[cobirds] Walden Reservoir Loon
Greetings All. Opinion was received from Scandinavia: The Walden Loon (based on photos only) is within the range of appearance of ARLO, but could be a COLO. Because something shy of 100% endorsement of ARLO was received, and given the overwhelming concern regarding this bird expressed on this platform and others, we (Nick Moore, John Drummond, and I) are switching our ID on eBird to Gavia sp. Good Birding, Steve Mlodinow, Nick Moore, John Drummond -- -- 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/1138645740.2060126.1625176515686%40mail.yahoo.com.
[cobirds] ARLO at Walden
Greetings All I was pondering with Nick Moore success, vs lack of, in pursuit of yonder Arctic Loon. The Arctic Loon seems to hang around (at least Saturday) back towards the far western portion of the reservoir. Walden Reservoir can be confusing. First of all, it is oriented largely north/south. Additionally, it is easy to think you are nearing the northern end when you are not. The road along the eastern side of the reservoir is a track, mostly, sometimes requiring care due to ruts. Walden ends to the north in one last lobe bordered by (in part) a rocky rim. It is also most pinched off just before this last lobe. The loon was best viewed just south of that "pinch," at about 40.741488 -106.319239 I do wonder if some folks did not go quite far enough north. The Common Loon spent most of its time a couple of hundred yards to the south of the Arctic. Good Luck and Good BirdingSteve -- -- 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/518842652.1778397.1624292217048%40mail.yahoo.com.
[cobirds] Warembourg brown duck
Greetings All Hopefully, this email does not bounce off of COBIRDS as several of mine have recently. The darkish female Mallard type duck is a Mallard. This was my impression, and I shared the observations with Andy Engilis, who is doing research on Mexican Duck and Mallard (and hybrid) appearance using genotype to confirm the ID. Andy also said Mallard, though he did not go into detail. The bill pattern is unusual for Mexican Duck as is the somewhat pale belly. The bird is not as dark as most female Mexican Ducks, and I've seen female Mallards with extensively brown tails. This is all kind of vague, but the ID of female Mexican Duck vs Mallard is complex and not still fully worked out Best WishesSteve MlodinowLongmont 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 --- 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/449688655.478852.1613847611247%40mail.yahoo.com.
[cobirds] Union Res, Weld, Kittiwake
Currently with Bonapartes Gulls at se corner of Union Reservoir 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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/357328DA-61DE-4345-9486-C3C9F706983F%40aol.com.
[cobirds] Timnath Ruff -- looks to be stained Buff-breast
Greetings All Several folks from elsewhere in the USA have chimed in that the Timnath Ruff looks more like a beaten and battered BB Sandpiper. Most notably, this bird does not have the long tertials of a Ruff. The bill shape is off as well. Good BirdingSteven Mlodinow -- 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/1036249945.1690811.1599598769196%40mail.yahoo.com.
[cobirds] Larimer Meadowlark
Greetings All I've found the meadowlark at Bud Mielke a fascinating birdThe vocalizations sound great for Lilian's (thanks to Nathan Pieplow for confirming) The photos (and some descriptions) do not. I've consulted a couple of the top birders in Arizona, and the response has been that the yellow on the malar is not consistent with the ID of Lilian's. The cheek looks too dusky. One respondent said "I almost never invoke the H word, but I do think this bird is most consistent with a hybrid." I would be interested in seeing more quality photos (most are pretty blurry). A photo showing the tail even moderately well would be very helpful, indeed. Best WishesSteven Mlodinowps - please put photos on a eBird checklist, if possible. I am not on Facebook, so photos there are invisible to me -- 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/235763818.123738.1592489429254%40mail.yahoo.com.
[cobirds] SWA Access
Good Day For those of you who wish to contact CPWDan Prenzlow at dan.prenz...@state.co.us is the head of CPWMichelle Zimmerman at michelle.zimmer...@state.co.us is head of the board that oversees CPW And of course, your representative and senator to the Colorado senate and house would be worth contacting Those who hunt with binoculars and/or camera should not be more restricted than those who hunt with guns and rods if we are also paying Steven MlodinowLongmont 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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/241382458.4699587.1590454266457%40mail.yahoo.com.
Re: [cobirds] Centennial SWA. Weld County
Yeah. One problem is that website and posted rules at location don’t always agree. Sent from my iPhone > On May 23, 2020, at 4:52 PM, Charles Hundertmark > wrote: > > Each State Wildlife Area is managed under specific rules. It is a good idea > for birders to know the rules for an SWA before planning to bird there. > Chuck Hundertmark > Lafayette, CO > >> On May 23, 2020, at 4:35 PM, elena wrote: >> >> Is that true even if we have bought a fishing license and the other pass (as >> well as the state parks pass)? I just spent like $80 for a fishing license I >> won’t use in order to contribute to the state and be able to bird places. If >> we are paying, it seems like we should be able to get in (although it’s >> sketchy being in places where people are shooting...) without starting an >> flood of emails, is there a way to clarify this or figure out how to >> approach the state to get some access for birders? >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> Elena Holly Klaver >> Federally Certified Court Interpreter >> Conference Interpreter >> English <> Spanish >> 303 475 5189 >> >> Member: American Translators Association >> Colorado Translators Association >> Pronouns: she, her, hers >> >> I acknowledge that I live in the territory of Hinóno’éí (Arapaho), Cheyenne >> and Ute Nations, according to the 1851 Treaty of Fort Laramie, and that >> Colorado’s Front Range is home to many Native peoples. Reconozco que vivo en >> el territorio de las naciones Hinóno’éí (Arapaho), Cheyenne y Ute, según el >> 1851 Tratado de Fort Laramie, y que el estado de Colorado al esté de las >> Montañas Rocosas es territorio de muchos pueblos indígenas. >> >> >>>> On May 23, 2020, at 2:13 PM, 'Steven Mlodinow' via Colorado Birds >>>> wrote: >>> >>> Greetings All >>> Know that Centennial - one of the finest accesses to the Platte I the CO >>> Plains is closed to non Turkey hunters until end of turkey season and then >>> closed to all - fine $200. Insult to injury given the new access fee. For >>> decades hunters and fisher-folks have funded these areas. Now that we are >>> paying, without consuming, we should write our state representatives >>> demanding play for our pay >>> Steven Mlodinow >>> Longmont >>> >>> 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 view this discussion on the web visit >>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/3741A7CB-A37B-44B3-B4EE-F8B7AF6E5637%40aol.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 view this discussion on the web visit >> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAEDD4AC-3825-4C7B-BB37-740E23FD8B53%40indra.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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/DE271755-0A55-4709-81F6-31B8D2E09A8C%40aol.com.
