[cobirds] Yard List, Bent County CO
Birders, I was going to pass on this until someone involved in the yard bird discussion implored to me post highlights of my 1+ acre yard in Las Animas, Bent County CO, where I've lived since 2000. My yard list currently stands at 195 species. Many of you have been to my yard, since I love posting reproducible birds to the public, and welcome visitors when I have rare birds around. Many Colorado birders have added life or state birds here, including White-winged Crossbill, Costa's Hummingbird, Ruby-throated Hummingbird and Canada Warbler. I'm going to post a list of what I consider unusual birds I've had that might not have been reported by other landowners: Cattle Egret, Green Heron, White-faced Ibis, Northern Goshawk, Ring-necked Pheasant, Wild Turkey, Scaled Quail, Northern Bobwhite, Sora (nocturnal flight call), White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Common Poorwill (flushed from the ground during migration several times). Six species of Hummingbirds including Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (most years, especially in September) and Costa's Hummingbird (seen by close to 100 observers), Nine species of Woodpeckers, including Lewis', Red-headed, Red-bellied (I had a male winter at my suet feeders), Yellow-bellied and Red-naped Sapsuckers, and Ladder-backed Woodpecker. Olive-sided, Yellow-bellied and Gray Flycatchers. Eastern and Say's Phoebes, Ash-throated and Great-crested Flycatchers, as well as Cassin's Kingbird. Flocks of Pinon Jays in two separate years, as well as single Steller's Jays two years. These are both exceedingly rare east of the mountains. Four uncommon species of Vireo, including Blue-headed, Cassin's, Yellow-throated and Red-eyed. Eastern and Mountain Bluebirds, and one Veery. Gray Catbird, Sage Thrasher, Curve-billed Thrasher (practically every winter). Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Bushtit, Mountain Chickadee, Black-capped Chickadee (absent in SE Colorado for over 20 years now as a result of West Nile Disease). American Pipit (showed up in my driveway after I shoveled deep snow). Purple Finch and Cassin's Finch (photographed together) Red Crossbill, White-winged Crossbill (a life bird for many, this bird stayed for a week), Evening Grosbeak. Sixteen species of Warbler, including Tennessee, Nashville, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, American Redstart, Ovenbird (bird bath), Hooded Warbler (bird bath), and Canada Warbler (which I put on the RBA and was seen by many). If I shovel snow at night, I often hear Lapland Longspurs passing over on their way to find habitat with less snow. Earlier this winter, I heard a Chestnut-collared Longspur passing south with the Lapland Longspurs as I shoveled snow in the dark). Sparrows, including Fox (eastern), Harris' White-throated, Vesper, and Cassin's. Four species of towhees, including a male Eastern Towhee. Summer Tanager, Dickcissel, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal (singing males, twice), Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting (Colorado's first documented winter record, on the John Martin Reservoir CBC). Baltimore and Bullock's Orioles. I hope you enjoy this sampling of birds found in the far southeast part of Colorado, 100 miles east of the mountains. Duane Nelson Las Animas, Bent County, CO -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * 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/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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/YAYZIRM7JMU4.EI8Z88ZWUW5M1%40luweb01oc.
[cobirds] Cinnamon Teal in Bent County
Birders, I'm not quite ready to declare that winter is over in SE Colorado, but I saw a male Cinnamon Teal near the junction of the Arkansas and Purgatoire Rivers in Bent County today. This is my first January sighting of this species in SE Colorado. Duane Nelson Las Animas, Bent County, CO -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/1JIPHJ1B4MU4.R89P24IW6I043%40luweb02oc.
[cobirds] Thick-billed Longspurs in Bent County, Co
Birders, The historic cold spell has eased, and daytime temperatures are finally above freezing. Today, I ventured north from Las Animas CO on County Road 10 toward Adobe Creek Reservoir. At the small pond on the east side of Road 10, about 8 miles north of SH 194, I was rewarded with seeing multiple flocks of Thick-billed Longspurs coming to the pond in waves, and finding pockets of drinking water on the edge of the frozen pond. This winter, this is a great place to see these uncommon wintering birds. There is a major road construction project on Road 10, which made it impossible for me to reach Adobe Creek Reservoir. I don't think it's possible to combine the Longspur pond with Adobe Creek reservoir without a major detour. Duane Nelson Las Animas, Bent County, CO -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/RP2OK74D3MU4.MS69VELAOB8O3%40luweb03oc.
