Re: [cobirds] Re: Extensive power expansion, anybody watching for impacts on birds

[Susan Rosine]

As a member of The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, plus a volunteer for
them at their Barr Lake State Park banding station, I have just one thing
to say:

BIRDS ARE *NOT* MORE ADAPTABLE THAN SOME PEOPLE GIVE THEM CREDIT FOR.

Billions of birds have been lost because they are NOT adapting.

Susan Rosine
Brighton, Adams County

On Thu, Dec 9, 2021, 4:40 PM SeEttaM  wrote:

> Wow, I had to reread what I wrote but I cannot fathom how it was
> misconstrued to include recommended that "...we harass the process of
> bringing in a greater supply of electricity" and effectively costing
> taxpayers more money!  Really, this is I what I asked, "..I hope many
> will take a look and intervene as needed to try to protect the birds we
> still have. "
>
>
> While I don't know what to think about that I do disagree with Mr.
> Reeser's statement, "Birds are more adaptable than some people give them
> credit for."  I'm not sure how many Colorado birders are aware of the very
> real of extinction of Lesser Prairie Chickens from southeast Colorado which
> has been identified as in part due to gas and oil activity: "The lesser
> prairie-chicken population, which once numbered in the hundreds of
> thousands, has dwindled across its historical range by an estimated 90%,
> “due largely to habitat loss and fragmentation,” USFWS said, with oil and
> gas activity contributing to the decline".
> Some of the issues with gas and oil activity that have caused the decline
> of these Lesser Prairie Chickens are similar to what expansion of electric
> utility lines would bring.  I don't consider the risk of expiration of this
> species to be a "small price to pay."
>
> I certainly hope that more level headed consideration be given to this
> issue.  I am a strong supporter of accountability and that I believe that
> utilizing companies need to be held accountable for their actions that
> might cause serious damage to vital bird habitat. And that will only happen
> when those of us who are serious about bird conservation intervene (fyi,
> before I get misconstrued again that does not imply that this project has
> to be stopped or that the company should be harassed.)
>
> Just an addition piece of info, other interests such as the cultural
> advocates are intervening to avoid this project being harmful to their
> interests in Eastern Colorado.
>
> SeEtta Moss
> Canon City
>
>
>
>
>
> On Thu, Dec 9, 2021, 9:09 AM Rick Reeser  wrote:
>
>> Cobirders: In response to the post about Xcel expanding their power
>> network, I have several responses:
>>
>> 1.   You can’t have your cake and eat it, too. You can’t be a
>> consumer of significantly more electricity (in contrast to using fossil
>> fuels for cars, furnace, etc.) without supporting the electrical supply
>> chain. The electrical supply chain comes with some sacrifices, just like
>> oil drilling comes with some negatives.
>>
>> 2.If we harass the process of bringing in a greater supply of
>> electricity, it comes with adding a significant cost to the end product.
>> Remember, Xcel has to pass onto us the economic costs of this $2 billion
>> project. Do we want it more than that?
>>
>> 3.   Birds are far more adaptable than some people give them credit
>> for.  It’s like when I fill my feeders. The birds leave for a short time,
>> but they will be back where food can be found. Yes, construction is a
>> short-term annoyance, but the long-term benefit makes it worth it. And, the
>> actual loss of habitat is likely to be quite small.
>>
>> 4.   The addition of more power lines in remote areas that are not
>> known for their tourism potential seems like a small sacrifice to pay for
>> getting the electricity we need.  California has had numerous fires and
>> power outages due to demanding too high of electrical consumption before
>> having the infrastructure to support it. Some of their fires were started
>> by aging electrical systems and their power outages- that were almost daily
>> when I was there this past year- were quite disruptive. We need the
>> electrical infrastructure to move forward to prevent these types of things
>> from happening.
>>
>> 5.   Will these power stations and lines actually kill lots of birds
>> or make them move permanently far away.  I doubt it. Our cars kill lots of
>> birds, but we don’t propose eliminating cars because of that- we drive with
>> greater caution instead.
>>
>>
>>
>> We need to work with Xcel on this project to minimize the harm to the
>> habitat, not work against them. Offering to work with someone is far more
>> effective than working against them.
>>
>> Rick Reeser
>>
>> Milliken
>>
>> On Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 11:00:55 AM UTC-7 SeEtta wrote:
>>
>>> I just found mapping by Excel of their 'Colorado Power Pathway' of new
>>> substations and  giant transmission lines that are proposed to cut through
>>> eastern Colorado including in or near some very important bird habitat
>>> including Chico Basin. Are any 