[cobirds] Centennial SWA. Weld County
Greetings All Know that Centennial - one of the finest accesses to the Platte I the CO Plains is closed to non Turkey hunters until end of turkey season and then closed to all - fine $200. Insult to injury given the new access fee. For decades hunters and fisher-folks have funded these areas. Now that we are paying, without consuming, we should write our state representatives demanding play for our pay Steven Mlodinow Longmont 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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/3741A7CB-A37B-44B3-B4EE-F8B7AF6E5637%40aol.com.
[cobirds] Baja California
Greetings All After 3.5 years, I returned to southernmost Baja California. Still safe. Still lovely. Almost 200 species of birds, including all of the current endemic species, except Baird's Junco. And due to goodly late fall and early winter rains, a nice variety of insects, including a first record of a dragonfly (Straw-colored Sylph) and perhaps, a first record of a grasshopper (Orphulella punctata) that is known from across the Gulf of California. One grasshopper of genus Melanoplus may not have been described before For those who are interested, go to https://www.flickr.com/photos/36088296@N08/albums/72157713198074642 Good Luck and Good BirdingSteve MlodinowLongmont 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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/571498470.1749461.1582675409298%40mail.yahoo.com.
[cobirds] Aurora Res (Arapahoe) Loons
Greetings All The photo of a loon identified as a Pacific at Aurora Res earlier this week looked likely to be a photo of a RT Loon. So, I went out to look today and found 4 Common Loons and a YB Loon. I assumed the YB Loon to be the same as seen there early in December. The earlier bird was enormous, even in comparison to a COLO and had little or no "ear spot". Today's bird was marginally larger than nearby COLO and had a moderately prominent ear spot. Both had nice fringing to back feathers, so bird in both sightings was a youngster Otherwise, nothing markedly rare a Aurora Reservoir. 5 Lesser BB Gulls and 5 Thayer's Gulls were nice, but no Glaucous Gulls or other less common gulls. Good BirdingSteven MlodinowLongmont 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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/169143614.5541120.1577663067101%40mail.yahoo.com.
[cobirds] YB LOON
at Aurora Reservoir, se corner 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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/223E8FFF-AF20-4FC1-A878-4CA9ACCBC9BA%40aol.com.
[cobirds] Belmar Apts Pine Warbler
In the Belmar apt complex (Prairie Warbler spot last winter or winter before) there is a Pine Warbler hanging with Bushtits in pines near lake. First found near swimming pool Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/6981E293-2ECB-426D-A2FC-9BD33F906D38%40aol.com.
[cobirds] Male Costa’s Hummingbird- Jackson
This morning, David Ely and I had a male Costa’s Humm near the west end of Jackson Country Road 22. It was perched on a thin wire on right side of road (as one is headed nw.) about 15 feet above scraggly line of willows. The first house on right side of 22 has a hummingbird feeder but somewhat hostile occupants. The Second house (100-200 yards past) had very friendly occupants who rehab injured birds. Costas was between two houses, unfortunately, nearer first house and flew in that direction. We spent 1 hour searching for Costas, albeit avoiding house 1. House 2 did have a male Black chinned Hummer Steve Mlodinow and Dave Ely Longmont/Broomfield 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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/50D41718-9B81-43D2-A4B8-FDDA41103176%40aol.com.