[cobirds] John Martin Reservoir CBC results
Birders, The John Martin Reservoir CBC took place on Monday, December 18th, postponed by a major storm event on the scheduled count day of December 14th. The 16 participants were rewarded with a calm day with temperatures in the upper 50s and light winds. 108 species were tallied, for an average of 6.75 species added to the count for every participant. Truly, every participant makes a difference to count results here. This is an average count for this CBC. Many unusual birds were seen, with some first-time misses. New for the count were 3 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS. Four shorebird species were found (Killdeer, Least Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs and the Dowitchers). Perhaps for the first time, Wilson's Snipe could not be found. Nearly all expected duck species were found, some (like Red-breasted Merganser) in record numbers. "Puddle" ducks were conspicuous, especially on Lake Hasty. We often have a hard time finding them on this count. One Long-tailed Duck was found among thousands of other waterfowl on the Reservoir, but there were no Scoters. Notably absent was Wood Duck, missed for the first time (I have noticed increased hunter pressure at all of their favorite haunts). Snow Geese numbers were way down, with only 5000 on the reservoir. Only 4 species of gulls were located, well below average. Despite open water, there were no Loons, and only one Eared Grebe, not normal for this count. Land birds picked up some of the slack. Three Ladder-backed Woodpeckers was a new high for the count. One party found a Say's Phoebe. There were single Gray Catbirds and Curve-billed Thrashers. The count tallied a Red-breasted Nuthatch for only the second time. Wrens highlighted the count with four Bewick's Wrens, one Winter Wren, and one CAROLINA WREN, for the second time on the count. We found no warblers, unusual for the count. Our counters are good at finding wintering sparrows. One party found six Savannah Sparrows. Another found a Lincoln's Sparrow. Four Harris' Sparrows was a high for the count. Song and American Tree Sparrows were seen in record low numbers, while White-crowned Sparrows seem to have taken over the planet here. The most popular bird on the count was a female EASTERN TOWHEE, seen and photographed by more than half the count participants. I have stopped feeding in the bottomlands it haunts, as it's so labor intensive, and passing trains and hordes of hunters make seeing it dangerous. Four Northern Cardinals were tallied at three separate locations, often near the Towhees. Blackbirds were well represented on the count, with all eight species of grackles, blackbirds as well as Brown-headed Cowbird present in good numbers. Six Rusty Blackbirds at a feedlot provided a new count high. Some year, maybe the stars will align, and land, water and mountain birds will all show up in the same year. We'll keep trying. Duane Nelson Las Animas, Bent Counnty, CO -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/4M38BC27TLU4.JD86HH0OZAWD3%40luweb02oc.
[cobirds] Thick-billed Longspurs in Bent County, CO
Birders, I observed multiple Thick-billed Longspurs at a pond in Bent County, CO today. They are visiting a stock pond on the east side of Road 10 midway between Adobe Creek Reservoir and Las Animas. This is an historic site in years when the pond has water in it, which it does this year, thanks to a recent wet winter and summer. It should be possible to see (and photograph) the longspurs well, if one is patient and waits for their short visits when they come in to drink. Duane Nelson Las Animas, Bent County, CO -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/3SUDKA8VPLU4.TP5VR0ZIRJNY1%40luweb03oc.
[cobirds] Kiowa County, CO, November 18, 2023
I easily found the immature Black-legged Kittiwake, first found by Glenn Walbek, at the Long Lake playa south of Haswell in Kiowa County CO, this morning. Also present were a late Black-bellied Plover and 7 late Sandhill Cranes. At nearby Adobe Creek Reservoir, I saw two immature/female Black Scoters from the lakefront just northeast of the Boat Ramp (Kiowa County). They were not far offshore, in the southeast corner of the north part of the reservoir. The scoters were never more than a few feet apart. On the spit north of the dam of Adobe Creek Reservoir (Bent County), there was a very late Pectoral Sandpiper. Duane Nelson Las Animas, Bent County, CO -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/DZA8JFDEJLU4.MRO0DVW96FFK3%40luweb01oc.
[cobirds] Wildfire near Van's Grove, John Martin SWA, Bent County CO
Birders, In recent years, every April seems to have a devastating wildfire somewhere on Federal Property at John Martin Reservoir. There is, right this minute, a devastating fire in the marshes and bottomland of the west end of the reservoir, near Van's Grove. There were countless road blocks, emergency responders, and even two aircraft attempting to suppress the flames. As I drove through thick smoke on US 50, I saw that Van's Grove appears to be spared for now, but that fire looks to have burned the Gageby Creek marshes just east of Van's Grove. I would expect County Road JJ to be closed for a while. On a brighter note, I found a male Northern Parula this afternoon in the tall juniper tree just north of the playground at Lake Hasty Campground. Duane Nelson Las Animas, Bent County, CO -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/5NHHB7RWPJU4.IJ0H5YGZ7A4C1%40luweb01oc.