Re: [cobirds] Re: Extensive power expansion, anybody watching for impacts on birds

[SeEttaM]

Wow, I had to reread what I wrote but I cannot fathom how it was
misconstrued to include recommended that "...we harass the process of
bringing in a greater supply of electricity" and effectively costing
taxpayers more money!  Really, this is I what I asked, "..I hope many will
take a look and intervene as needed to try to protect the birds we still
have. "


While I don't know what to think about that I do disagree with Mr. Reeser's
statement, "Birds are more adaptable than some people give them credit
for."  I'm not sure how many Colorado birders are aware of the very real of
extinction of Lesser Prairie Chickens from southeast Colorado which has
been identified as in part due to gas and oil activity: "The lesser
prairie-chicken population, which once numbered in the hundreds of
thousands, has dwindled across its historical range by an estimated 90%,
“due largely to habitat loss and fragmentation,” USFWS said, with oil and
gas activity contributing to the decline".
Some of the issues with gas and oil activity that have caused the decline
of these Lesser Prairie Chickens are similar to what expansion of electric
utility lines would bring.  I don't consider the risk of expiration of this
species to be a "small price to pay."

I certainly hope that more level headed consideration be given to this
issue.  I am a strong supporter of accountability and that I believe that
utilizing companies need to be held accountable for their actions that
might cause serious damage to vital bird habitat. And that will only happen
when those of us who are serious about bird conservation intervene (fyi,
before I get misconstrued again that does not imply that this project has
to be stopped or that the company should be harassed.)

Just an addition piece of info, other interests such as the cultural
advocates are intervening to avoid this project being harmful to their
interests in Eastern Colorado.

SeEtta Moss
Canon City





On Thu, Dec 9, 2021, 9:09 AM Rick Reeser  wrote:

> Cobirders: In response to the post about Xcel expanding their power
> network, I have several responses:
>
> 1.   You can’t have your cake and eat it, too. You can’t be a consumer
> of significantly more electricity (in contrast to using fossil fuels for
> cars, furnace, etc.) without supporting the electrical supply chain. The
> electrical supply chain comes with some sacrifices, just like oil drilling
> comes with some negatives.
>
> 2.If we harass the process of bringing in a greater supply of
> electricity, it comes with adding a significant cost to the end product.
> Remember, Xcel has to pass onto us the economic costs of this $2 billion
> project. Do we want it more than that?
>
> 3.   Birds are far more adaptable than some people give them credit
> for.  It’s like when I fill my feeders. The birds leave for a short time,
> but they will be back where food can be found. Yes, construction is a
> short-term annoyance, but the long-term benefit makes it worth it. And, the
> actual loss of habitat is likely to be quite small.
>
> 4.   The addition of more power lines in remote areas that are not
> known for their tourism potential seems like a small sacrifice to pay for
> getting the electricity we need.  California has had numerous fires and
> power outages due to demanding too high of electrical consumption before
> having the infrastructure to support it. Some of their fires were started
> by aging electrical systems and their power outages- that were almost daily
> when I was there this past year- were quite disruptive. We need the
> electrical infrastructure to move forward to prevent these types of things
> from happening.
>
> 5.   Will these power stations and lines actually kill lots of birds
> or make them move permanently far away.  I doubt it. Our cars kill lots of
> birds, but we don’t propose eliminating cars because of that- we drive with
> greater caution instead.
>
>
>
> We need to work with Xcel on this project to minimize the harm to the
> habitat, not work against them. Offering to work with someone is far more
> effective than working against them.
>
> Rick Reeser
>
> Milliken
>
> On Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 11:00:55 AM UTC-7 SeEtta wrote:
>
>> I just found mapping by Excel of their 'Colorado Power Pathway' of new
>> substations and  giant transmission lines that are proposed to cut through
>> eastern Colorado including in or near some very important bird habitat
>> including Chico Basin. Are any conservation groups or birding groups that
>> concern themselves with protecting vital bird habitat monitoring this?  As
>> the conservation chair for Arkansas  Valley Audubon Society I am now going
>> to try to send comments on their incursions into areas that we service buy
>> there is a lot of Eastern Colorado that will is north of our area that will
>> be impacted by that this major expansion by Excel. Given all the negative
>> impacts on the birds we all love to watch I hope many will take a look 