[cobirds] Tamarack
Greetings Russian Olive removal, ironically to preserve riparian habitat, is on another part of ranch. There is electric fencing- which keeps the cattle corralled within the riparian. The trampling and eating of understory brush will severely damage habitat for Bell’s Vireo, chats, etc. There’s a reason this portion has nearly all of the Bells at Tamarack Best Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/D4B18500-10AB-4E59-8986-AD0427F90EDF%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Tamarack Destruction
As a FYI The west portion of Tamarack, where the Bells Vireos breed, is open to cattle grazing, with much damage already inflicted upon undergrowth. The wisdom of CDOW strikes again Steven Mlodinow Longmont 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/BF2EC52B-1407-49DF-A97B-1BE485956809%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Long tailed Duck Weld
A somewhat breeding plumage female Long tailed Duck is in the smaller pond- half dried up - at Firestone Gravel Ponds Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/E7E1AE2D-39AC-4E82-A1DE-DD5210332F48%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Red Phalarope Weld
On Baxter Lake. On east side of county line road, a mile or so south of 56, which goes into Berthoud. Park on Wilfred Road, cross county line road with care, and find safe place to scan from. Basic plumage. With RN Phil’s 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/6B3C0A12-9484-4648-A99E-83EB1C6E7C61%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Cayman Link
Sorry. That Flickr link is: https://www.flickr.com/photos/36088296@N08/albums/72157704708152732 -- 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/980826378.991662.1556295919171%40mail.yahoo.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Grand Cayman Trip
Greetings All I just returned from two weeks on Grand Cayman Island. Very nice people, good food and fun birding, though but a few endemics or near endemics and somewhat expensive For anyone interested in the island, I just put up a Flickr page with some birding tips and lotsa pics Good Luck and Good BirdingSteve MlodinowLongmont, 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/1428941371.941107.1556295880409%40mail.yahoo.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Wandering around sw. Weld County - WW Scoter, LT Duck
Greetings All I spent a few hours today wandering around sw. Weld CountyHighlights were a White-winged Scoter (first spring female) at St Vrain State Park (the pond just south and west of entrance station. Also an Eared Grebe thereContinuing Long-tailed Duck at Firestone Gravel Pits along with a Barrow's Goldeneye The presence of open water, or lack thereof, is seemingly impossible to predict. One pond at Firestone was frozen on Sunday, and with only frigid temps since, is now partly open. I am baffled. Once waters open, the Redhead, Canvasback, goldeneye, etc will blast past to the north, I suspect. Good BirdingSteve Mlodinow -- 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/179602.9680289.1551829748273%40mail.yahoo.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Varied Thrush, Larimer County
Greetings All I heard a Varied Thrush giving its shrill/buzzy call and chuck notes several times on 8th street, from Massachusetts to one block north, about 30 minutes ago. I saw it once, about 1/2 way along the block, flying from one conifer to another in a backyard on east side of street. This is in Berthoud. Best Wishes Steven Mlodinow Longmont -- 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/168584c6dba-854-439%40webjas-vad015.srv.aolmail.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] South Platte Park Swans
Greetings All I've just glimpsed a couple of photos of this group, but there both species (Tundra and Trumpeter) are clearly present in this flock Best Regards Steve Mlodinow -- 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/16816bd0d0f-b7f-5899%40webjas-vae223.srv.aolmail.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] No Brant Woods Lake
4+ geese but can’t find a Brant at Woods Steven Mlodinow Longmont 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/F2206D47-6C2C-4A04-980F-3F215D6C208D%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Brant and GW Gull
Sorry. Geese all flew but came back Last message- Steven Mlodinow and Dave Ely, Longmont and Broomfield 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/D222EDE9-BDAD-4EAD-8804-54C4319E5B58%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Black Brant, Glaucous winged Gull - Weld
First winter GW Gull at Windsor Lake Black Brant in35k geese Woods Lake 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/FE3F1DA7-5F66-4C65-B9A3-089126E05F8A%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] BL Kittiwake at Horsetooth Now
Viewed from south end looking north 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/A7755583-4155-48B8-A84F-D80312F3DE3C%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Slaty-backed Gull
Greetings All Sorry to be a bit harsh, but to focus on the leg color of the Slaty-backed Gull (SBGU) based on from fuzzy poorly lit photos is a great silliness. Comments based on experience with a single bird is rash, at best. For instance, look at the SBGU at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S32827708 Leg color is famously variable in gulls, based on age, hormones, even temperature. In the Pacific NW, where these beasts are regular, we paid little attention to the leg color of a potential SBGU. And also note that observers of this bird did note that the legs were brighter pink than surrounding Herring Gulls Indeed, as with any gull, confident diagnosis is based on a set of marks, as any given mark is variable within any given species. The short wings, presence of a secondary skirt, dull yellow and proportionately gentle bill, large chested and small headed build, prominent dusky smudge around a staring white eye, pink legs, broad tertial and scapular crescents, broad white trailing edge to wing, and primary pattern (some of these marks seen at close range, others at distance, many both) form basis for a solid ID Part of the problem is that there have been a number of reports clearly NOT referring to the original bird which had minimal red and no black on bill. I have not seen a convincing description of this bird since 23 December, which does not mean subsequent sightings have been in error. Clearly, birds with big bills, prominent red, or any black refer to a different bird than that originally seen. Birds with bulky heads, likewise. Best Regards Steven Mlodinow -- 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/167f6c8f120-279b-752%40webjas-vac168.srv.aolmail.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Greater White-fronted x Cackling Goose Hybrids
