingbird, rare in Jefferson County or a shivering Brown Thrasher - or could it have been The Return of the Red Rocks Curve-billed Thrasher? Who will find the songster? Joe Roller, Denver Have you noticed? The days are getting brighter, now that we are past the Winter Solstice. -- 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAJpZcUB%3DBFjn7QJQjRR%2B_Xbd2FT6B 1b3gN9cw%3D9KcY7z9DE15w%40mail.gmail.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. -- 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/003401ceff57%243ba06c90%24b2e145b0%24%40q.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
RE: [cobirds] Long-tailed ducks still present at South Platte Park Res
Cobirders, For those keeping score at home, South Platte Park Reservoir is located in Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. Good birding, Steve Stachowiak Highlands Ranch, CO -Original Message- From: cobirds@googlegroups.com [mailto:cobirds@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of modise Sent: Sunday, December 22, 2013 11:38 AM To: cobirds@googlegroups.com Subject: [cobirds] Long-tailed ducks still present at South Platte Park Res Diving actively - Douglas Cty? North side at 11:30 am. Bryan and Kristin Arnold Jeffco - 5,500' -- 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/a67bab82-4dd9-4b43-9020-3fa25cb30b c8%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. -- 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/003c01ceff57%24bb403cf0%2431c0b6d0%24%40q.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Harris's Sparrow, Carbondale still (Garfield Cty)
Hi all Denise and her sister saw the Harris's Sparrow in our backyard again this morning. It has lingered past the solstice - will it stay until the New Year? Good birding all Dick Filby Carbondale, CO -- 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/BLU0-SMTP1507FC16D448FCDF037A17CB2C60%40phx.gbl. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Grandview Cemetery (Larimer) on 12/22/13
After the Broncos went 3 and out for the third time in a row early in the second half today, I decided birding a cold, gray cemetery would be better. Although the Broncos eventually snapped out of it, the cemetery never has an off-game (or quarter, even). The highlight was a flock of about 20 Bushtits. While they foraged in many different types of vegetation (lilacs, roses, elms), their main focus seemed to be the interior crowns of spruce trees near the hackberry which hosted the Cape May Warbler earlier this autumn. This is a new one for my list of birds capitalizing on hackberry gall-making psyllids. While their doing so during the time when the adults psyllids are most active (April and October) would not be all that surprising, it IS somewhat surprising they are finding them during this time of year. Since other small gleaning birds like chickadees, nuthatches, and creepers actively seek them out during winter, one has to wonder if the Bushtits are copycats. On the other hand, maybe they know from experience with Netleaf Hackberry, which supports psyllids and which occurs in many southwestern canyon habitats. Applying knowledge from another habitat and lookalike tree species to Northern Hackberry in an urban cemetery is not that much of a stretch for creatures as amazing as birds. Other interesting but usual species present were: Brown Creeper (2-3), Townsend's Solitaire, Mountain Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch (2), and Red-breasted Nuthatch (5+). Also, the Brown Thrasher which has been present in an alley a block east of the cemetery is still present. It would be a fun species to see on January 1, 2014. It appears there will NOT be a winter-resident Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Golden-crowned Kinglets or crossbills at Grandview Cemetery this winter, although these birds are certainly possible as pass-throughs during the remainder of the cold months. Dave Leatherman Fort Collins -- 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/SNT148-W47E479E71A2DC2A996FFEAC1C60%40phx.gbl. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Rusty Blackbirds, Boulder