[cobirds] Tonight! Fort Collins Audubon Society hosts our Annual Member Slideshow

[Andrew Monson]

 *Fort Collins Audubon* invites you to join a *virtual (and in-person watch 
party) program* featuring *a slideshow *of member-submitted nature content*, 
*tonight, Thursday, December 9th, 2021; *Announcements at 7:00pm and 
Program at 7:20pm. *

*Virtual attendees: Enter the following link on your web browser at or 
before 7 p.m. and follow the instructions to join the meeting:** 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85847079852 
 *

*In-person attendees: We will host a watch party at the Fort Collins Senior 
Center (1200 Raintree Dr).  Attendees are required to wear a mask.*

"December is traditionally the program month when members share a potluck 
dinner and show photos from their personal collections. This year we will 
not have food at the live event, but we will have a slide show. Those 
wanting to present their photos can do so in person at the Senior Center or 
virtually through Zoom. Suggested this year are the photo themes of* 
'Critter Photo Captures,' 'Birds in Motion,' or 'This Scenery is a WOW'*"

Andrew Monson
PR Chair, FCAS
Fort Collins, CO

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[cobirds] Re: Snow goose vs hydrid?

[Randy Fischer]

Dave, 

I'm pleased someone else has seen the goose.  I think I have seen the same 
bird several times at Fossil Creek, and was hoping someone would suggest a 
possible identification.  

Randy Fischer
Fort Collins

On Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 11:41:02 AM UTC-7 da2fa...@gmail.com 
wrote:

> Good morning,
>
>  
>
> From the morn I study birds the less I know category…
>
>  
>
> This morning at Fossil Creek Reservoir in Larimer County I observed what I 
> first believed was a dark morph snow goose (photos below).  After watching 
> it awhile and looking at my photos I started thinking is may be a Snow X 
> Canada hybrid.  I bit of reading online confused my more.
>
>  
>
> This bird was a bit larger than the associated cackling geese, had a small 
> grin patch and pink bill, pink legs, and, to me, the body color of a 
> Canada/cackling goose but perhaps a bit darker.  Any thoughts or tips on ID 
> would be much appreciated.
>
>  
>
> Thanks,
>
>  
>
> Dave Farmer
>
> Larimer County
>
>  
>
>  
>
>  
>
>  
>
>

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[cobirds] N. Shrike, N. Harrier - Willow Spring Open Space (Arapahoe)

[Jared Del Rosso]

I spent the morning watching a Northern Shrike at Willow Spring Open Space 
in Centennial. The effort culminated, after about two hours of watching, 
with getting to see it successfully hunt one small rodent, from a low 
perch, in a grassy weedy field. The shrike's effort was pure patience and 
skill, with the shrike waiting several minutes on its perch, inspecting the 
grassy field around it, waiting out a Red-tailed Hawk pair that floated low 
circles near it, then dropping straight down to fetch the rodent. The 
shrike then flew its catch into the willows surrounding the marsh at Willow 
Spring Open Space, disappearing.

Along the way, I watched the shrike preen, brief interludes as it 
continually scanned the marsh and surrounding fields for food. 

I watched it, too, surrender its perch to a kestrel. I think the shrike 
called as it flew off. The kestrel, meanwhile, didn't stay long. It flew 
directly over me, hovered over the field behind me, then went hunting 
elsewhere. 