Greetings All Greater White-fronted x Cackling Goose hybrids have a wide range of appearances, some of which can be easily mistaken for Snow/Ross's x Cackling Goose. Since there have been up to 3 of these hybrids at Frederick Recreation Area, I thought that folks might want to peruse the following http://birdhybrids.blogspot.com/2014/02/greater-white-fronted-goose-x-cackling.html Good Luck and Good Birding Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/167b561574f-1ec3-161c%40webjas-vad008.srv.aolmail.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Black Brant - Weld County
A Black Brant was seen this morning at Frederick Rec Area, same spot that the Pink-footed Goose has been seen at of late Steven Mlodinow Longmont 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/167ada81342-1ec1-606%40webjas-vae243.srv.aolmail.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Nebraska PF Goose
Thanks for getting on that Nebraska Pink-footed, Alec Ross Silcock had emailed me about that bird. Interestingly, it was with a flock of Snow Geese that included birds banded (in molt) in Queen Maud Gulf (aka Gulf of Queen Maud) in Nunavut. The interesting thing in this is that this location (Queen Maud Gulf) is not far, at all, from the Pink-footeds Greenland breeding areas. A bird going west in molt migration rather than east (geese tend to scatter far and wide to molt) could very easily wind up at Queen Maud Gulf. Without fellow Pink-footeds around, then migrate south with the local Snow Geese, or Richardson's Cacklers. Best Birding Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/167a5688051-1ec4-125%40webjas-vab050.srv.aolmail.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds]
Greetings All The Pink-footed Goose (and friends, about 30 Canadas and 5-10 Richardson's Cacklings) spent nearly the entire day in the large pond adjacent to Idaho Creek Wildlife Area. The bird was typically best seen from along Weld County Road 7, and though our cars were sticking a wee bit into the street, no one came to shoo us off; indeed several locals came by for interested and friendly chats. The wild vs non-wild question is unknowable. No bands, hind-toes intact. So, at least no slam dunk signs of prior captivity. Washington State had two adults appear on its outer coast in December 2003. I was part of the WBRC when we reviewed the birds. Many of us felt the odds of the birds being wild were high, but decided to hold off on accepting the species onto the state list -- waiting to see if a pattern developed Why did we think the birds had a goodly chance of being wild. 1) Wild population was quickly increasing and had spread to Greenland 2) We enlisted the aid of some of the country's most respected aviculturalists (and avian curator at the Seattle zoo), and found only one aviculturalist that kept this PF Goose (I can't remember where - but in Canada, 4 birds total, all well ensconced at the time). Don't know why this species is rare in captivity in North America but it is. This is in contrast to Barnacle Goose, which is not rare in captivity. 3) We looked at the migration path of Iceland breeding birds to nw Europe (the species' usual wintering ground). Turn that around 180 degrees (a common misorientation pattern in vagrant birds), travel the same distance, and that puts the birds in central Saskatchewan (as I recall). Continue that same direction... and you are on the Washington coast. Hook up with other geese in Saskatchewan, and you might find yourself in CO. Also, I think if you change the breeding location (Iceland vs Greenland), that 180 degree error might land the bird in CO. Sadly, the eBird reviewers for WA decided to be very conservative and did not put those well documented birds on eBird, which makes research into these matters more challenging. There were, interestingly, another 2 PF Geese on southern Vancouver Island, BC (not far from the 2003 WA birds) during the 2016-2017 winter. Same pair??? There are no other accepted PF Geese on eBird west of NY and PA. Below are stats on the population increase of PF Goose. Taxa with rapidly increasing populations are far more prone to vagrancy, explaining why Aleutian Cackling Geese have been found as vagrants far more than minima Cackling Geese over the last decade, despite relatively similar populations and migration distance. I hope this provides some illumination if not 100% conclusions Steve https://monitoring.wwt.org.uk/our-work/goose-swan-monitoring-programme/species-accounts/pink-footed-goose/ 2017 515,852 17.1 1.85 2016 481,341 18.8 1.75 2015 536,871 18.8 1.89 2014 393,170 19.4 2.01 2013 372,074 17.3 2.16 2012 359,175 21.1 2.30 2011 260,325 8.5 1.77 2010 297,798 19.9 2.32 2009 364,212 17.3 1.87 2008 351,188 22.9 2.08 2007 284,405 20.0 2.27 2006 230,123 19.3 2.20 2005 302,774 18.1 1.7 2004 276,644 19.4 2.1 2003 280,998 19.0 2.19 -- 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/1679fe62676-1ec0-2305%40webjas-vab144.srv.aolmail.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Pink footed Goose Weld
There is a Pink footed Goose at s end of Weld County Road 7.5. It is pretty far away at sw corner of pond, currently snoozing while standing in grass. With a few Canada and Cacklers Adult Rare vagrant to Eastern North America. Virtually unknown in captivity. Wild? Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/5CF3E6DC-803F-4E95-BAA3-ED7E3C1E4B0A%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Mystery Aurora Goose
Greetings Ben’s goose is a scarce (1:1000?) variant of Cackling Goose. These birds seem to have big white cheek, patches that come all the way to the bill, as in Ben’s bird Seems like a shared ancestral trait with Barnacle Goose Good Birding Steven Mlodinow Longmont 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/B689C586-6290-4491-9E79-15E29CAB9358%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Hybrid Duck at Prospect Ponds
Greetings All This appears to be a “Madwall” aka Brewer’s Duck aka Mallard x Gadwall. Note size- as big or bigger than Mallard- short tail. Also the head pattern, including brown and purplish hues, is common in this cross as is the birds bill pattern Steven 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/3EEA2558-2BBD-455D-8140-C8E8810E5D32%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Long tailed Duck-Weld
There is a Long tailed Duck showing nicely at the Frederick Recreation Area Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/F6341812-A9A2-4D30-8D0B-F9969990E414%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Hummingbird update
40 minutes. No hummingbird. Feeder must truly be dry. Alas Steven Mlodinow Longmont 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/08921DC4-836D-4CFE-8492-51B26CEB8156%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Boulder RT Humm
Feeder is empty at this time Steven Mlodinow Longmont 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/4C3937B1-05B3-4548-8705-3EA8B400A18A%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Red throated Loon Weld