[cobirds] American White Pelicans return to John Martin Reservoir (Bent County) in SE Colorado
Birders, Birding here in the banana belt of Southeast Colorado has been extraordinarily slow this winter, due to ice formation on most Reservoirs in November, countless subzero cold snaps and snow events, and a failure of most of the food crop. Things took a turn toward our normal today, with the return of at least 37 migrating American White Pelicans to the west end of John Martin Reservoir, despite the lake remaining at least 99 percent covered with ice. I've noted before that American White Pelican may be the harbinger of spring here, appearing in numbers some years the last week of January. Numbers of some waterfowl are also picking up, with increases in the numbers of Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, Canvasback, Redhead and Green-winged Teal. Of course, we're bracing for our next winter storm warning, beginning tomorrow night. Duane Nelson Las Animas, Bent County, CO -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/I91XFJ9A6JU4.RI7CR2N8WGX72%40luweb02oc.
[cobirds] John Martin Reservoir CBC results
Birders, The John Martin Reservoir Christmas Bird Count took place on December 14, 2022. This year, sixteen people contributed, a few more than our average. There were seven teams. This area received a surprise snowstorm on the night of December 12, and groups had to deal with up to six inches of wet snow and frigid temperatures, dipping to 2 degrees F at the start of the count. Nevertheless, we persisted. We ended up the day with 106 species, maybe a species or two below our average. Rather than dwelling on the multiple Count Week species we missed, I want to focus on the great birds we found. Perhaps the biggest obstacle we faced this year was an unseasonable cold spell in November that almost totally froze the Reservoir, and drove out late migrants like shorebirds, loons, grebes, and diving ducks. Bird flu didn't help. This year, there were only a few lingering American White Pelicans and Double Crested Cormorants. We found low numbers of many duck species that are sometimes absent on the count. Almost all dabbling ducks were present, as well as most Aythya ducks. We had no loons or scoters, and only single Eared and Western Grebes. The lone shorebird this year was a single Greater Yellowlegs. We had only five species of gull, including Bonaparte's, Lesser Black-backed and Iceland (Thayer's) Many groups found exciting landbirds, including Yellow-headed Blackbird, Brown Thrasher, Gray Catbird, American Pipit, Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay, Canyon Wren, Rock Wren, Savannah, Lincoln's and Swamp Sparrows, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Eastern Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Brown Creeper and White-breasted Nuthatch (eastern). Our lone new bird for the count was Mexican Duck. It would take some luck to find it amongst the 11,000 Common Mergansers, 3,000 Common Goldeneyes (no Barrow's this year) and thousands of Mallards present. I'm sure I missed a couple of birds, but I hope I captured the spirit of the count. Thanks to the many expert birders that helped this year. Duane Nelson Las Animas, Bent County, CO -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/6SSMCSOXNIU4.ILSVVIAPQU3I2%40luweb01oc.
[cobirds] Pygmy Nuthatch at Hasty CG, Bent County
Birders, I saw and photographed an apparent first Bent County record of Pygmy Nuthatch this afternoon at Hasty Campground, below the dam at John Martin Reservoir. I first saw it in tall trees near campsite 73, then photographed it in a tree on top of the rectangular "hill" 50 yards to the east. Hasty Campground had more migrant birds today than in all of the multiple trips I've taken this fall migration season there combined. Best were: Blue-headed Vireo, Ovenbird and Hammond's Flycatcher. Duane Nelson Las Animas, Bent County, CO -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/1672710067.6385570.1663975993385.JavaMail.zimbra%40centurytel.net.