During my time watching the shrike, it frequently disappeared from its 
conspicuous perches into grasses and willows. But I could not, with that 
one exception of the rodent catch, see what it did with those efforts. It 
preferred to stay low, particularly in the willows, after hunting.

Also at the open space was an adult male Northern Harrier, somewhat 
uncommon for the portion of Centennial that I bird regularly. It made a few 
passes over the marsh and, at one point, appeared to be eating something it 
had caught. My observations were distant and obscured by cattails, though. 

Also of note: a half dozen or more American Tree Sparrows; a low, drifting, 
croaking-as-it-went Common Raven; and an American Crow, harassing in 
flight, one of the members of the Red-tailed Hawk pair. That pair put on a 
show, too, flying together, hovering in the warm winds, and making passes 
at prey in the grasses. 

 - Jared Del Rosso
Centennial, CO

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[cobirds] Re: Possible Northern Shrike Hunting - Arapahoe

['The Nunn Guy' via Colorado Birds]

Hi all

Speaking of Northern Shrike ... one continues to bathe and drink in our 11 
water sources and also hunts our feeder birds. Has been making appearances 
off and on for about month now. She also was hunting in one of our window 
wells other morning.

Photos:  https://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/albums/view/25/my-yard-nunn

Thanks, Gary Lefko, Nunn
http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/birds-and-more-of-the-pawnee-national-grassland

On Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 3:24:19 PM UTC-7 jared.d...@gmail.com 
wrote:

> It's amazing what you can see when you going looking for it. Today, I 
> spent about 15-20 minutes watching a Northern Shrike at Willow Spring Open 
> Space in Centennial (Arapahoe County). I was up on Englewood Dam, around 
> eye-level of the bird, which was perched in a tree about 100 feet (give or 
> take) away. While watching it, the shrike dropped down into the tall 
> grasses on the dam, disappeared from view, and emerged with a small rodent. 
> It flew back to its perch with its prey, before taking it into the line of 
> willows (sandbar willow, I think). The shrike was out of view for about 90 
> seconds, before re-emerging. Presumably, it cached the rodent, as this 
> doesn't seem long enough to eat it. 
>
> The shrike gave up on its perch when some other trail users, down closer 
> to the tree, walked by. Later, I saw it leaving yet a different perch when 
> a magpie approached it. 
>
> A kestrel was also watching over these same grasses. In addition to 
> rodents, there were flocks of Song Sparrows, American Tree Sparrows, and 
> House Finches. 
>
> Later (around 2:30), during a dog walk at deKoevend Park, I heard a Great 
> Horned Owl calling. Always a surprise to hear this during daylight.
>
> - Jared Del Rosso
> Centennial, CO
>
> On Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 6:05:46 PM UTC-7 Jared Del Rosso wrote:
>
>> Today, while watching a mixed flock of sparrows at Marjorie Perry Nature 
>> Preserve in Greenwood Village, I noticed a larger bird (larger than 
>> sparrows that is) perched high on a distant tree. What I saw, from a 
>> distance, was consistent with a Northern Shrike, but not definitive. Before 
>> I biked closer, the bird flew off and disappeared. But arriving to near 
>> where the bird had been and in the direction to which it flew, I heard 
>> noisy rustling in tall, dry grasses. Then, a shriek, sounding like that of 
>> a rodent. Then a bit more rustling. Then nothing.
>>
>> Nothing emerged from the grasses, but I didn't wait long. 
>>
>> I've never seen a shrike really do something. Usually, it's just a 
>> perched bird watching -- or flying off when I walk by on a trail. So I 
>> don't know if what I heard is consistent with how a shrike would hunt small 
>> mammals. But it *might* be. According to *Birds of the World*, shrikes 
>> may pursue a mammal into brush or cover and, then, "flick or flash its 
>> wings as it moves about in cover in apparent attempt to flush prey." Who 
>> knows, though, what I indeed saw and heard, but it has me curious about the 
>> shrikes.
>>
>> Also of note, though not a bird: a Coyote, loafing in tall grasses, off 
>> the High Line Canal Trail. The trail is littered with deep red scat, 
>> reflecting the fact that the number of fallen, over-ripe apples along the 
>> Canal and in yards this year is outstanding. 
>>
>> - Jared Del Rosso
>> Centennial, CO
>>
>>
>>