Still at Union Reservoir. Currently in nw corner 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/A77364FA-2B72-4624-BF86-A052D49B3D25%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Arapahoe County Birding, Sunday: Western Gull, Sprague's Pipit
Greetings All Sorry for the delayed post on this. David Ely and I had lovely birds, if not lovely weather, on Sunday birding from Chatfield to Barr via Cherry Creek and Aurora Reservoirs Western Gull David Ely and I had a juvenile Western Gull at Aurora Reservoir on Sunday PM. It was first found flying around the middle of the reservoir, settling in with hundreds of California Gulls, which were dwarfed by this galleon of a gull. It then flew off to the beach near the boat launch at the sw. corner of the lake, where photos were obtained. The bird's size, shape, and overall color fit my idea of Western Gull to a tee (and David's, as he was the one who spotted it and made the call first), but its bill seemed fine and inner primary panel a bit contrasty for Western Gull. I held off until Peter Pyle confirmed the ID. I'll post later about how the ID is best made Photos at https://www.flickr.com/photos/36088296@N08/45142077432 and the photo that follows in the photostream Sprague's Pipit In unusual quiet (no boats, planes, automobiles, screaming children, barking dogs, howling winds, etc) a Sprague's Pipit flew over the northeast corner of Aurora Reservoir, giving its distinctive call Sabine's Gull A lovely adult at Cherry Creek Great Crested Flycatcher Okay, Adams County. Remaining near banding station at Barr Lake Good Luck and Good Birding Steven Mlodinow Longmont 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/166566cf86f-1ec1-9348%40webjas-vad082.srv.aolmail.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Front Range Rarities: Tropical Kingbird, Vermilion Fly, Parasitic Jaeger
Greetings All I had not intended on going birding today But Glenn Walbek texted me about yonder S Platte Park Tropical Kingbird, so I drove down and enjoyed with with about 20 or so others. The Vermilion was still at Walden Ponds, in Boulder County, so I made a small detour on my way home, arriving as Peter Burke texted me that there was a jaeger at Lagerman Reservoir (Boulder County, w side of Longmont). The Vermilion was on a fence line going out into a field, fence line pointing due east from Cottonwood Marsh parking lot. The jaeger at Lagerman is an adult, or near adult. Looks pretty classic for Parasitic. Pointy tail feathers, wingspan a bit shy of RB Gull, black on head all at/above level of bill, no double flash... Good Birding Steve Mlodinow -- 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/1664b0cd714-1ec0-3b55%40webjas-vaa155.srv.aolmail.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] M Ducks
Greetings All Now that Mexican Duck has regained its proper full-species status (in most realms), I am guessing that M ducks (Mexican, Mottled, Mallard and their hybrids -- aka M Ducks) will be receiving more attention. I believe that Tony Leukering is working on a Mexican Duck article for Birding Magazine, but I thought a few comments might be worthwhile in the meantime. 1- Status and Distribution in CO Apparent distribution of Mexican Duck and in CO has a strong observation bias. In other words, they are found where the birders are, or more accurately, where birders who have an interest in finding them are. During most of my tenure in CO (2011 on), those people have been Cathy Sheeter, Ted Floyd, and me. So, records in eBird Mexican Duck records are concentrated in Weld and Boulder (there is a similar concentration of Mexican Duck records in UT around Salt Lake City) However, my experience leads me to believe that Mexican Duck is probably most numerous in sw. Colorado/ San Luis Valley I also wonder if there were more Mexican Ducks during my earlier years in CO, when severe drought conditions reigned in sw USA, perhaps driving some birds n. in search of water. It seems that I found far more in my Weld stomping grounds from 2011 to 2014/2015 than thereafter. 2- ID of Females. Separating Mexican Duck females from Mallards is exceptionally difficult. Telling Mexican Ducks from M ducks (Mexican x Mallard, Mottled x Mallard and Mexican x Mottled) requires a very good look at a dark-end female; I think that, by-and-large, only those familiar with female Mexican Ducks within their range can make this identification. During my winter visits to AZ, I probably ID 10 male Mexicans for every female. Females are told from Mexican x Mallard, in no small part, by their all brown tails. Note, though, the very young Mallards (mostly July-August) can have all dark tails, or tails with a bit of white on tail edge (which Mexican Duck can have) -- see https://www.flickr.com/photos/36088296@N08/20634269773 and https://www.flickr.com/photos/36088296@N08/9218634367 (though the latter bird might be a Mexican x Mallard) For photos of apparent "pure" female Mexican Duck from CO see https://www.flickr.com/photos/36088296@N08/8674584022 https://www.flickr.com/photos/36088296@N08/8758111200 looks to be a female Mallard x Mexican Duck 3- ID of Males. I won't/can't get into the details at this time, but do note that one need consider all of the M duck combinations. So, not only look for Mallard characters, but also for Mottled Duck characters (black at gape of bill, narrow borders to wing speculum, buffy unstreaked chin...) when attempting to ID a Mexican Duck. Mottled x Mexican Duck and Mottled x Mallard should be rarer than pure Mexican Duck in CO, but more likely than Mottled Duck. For every Mexican Duck that I've identified in CO, I've labelled (perhaps errantly, see below) 2-3 ducks Mexican x Mallard and left another half-dozen as ???. Some of the males ducks that I've identified as Mexican x Mallard are probably Mallard. Why? Work by Andy Engilis and colleagues demonstrates that first-year male Mexican Ducks can show a hint of Mallard traits (the explanation for this is fascinating, but I'll leave it for another time). This explains why so many of the male ducks I thought where Mexican x Mallard were so very similar to Mexican Ducks, rather than truly intermediate. It appears that first year male Mexican Ducks can have a touch of curl to the central tail-feathers, a smidgen of green on head, etc. This issue should be further clarified in the next couple of years. https://www.flickr.com/photos/36088296@N08/30344793444 is an excellent example of a duck that looks as if it has a bit of Mallard in it but is probably a pure Mexican Duck (first year). Also, see https://www.flickr.com/photos/36088296@N08/17019286745 (and the 3 or 4 photos that follow) for an apparent Mottled Duck x Mexican Duck from CO Good Birding Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/1655788fbd8-1e9f-5064%40webjas-vaa037.srv.aolmail.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] SE Colorado Today