Re: [cobirds] SULPHUR-bellied FLYCATCHER, Chico basin 9/10
Great find, and within the expected window of Sulphur-bellied Flycatchers showing up out of range in North America. I found the first state record of Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher at Adobe Creek Reservoir (Bent County) on September 18th, 2002. It was the first record for the interior of the continent, although there had been records during the same window of time in Louisiana and New England. Here is a picture I took on September 18, 2002, of the Colorado Bird. This was a bird I didn't expect to be seen again in Colorado. Many Colorado birders of an earlier generation got to see this bird. Duane Nelson Las Animas, Bent County, CO From: "Peter Burke" To: "cobirds" Sent: Saturday, September 10, 2022 10:17:04 AM Subject: [cobirds] SULPHUR-bellied FLYCATCHER, Chico basin 9/10 A Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher was seen well and photographed in a field behind the banding station and the Casita. !!! -- Best, Peter Burke -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at [ http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en | 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/ | 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 [ mailto:cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com | cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com ] . To view this discussion on the web visit [ https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CACjv0GarJZd5JNOPThjw9aUoev4GMwnJ6z_9eMcS9%2BxV_uAvOw%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email_source=footer | https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CACjv0GarJZd5JNOPThjw9aUoev4GMwnJ6z_9eMcS9%2BxV_uAvOw%40mail.gmail.com ] . -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/753451911.6466162.1662844808354.JavaMail.zimbra%40centurytel.net.
[cobirds] Bent County landbirds, 5/5/22
Birders, The Wood Thrush I reported yesterday at Van's Grove was still there late this afternoon, as were the two Black-and-white Warblers. At Hasty Campground I saw and heard a male Northern Parula, as well as a singing male Tennessee Warbler. Despite rain yesterday afternoon and overnight, and a front that should have deposited more birds, bird numbers in the campground were way down. At Tempel Grove, I ran into two other birders, and we saw an Ovenbird below the Melody Tempel bench. Like Hasty Campground, bird activity was low. My prize of the day was a female Hooded Warbler. It was in Clayton Grove, the only woodlot on the two-track connecting the east and west ends of the north side of John Martin Reservoir, best approached from Road JJ just east of Road 20. This woodlot has a few small cottonwoods, too many invasive salt cedar trees, and more down trees than standing ones. For this reason, I don't think the chances of re-finding this bird are very good. It was loosely associating with a female Wilson's Warbler. Duane Nelson Las Animas, Bent County, CO -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/452668791.98238185.1651791258869.JavaMail.zimbra%40centurytel.net.
[cobirds] Wood Thrush at Van's Grove, Bent County, CO 5/4/22
Birders, I found and photographed a Wood Thrush at Van's Grove (Bent County, CO) this morning. I was able to relocate it for two parties later in the day. While we were trying to re-find it, we saw a female American Redstart and two Black-and-White Warblers (together!). Also present was a singing White-throated Sparrow. Duane Nelson Las Animas, Bent County, CO -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/358913052.96903899.1651706999573.JavaMail.zimbra%40centurytel.net.
[cobirds] Bent County birds, 5/2/2022
Birders, On a blustery day with north winds reaching 40 mph, I ventured to John Martin State Park to buy an annual State Parks Pass. I dared to get out of my car in the Hasty Campground. It was worth it, despite having to wear a winter parka and hat. Near Campsite 79, I had a singing male Northern Parula, a male Black-and-White Warbler, a male Blackpoll Warbler, and a singing Plumbeous Vireo. On the gravel under the slide in the playground, I photographed an Ovenbird. I undoubtedly missed some birds due to the howling wind and cold. At Van's Grove, I had another Northern Parula, this time a female. There are numerous closures due to fires, but I saw my third Northern Parula of the day on the east side of Bent County Road 16 just east of the closed Ft. Lyon Wildlife Easement. Respectfully, Duane Nelson Las Animas, Bent County, CO -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/314373818.94105585.1651530205925.JavaMail.zimbra%40centurytel.net.
[cobirds] Cape May Warbler at Hasty Campground, Bent County
Birders, An adult Cape May Warbler was seen this morning at Hasty Campground below the dam at John Martin Reservoir. It was seen east of the south side parking lot, just northwest of the three dumpsters. Duane Nelson Las Animas, Bent County, CO -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/895238685.83880786.1650826116710.JavaMail.zimbra%40centurytel.net.