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[cobirds] Wood Thrush

[David Hill]

It is only through the generosity of Cynthia Madsen that we got to observe 
this Wood Thrush. She graciously opened her home to the family of Colorado 
birders so eager to view this rarity and I am both thrilled and thankful to 
have been a part of that company. This morning I shared a seat in Cynthia's 
dining area with Cynthia, Dave Prentice and Kenna Sue Trickey. I twice 
observed this bird drinking from Cynthia's running waterfall feature, just 
15 feet from her kitchen patio doors. At 9:06 AM the Wood Thrush arrived 
and perched at the edge of the waterfall. It drank for just one minute and 
departed to the north. It returned at 9:58 for a additional drink and 
departed 2 minutes later.

David Hill
Centennial
Arapahoe County

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[cobirds] RFI wood thrush

['Norm Lewis' via Colorado Birds]

Is it being seen today?

Norm Lewis
Lakewood 
Sent from my iPhone

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RE: [cobirds] Re: Extensive power expansion, anybody watching for impacts on birds

[bbeatty7704]

I agree with the post below, but have a few things to add:

*   I don’t know if they are, but Xcel should involve a biologist, or 
habitat conservationist, to help identify how to avoid important bird areas, 
migration staging areas, sources of water, etc.
*   I don’t believe added cost should be looked at independently, it should 
also consider the impacts to birds and other wildlife, and Xcel should do what 
they can to avoid impacts
*   Xcel should put bird diverters on the wires, to help minimize collision
*   Working together is a great idea, if biologists, land conservationists 
and others are included in the discussions, and Xcel is open to finding 
slightly different routes
*   Just FYI,  up to a billion birds are killed each year by colliding with 
windows, but as far as I know, no one has compiled the cumulative impacts on 
birds and other animals, i.e., from collision with transmission lines, 
concentrated solar power, wind turbines, cats, cars, pollutants, etc.  We 
should be concerned, and insert ourselves into Xcel’s planning.

Just my opinion

 

Brenda Beatty

Sedalia, CO

 

From: cobirds@googlegroups.com  On Behalf Of Rick 
Reeser
Sent: Thursday, December 9, 2021 9:09 AM
To: Colorado Birds 
Subject: [cobirds] Re: Extensive power expansion, anybody watching for impacts 
on birds

 

Cobirders: In response to the post about Xcel expanding their power network, I 
have several responses:

1.   You can’t have your cake and eat it, too. You can’t be a consumer of 
significantly more electricity (in contrast to using fossil fuels for cars, 
furnace, etc.) without supporting the electrical supply chain. The electrical 
supply chain comes with some sacrifices, just like oil drilling comes with some 
negatives.

2.If we harass the process of bringing in a greater supply of 
electricity, it comes with adding a significant cost to the end product.  
Remember, Xcel has to pass onto us the economic costs of this $2 billion 
project. Do we want it more than that?

3.   Birds are far more adaptable than some people give them credit for.  
It’s like when I fill my feeders. The birds leave for a short time, but they 
will be back where food can be found. Yes, construction is a short-term 
annoyance, but the long-term benefit makes it worth it. And, the actual loss of 
habitat is likely to be quite small.

4.   The addition of more power lines in remote areas that are not known 
for their tourism potential seems like a small sacrifice to pay for getting the 
electricity we need.  California has had numerous fires and power outages due 
to demanding too high of electrical consumption before having the 
infrastructure to support it. Some of their fires were started by aging 
electrical systems and their power outages- that were almost daily when I was 
there this past year- were quite disruptive. We need the electrical 
infrastructure to move forward to prevent these types of things from happening.

5.   Will these power stations and lines actually kill lots of birds or 
make them move permanently far away.  I doubt it. Our cars kill lots of birds, 
but we don’t propose eliminating cars because of that- we drive with greater 
caution instead.