Greetings All Today, Dave Ely and I stood overlooking Neegronda (Kiowa) at sunrise, before us a number of ducks, mostly Redhead, which still boggles my mind After a bit, Dave found a dark M Duck (Mottled, Mexican. Mallard) To our surprise it was a female Mexican, differing from the Mottled which had been there in being a bit paler, distinctly grayer on face with more extensive fine streaking, having orange on sides of bill- and in flight- nice white borders to speculum At Neenoshe Reservoir there was a male Mexican Duck in the sw portion and a Broad-tailed Hummingbird near the farmhouse at se corner. The pond adjacent to the se corner of Neenoshe again had an adult and subadult Neotropic Cormorant. Then we were of to Otero where we found the 2nd year Zone-tailed Hawk at Higbee, cruising the ridge along n side of road. The bird worked area between 2.5 and 3.5 miles w of highway for over an hour Good Luck and 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/DBE42B0A-3B01-4D84-8471-C72FB3AF8A3C%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Kiowa County Highlights
Greetings All Today the female Mottled Duck was seen from about 7:45-9 am from the upper boat launch at end of road C where hits e side of Neegronda Reservoir. Also there was a Least Bittern and a Ladder-backed Woodpecker. The reservoir also had a stunning (>100) Redhead, a couple Canvasback, a Hooded Merg and several Wood Duck At the pond near the se corner of Neenoshe there was a very cooperative adult and near adult Neotropic Cormorant. Also 100 or so White-faced and maybe white-faced Ibis. The woods along the nw side of Upper Queens had migrant Warbling Vireo, Yellow Warblers, WW Pewee, Willow Fly and — best of all— a male Lesser Nighthawk which flushed from ground in Tamarisk. Few shorebirds today. Water level now too high at Lower Queens. Neenoshe had habitat, just not many shorebirds Good Luck and Good Birding Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/95FA282D-78EA-4E5F-B403-E9C192F5E19A%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Neotrop Corms Kiowa
Ad and imm at w end of Kiowa C where hits Neegronda. Look from upper boat ramp to right in willows Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/B22F7462-17BE-484C-A4A1-848BBC352F0E%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Mottled Duck Kiowa
Sorry It was late I was exhausted Mind, half in bed Neegronda would be the reservoir in question. Cheers Steve Mlodinow Longmont -- 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/164c7320f40-c90-a20%40webjas-vab151.srv.aolmail.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Mottled Duck - Kiowa Co
A dark female Mottled Duck was present this morning (seen by Tony Leukering and me) just sw of the upper “boat launch “ accessed on Kiowa Co Rd C (which ends on e side of boat launch. It was loosely attached to 5 or do half grown Mallard-like ducks. Many Mallards this time of year are darker bodied than normal. This bird is immediately recognizable as different and has all dark tail - same color as body- and evenly dark underparts (viewable while dabbling) It swam into veg after 10 or so minutes and was not seen later, during heat of day, when all ducks were out of sight 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/B7A70F9E-A51F-42FB-8FF9-4CA6A3375FFE%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Gallinule
The Larimer C Gallinule made a brief appearance at 11:33 at its usual spot Steven Mlodinow Longmont 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/8DD0DE7B-D186-4002-BCE3-883ACBDFED08%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Boulder Birding: Yes to Lilian's Meadowlark and CS Warbler
Greetings All Today I did a half-day poke-about Boulder County. I started at 6:30 or so at Gunbarrel Hill. I found the pullout on Lookout Road about 0.7 miles east of 75th (on south side of road). And there I heard, and recorded, the Lilian's Meadowlark (thank you, Christian). It actually flew close enough at one point that i was able to get a pretty good look at the head pattern. Notably, I am pretty certain that I heard (and saw) another Eastern Meadowlark (from my distant hearing, sounded more like the nominate -- Eastern Eastern Meadowlark) due south of 79th. That area looks to have public access, so ... The CS Warbler was cooperatively singing from the along the road at the South Mesa Trailhead, a good thing as both South Mesa and Doudy Draw trails were closed. The explanation was that there was work on the power lines, which of course, are along the road. Particularly at Doudy, I could see no conceivable interaction between work being done and folks using the trails or parking lot. Alas. So, by the nature of good fortune, that took me up to Eldorado Canyon SP, a place I'd not visited before and much enjoyed. Nothing rare, just a goodly number and diversity of birds. Good Birding Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/1641afc6d08-c8e-898b%40webjas-vae016.srv.aolmail.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Herons in Boulder
Tricolored Heron and at least one Little Blue currently at Cottonwood Marsh, Walden Ponds Steven Mlodinow Longmont 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/72173D67-D298-4CDE-8D14-D1D7C7C8D7F3%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] First photographically documented California Quail in CO
Greetings All, Kenny Frisch, a Utah birder, was the first to confirm (with photographs of a male) the occurrence of California Quail in CO. It was at the Dinosaur National Monument, Canyon Area Visitor Center, just north of US 40 a few miles west of the town of Dinosaur, Moffat County over the weekend. Probably, all (or at least most) sightings of "Gambel's Quail" from Moffat County pertain to this species which - in Utah - occurs pretty much to the CO border near Dinosaur. Quail have been found at Browns NWR headquarter feeders, feeders in the town of Dinosaur, Deer Lodge Park, and Irish Canyon (the latter well documented by Andrew Spencer from a number of years ago) Kathy Mihm-Dunning, David Dowell and I have each made trips over several years to this area without success, so many congratulations to Kenny. Good Lucky and Good Birding Steven Mlodinow, Longmont 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/162aadd00f9-179b-701%40webjas-vac243.srv.aolmail.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Weld County Yesterday