Folks- I had a most enjoyable day birding with Jeff Gordon and John Barr in E. Boulder today. We spent most of our time on private property along Boulder Creek just west of Walden Ponds. Our biggest delight was watching a pair of Rusty Blackbirds feeding in a running slough, flipping over sodden cattail fronds to get at invertebrates in the shallow water. In one impressive feat, the male abducted a small crayfish (Virile crayfish, *Orconectes virilis? ) * and dispatched it on the ice for lunch ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/9047968@N02/11504194684/). Later, John Barr photographed the female doing her best to swallow a small fish! We also enjoyed a flock of 14 Evening Grosbeaks feeding in Russian Olives, a Golden and several Bald Eagles, an inky Harlan's Hawk, and other winter birds of the Boulder Creek riparian strip. While the property we birded is private, the Rusty Blackbirds were nearly within spitting distance of the section of Boulder Creek which can be birded from the Walden Ponds side. Enjoy- Bill Schmoker, Longmont -- /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ | Bill Schmoker | | bill.schmo...@gmail.com | | http://schmoker.org | | http://brdpics.blogspot.com | \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ -- 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAL-wM9bCSwA91mVEKAS-_OH%2BhaWzXeHdVD5bkMaY1EMwicCkaQ%40mail.gmail.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Firestone to Aurora Res
Greetings All Today, we started at Firestone Gravel Pits, where among the 10,000 or so geese there were Snow x Canada and Snow x Cackling Goose + 4 GWF Geese and a Western Grebe. At Frederick Rec Area (also Weld County) there were a couple thousand more geese including a Blue Snow x Ross's Goose and GWF Goose x Cackling Goose, and a Snow x Canada Goose. Also, yes another hybrid: Euro Collared Dove x Mourning Dove. For non hybrid fans, a Swamp Sparrow and 3 GWF Geese. Aurora Res had 20,000+ geese including 4 Ross's x Cacklers ( ever so cute) and a Ross's x Canada. Also, 9 or so Ross's Geese. Among the gulls were 10 LBB Gulls, 8 Thayer's, 2 Glaucous and the ongoing 2 ad GBB Gulls. One LT Duck was near the dam on the n side of the res. Most of the gulls on the a side. Good Birding Steve Mlodinow Longmont CO Sent from my iPhone -- 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/62E82EBD-D2E0-4AB1-81FD-5D6D41452C46%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Heard at Red Rocks - mimic thrush?
Another possibility might be a catibird. Randy Lentz found one on the Christmas Bird Count Saturday the 14th in (I believe) Waterton Canyon. Larry Modesitt Chairman, Board of Directors Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory -Original Message- From: Joe Roller jroll...@gmail.com To: Colorado Birds cobirds@googlegroups.com Sent: Sun, Dec 22, 2013 11:40 am Subject: [cobirds] Heard at Red Rocks - mimic thrush? Gwen Moore, one of several dedicated volunteers, was spreading seed at the Red Rocks Trading Post this morning, as she has been doing twice weekly, when her astute ear heard am unexpected short burst of song. Sounded like a mimic thrush! Could it be a Northern Mockingbird, rare in Jefferson County or a shivering Brown Thrasher - or could it have been The Return of the Red Rocks Curve-billed Thrasher? Who will find the songster? Joe Roller, Denver Have you noticed? The days are getting brighter, now that we are past the Winter Solstice. -- 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAJpZcUB%3DBFjn7QJQjRR%2B_Xbd2FT6B1b3gN9cw%3D9KcY7z9DE15w%40mail.gmail.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. -- 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/8D0CDA743BD0A45-1CC8-37CA6%40webmail-m221.sysops.aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Re: Varied Thrush, Larimer county, CO, Continues 12/21
Hey Sean, I emailed you; I'm not sure if you've seen it yet. I just wanted to let you know I stopped by yesterday around 2 and viewed the VATH from your driveway. I rang the doorbell, but nobody answered. I know you're keeping track of how many birders have seen it. You might also be interested to know that it was a lifer for me. Thank you very much for reporting. Matt Critean Longmont, CO On Saturday, December 21, 2013 2:42:56 PM UTC-7, Sean Walters wrote: Hello Everyone, The Varied Thrush is still continuing its stay in our yard. Sean Walters Loveland, CO -- 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/9567b52d-f309-452f-a4a1-2d54fe7267da%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