[cobirds] John Martin Reservoir CBC results
Birders, The strategy of conducting the John Martin Reservoir on a weekday, as early in the season as possible, worked this year, as water was open, and late migrants continue to pass through. Fourteen observers found 112 species of birds, with another 5 species seen Count Week (CW) only. Three new species were added to the Count. The four expected geese species were counted, but a CW Greater White-fronted Goose avoided detection. Due to open water, 16 duck species were found. Many duck species prefer Lake Hasty to the reservoir proper, and since it was open, most expected duck species were there. Many duck species show up on Lake Hasty for a day, and are gone. This year, Redheads, American Wigeons, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Northern Pintail and Lesser Scaup were present (all can be difficult to find in winter here). Present CW but not Count Day were Canvasback and Ring-necked Duck. The duck highlight was a cooperative Long-tailed Duck on South Lake Hasty. The reservoir proper had lots of mergansers of all three species, as well as 2500 Common Goldeneye. Elusive Scaled Quail, Ring-necked Pheasant and Wild Turkey were found. The three smaller grebe species were present, but the larger grebes were not present this year. Double-digit Double-crested Cormorants lingered, while American Pelican numbers appear to be increasing almost daily. We counted nearly 200. One of the three new species added to the count was a well-documented and observed Red-throated Loon. Eight expected raptor species were found. Bald Eagle numbers were a tiny fraction of usual. Both rails were encountered. Four species of shorebirds were present, but not found without extra effort. While Killdeer and Wilson's Snipe are expected, Greater Yellowlegs are unpredictable. Stealing the show were five Least Sandpipers, new to the Count. Only five Gull species were documented, with nothing either Black-backed or pale found. All four Dove species were found. It takes a little luck to find White-winged and Mourning Doves here on Count Day. Two parties conducted owling forays. Both encountered Western Screech-Owl. The habitat at Karney Ranch SWA that formerly hosted Eastern Screech-Owls produced none. Habitat "improvement" there by CPW might play a role. The only rare woodpecker was a single Ladder-backed. There was no mountain bird invasion here this year, and many montane or canyon country birds were absent. The only Jay species found was Blue Jay. Both Raven species were found, with many sightings relegated to "Raven sp.". Hard-working parties found Bushtit, White-breasted Nuthatch, Rock Wren and a single Marsh Wren (where are they this year?). Only one tiny group of Eastern Bluebirds was found, but there were lots of American Robins and Townsend's Solitaires. A single American Pipit and a handful of Cedar Waxwings were found. Lapland Longspur numbers here this year are really low, but they were found. Both Brown Creeper and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher were CW only. Yellow-rumped Warblers were found near Fort Lyon. The most exciting bird of the count was a male Northern Parula, found along the Arkansas River below the dam. It was found by Dave Leatherman CW, and would have been missed on the Count without advance scouting, because it was very elusive on Count Day. Nine species of Sparrow were found, including rare Field, Harris', Savannah, Lincoln's, and Swamp. Both expected Towhees were found, as were Northern Cardinal, both Grackles, Brown-headed Cowbird and Brewer's Blackbird. A few Pine Siskins were present, as was a Lesser Goldfinch. Good luck to other CBC participants and compilers as the CBC season progresses. Duane Nelson Las Animas, Bent County, CO -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/53f740b0-3df1-65d6-8f29-b9f7d199a9a6%40centurytel.net.
[cobirds] A couple of Lake Hasty (Bent County) birds
Birders, The Lake Hasty area provides a welcome respite from the intensive hunting activity around John Martin Reservoir this time of year. A few interesting birds were here on November 27th. A Long-tailed Duck has been present on South Lake Hasty on both November 26th and today. I think this is a different bird than the one I reported on November 18th. I saw a Greater White-fronted Goose with many Cackling Geese on North Lake Hasty today. I saw presumably the same individual on November 23rd, but missed it on intervening days. It seems like a lot of geese come in after feeding in nearby fields in mid-morning, and sometimes, the Greater White-fronted Goose joins them. A Snow Bunting called in flight over Lake Hasty today. There are still multiple species of shorebirds present, especially in the stilling basin below the dam. Unfortunately, fishermen seem to really like the gravel bars where the shorebirds gather, and when they are there, shorebirds are not. As recently as November 26th, there were 36 Killdeer and 4 Least Sandpipers present, and on November 22nd, a possibly-wintering Spotted Sandpiper was in the same area. Greater Yellowlegs still present prefer the river or islands in Lake Hasty. A fact of life here this time of year is cold nights, and there is often a rim of ice along parts of Lake Hasty, the Arkansas River, or west end of the Reservoir. Hasty Campground now has two White-breasted Nuthatches, but Eastern Bluebirds, Red-bellied Woodpeckers and Wild Turkeys are a no-show so far this winter there. There are still American White Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants present, seen from the dam, but large numbers of waterfowl have yet to appear. Duane Nelson Las Animas, Bent County, CO -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com 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 cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/dfe2b1e4-c1d2-2ce6-1a27-3b3e71a557c2%40centurytel.net.