Greetings All Yesterday, Dave Ely and I managed to reach 100 species in Weld County without setting out to do so Indeed, our day started before dawn at Stewarts' Pond followed by Lower Latham. Bird activity was much lower than a week before when Sean and I visited those areas, and the temperature was much lower as well -- 24F. And the wind was blowing, which my weather apps had not indicated likely the night before. It was when I commented on the wind that Dave looked at his weather app, and it had changed mightily from the day before. Snow was at 100% in 10 minutes. My app said the snow was going to last at least an hour. And the wind, well that prediction had risen as much as the temperature had fallen. We tossed about a variety of ideas. Grover was nearly windless. H. Snow, maybe lotsa birds by the roadside and those ST Grouse would be easier to spot against a blanket of white. So, off we went. We were wrong about lotsa roadside birds. And what we had were only larks. The grouse, on the other hand, were spotted easily by Ely -- but not against the snow; instead, perched on wires 100 feet above the ground (well, one was; two others were more than 50 feet above the ground). In all, we did see 9, including some on snow. We decided to bail back to places with water. We drove thru Grover having made the stated decision to bypass birding there, and as we pulled into town, we saw 75 robins sitting on the road. In the next 20 minutes, we saw a nice assortment of juncos and a small mixed flock or Eastern and Mountain Bluebirds. And so the day went, full of surprises. Other highlights included: Chipping Sparrow -- Adams and Bunkers Reservoirs Northern Shrike -- Work Station, Crow Valley Western Scrub-Jay -- willows and brush near intersection of Weld Co Rds 74 and 47 5 goose species at Clark Lake n of Eaton + Ross's x Cackling and Snow x Cackling (and thousands of Cacklings) 3 Mountain Chickadees -- Eaton Cemetery Savannah Sparrow -- L Latham Swainson's Hawk -- soaring over fields between Latham and Platteville 3 Lincoln's Sparrows -- Marshy area just e of Platteville female Barrow's Goldeneye -- Firestone Gravel Ponds. It was a pretty astonishing day, from inches of snow and fog to windless sunny landscapes. Good Birding Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/16287142cb4-c8a-ac93%40webjas-vaa049.srv.aolmail.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Mlodinow, St Kitts (Caribbean), in March 2018
Greetings I had the pleasure of visiting St Kitts in the Caribbean, and though it has no endemic bird species, the trip was quite fun. Bird and Bug and other photos are at https://www.flickr.com/photos/36088296@N08/albums/72157693289793631 if you are interested Best Wishes Steve Mlodinow Longmont CO (formerly Everett WA) -- 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/1627ed4d784-c8a-44ad%40webjas-vab049.srv.aolmail.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Barnacle Goose Redux
Greetings All I don't enjoy taking down my own bird, but it is good to look thru a broad spectrum of information rather than focusing on the decisions of the IL Bird Records Committee, assuming such is actually final. The Greenland population, distinctly the most proximate to the US and Canada numbered at only 9000 in 1959 to 28000 by the mid-1970s and 70,500 about 10 years ago. So, yes, the chance of vagrancy has increased. But where to? This species is a short-distance migrant. Going from Greenland to eastern Canada and the ne. USA would make sense and might result from mirror image migration from the species' usual Greenland to Scotland route, but more likely results from birds joining Greenland-breeding Canadas, which do winter in northeastern (not western Great Lakes) USA and Canada. Why would a population that rarely winters as far south as the north of France stray to places such as California, New Mexico, and southern Texas. Is the grass not lush enough farther northeast? Unfortunately, I don't have the recent spread of data as some states validate Barnacle Goose on eBird and others don't (I do believe all should be validated, unless incorrectly ID'd or known escapes so that any pattern could be teased out) But as of the early 1980s, as many Barnacle Geese had been reported from Oklahoma as Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont combined. There were 16 records from IL, WI, and MI compared to about 25 from all of New England despite a significant bias against these birds being reported away from the northeast. And if one was to compare the pattern of occurrence away from the eastern seaboard (as of the early 1980s), there were as many records from June as from February. Hardly a natural looking pattern. So, let's look at some Barnacle Goose cohorts. Pink-footed Goose has a similar breeding and wintering range to Barnacle Goose and had a similar population increase, from about 20,000 in the 1930s to 350,000 in the early 2000s. The Greenland breeding population of Greater White-fronted Goose has a population of about 25,000, steady or slightly down over last 20-30 years. Pink-footed Goose has but two records (one from near Victoria BC and the other from the outer coast of WA) that are west of central PA and easternmost ON listed on eBird. The total number of records from North America is also far fewer than those for Barnacle Goose. In parallel, the number of Pink-footed Geese in captivity in North America is tiny (rather close to zero, for some reason) compared with that of Barnacle Goose, which is "Generally for sale at cheap prices and is easy to breed" (Reeber's Waterfowl of North America, Europe, and Asia). Coincidence? Greater White-fronted Goose (Greenland flavor) has only once been recorded (to eBird) w of Ontario, in TN. It is occasionally kept in captivity, which may explain the TN record and those from FL. So, if you are not asleep or at a different post yet... Yes, Barnacle Goose might actually occur in CO, wandering here from Greenland. However, the odds look quite low at this time. Sleep Well Steven Mlodinow Longmont 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/161072c3224-1722-5f06%40webjas-vae182.srv.aolmail.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Kiowa Yesterday: Purple Finch, Snow Bunting, Field Sparrow
Greetings All After my original plans for yesterday were scotched, I decided to start my day at John Martin Which was shrouded in dense, cold fog. I tried a bit of land birding, with no success, and the fog was still hanging around at 9:30. Hearing from Janeal Thompson that there was some open water in Upper Queens and Neenoshe, I decided to redirect. There were thousands of geese at Upper Queens, and tens-of-thousands of geese and thousands of ducks (vast majority Mallard) at Neenoshe. Neegronde also had a couple spots of open water, filled with Mallards. Interestingly, the spots of open water were not the deepest, most southerly or westerly or ... The open water was the location farthest from human access. And I think that the thousands of birds was likely what kept the water open. At sunset, the birds started to fly off. To roost? No. Actually to feed in fields at a time safe from hunters. There are so many surprises. Anyway, the rarest birds were land birds. Snow Bunting - on south shore of Upper Queens where there was a large expanse of bare sand along the shore Purple Finch - Neenoshe Locust Grove Field Sparrow - adjacent to Neenoshe Locust Grove Chipping Sparrow - along northwest shore of Upper Queens in scrub with dozens of Am Tree Sparrows, WC Sparrows and juncos. Beyond having some nice finds, it was fun to visit a spot with almost no coverage -- to explore. We've been lucky to have a nice bunch of rarities to visit this winter, and a fair bit of open water. But if you feel bored, find some spot that no one has visited with interesting habitat, and check it out. After all, that is how the RB Sapsucker and Pueblo WW Crossbill were found Good Birding Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/160f551a1cd-1724-7925a%40webjas-vac080.srv.aolmail.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Recent Post