 

We need to work with Xcel on this project to minimize the harm to the habitat, 
not work against them. Offering to work with someone is far more effective than 
working against them.

Rick Reeser 

Milliken

 

On Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 11:00:55 AM UTC-7 SeEtta wrote:

I just found mapping by Excel of their 'Colorado Power Pathway' of new 
substations and  giant transmission lines that are proposed to cut through 
eastern Colorado including in or near some very important bird habitat 
including Chico Basin. Are any conservation groups or birding groups that 
concern themselves with protecting vital bird habitat monitoring this?  As the 
conservation chair for Arkansas  Valley Audubon Society I am now going to try 
to send comments on their incursions into areas that we service buy there is a 
lot of Eastern Colorado that will is north of our area that will be impacted by 
that this major expansion by Excel. Given all the negative impacts on the birds 
we all love to watch I hope many will take a look and intervene as needed to 
try to protect the birds we still have.   Here is the maps and basic info I 
have found: https://www.coloradospowerpathway.com/project-description/

 

SeEtta Moss 

Canon City 

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[cobirds] Tundra Swan, Centennial Park, Arapahoe County

[CRYSTAL WILSON]

There is currently a Tundra Swan on the lake at Centennial Park in Englewood,  
Arapahoe County.

Crystal Wilson
Englewood,  Colorado

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[cobirds] Re: Extensive power expansion, anybody watching for impacts on birds

[Rick Reeser]

Cobirders: In response to the post about Xcel expanding their power 
network, I have several responses:

1.   You can’t have your cake and eat it, too. You can’t be a consumer 
of significantly more electricity (in contrast to using fossil fuels for 
cars, furnace, etc.) without supporting the electrical supply chain. The 
electrical supply chain comes with some sacrifices, just like oil drilling 
comes with some negatives.

2.If we harass the process of bringing in a greater supply of 
electricity, it comes with adding a significant cost to the end product.  
Remember, Xcel has to pass onto us the economic costs of this $2 billion 
project. Do we want it more than that?

3.   Birds are far more adaptable than some people give them credit 
for.  It’s like when I fill my feeders. The birds leave for a short time, 
but they will be back where food can be found. Yes, construction is a 
short-term annoyance, but the long-term benefit makes it worth it. And, the 
actual loss of habitat is likely to be quite small.

4.   The addition of more power lines in remote areas that are not 
known for their tourism potential seems like a small sacrifice to pay for 
getting the electricity we need.  California has had numerous fires and 
power outages due to demanding too high of electrical consumption before 
having the infrastructure to support it. Some of their fires were started 
by aging electrical systems and their power outages- that were almost daily 
when I was there this past year- were quite disruptive. We need the 
electrical infrastructure to move forward to prevent these types of things 
from happening.

5.   Will these power stations and lines actually kill lots of birds or 
make them move permanently far away.  I doubt it. Our cars kill lots of 
birds, but we don’t propose eliminating cars because of that- we drive with 
greater caution instead.

 

We need to work with Xcel on this project to minimize the harm to the 
habitat, not work against them. Offering to work with someone is far more 
effective than working against them.

Rick Reeser 

Milliken

On Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 11:00:55 AM UTC-7 SeEtta wrote:

> I just found mapping by Excel of their 'Colorado Power Pathway' of new 
> substations and  giant transmission lines that are proposed to cut through 
> eastern Colorado including in or near some very important bird habitat 
> including Chico Basin. Are any conservation groups or birding groups that 
> concern themselves with protecting vital bird habitat monitoring this?  As 
> the conservation chair for Arkansas  Valley Audubon Society I am now going 
> to try to send comments on their incursions into areas that we service buy 
> there is a lot of Eastern Colorado that will is north of our area that will 
> be impacted by that this major expansion by Excel. Given all the negative 
> impacts on the birds we all love to watch I hope many will take a look and 
> intervene as needed to try to protect the birds we still have.   Here is 
> the maps and basic info I have found: 
> https://www.coloradospowerpathway.com/project-description/
>
> SeEtta Moss 
> Canon City 
>

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