My recent comments on Barnacle Goose were, ironically, in a post on potential next first state record and my comment, also ironically, was that any Barnacle in CO would be very unlikely of wild origin 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/1DEA3680-7D1A-4070-A26A-B0D88B165F45%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Barnacle Goose - Arapaho Co
At Aurora Res. See my recent post on this species Steve Mlodinow 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/BDBC013E-D0AF-4870-AFCF-5729A84F1966%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] YB LOON - still present
Hanging out in se corner of S Platte Reservoir. There is a se parking lot, which I’d recommend Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/91E6F24F-4D4A-4D74-8C57-3496082484B9%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Next First addendum
Greetings Again As Ted mentioned, and I should have, Variable Hawk (Red-backed Buzzard) has excellent potential for addition to CO list given recent NM record and even Rufous-collared Sparrow has a chance with the recent Montana record. And potential Warbling Vireo, WB Nuthatch and Mexican Duck splits could all add species to Colorado’s list Bird On Steve 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/22A3D576-9C02-4B6E-8A12-BB8C3AA65351%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Next bird for CO List
Greetings All So, I am not really going to make a prediction, but comment on some other predictions Ben Sampson came up with a very thoughtful list, though I would scratch Barnacle Goose (and Mute Swan, mentioned by others) for reasons discussed below. Of the birds on Ben's list, CALIFORNIA QUAIL has to be #1, as it that species has been reported by several good observers at various Moffat County locations. The only thing missing is documentation. I (and others) have tried to find this species, without success, but it is just a matter of time. Others, such a GOLDEN-FRONTED WOODPECKER have so many records so close to CO, it is amazing that CO has not had one yet. The birds on Ben's list that I think of as relatively low likelihood are WHITE WAGTAIL and BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH BARNACLE GOOSE AND MUTE SWAN. BARNACLE GOOSE: I am forever mystified by people's fascination, including some BRC's, with Barnacle Goose occurring naturally in the interior of the USA. It is a species that is fairly common in private aviculturalist collections. The scattering of records (looking at eBird data is misleading, as different states have different policies on this species, so nothing in MI and many in IL) across the continent does not bespeak a natural phenomenon. Greenland GWF Goose and Pink-footed Goose have a somewhat similar distribution as Barnacle Goose, but are rare in captivity. Those two geese have not been recorded west of Indiana, and for the most part, with very very few records west of central Pennsylvania. Though it is possible that a wild Barnacle Goose could occur in CO, that possibility is overwhelmed by the possibility of an escaped bird wandering here. Think of Colorado's Emperor Goose (a far better candidate for natural vagrancy in my opinion), which was shown to not be of wild origin. MUTE SWAN: I am not certain what "Has shown up in different configurations each year" suggests. One would expect a natural vagrant to have a somewhat regular pattern, not scattered. Scattered would suggest escapes or wandering individuals fetching up in popular birding places at irregular intervals. In northeastern CO, the pattern has been consistent. There is a small population, very likely <10, of adult birds that show up in various spots in and around Greeley occasionally roaming south to Longmont or e. Larimer County. The farther from Greeley, the less numerous the records. Evidence for breeding is extremely limited, and adults can live 30 years in the wild. This species is abundant in captivity. There is no significant established population within 100s of miles of CO. Given 1) no nearby established breeding population 2) no evidence of regular breeding within CO, 3) a known small population of non-reproducing (or nearly so) adult birds 4) high likelihood of ongoing escapes from captivity I see little reason to add this species to a list of naturally occurring or established species in CO. We should still track reports of both Barnacle Goose and Mute Swan, especially as the latter has the potential of becoming established. But not in the near future. Good Luck to us All in 2018 (and beyond!) Steven Mlodinow Longmont 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/160b27511fe-171f-12fe5%40webjas-vab008.srv.aolmail.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] What happened to Lesser Canada Goose (parvipes)?
Greetings All I've been asked this question enough, that I decided to post a bit about it and related goose issues 1- Lesser Canada Goose (Bc parvipes) is a conglomeration of small Canada Goose populations rather than a true subspecies, in the evolutionary sense. 2- Partly because of 1, parvipes has a broad range of appearances, varying from very close to Richardson's Cackling Goose and Taverner's Cackling Goose all the way to appearing essentially just like Bc interior (which has been subsumed into Bc canadensis, which is what I will call it from here on). Since there is a continuum from Bc canadensis thru parvipes, drawing a meaningful line between the two is not possible. 3- Because of #1 and #2 above, continuing to have parvipes as a separate entity in eBird makes little sense. Related to all of this: 1- Leafloor et al found, and proved genetically, a rather large hybrid zone between Bc canadensis and Bh hutchinsii (Richys) on the west side of Hudson Bay. This hybrid zone seems of long duration and stable, but produces hybrids that can look like either parent or anything in between, including birds that look somewhat like "parvipes." 2- Since small Canada Geese breed side by side with Cacklers (Bh taverneri) on the north slope of Alaska (and probably Yukon), it would be very surprising if a hybrid zone did not exist at those locations as well. 3- The border between the breeding ranges what we call Taverner's Cackling Goose and Richardson's is unknown. My observations in e. CO would suggest that there is a large intergrade zone, as I see many intermediate birds. Indeed, I would suggest "lumping" Taverner's and Richardson's (the only sticky part of this involves the geographically separated w. AK population of Taverner's, which migrates down the west coast and not into the interior). I see flocks of birds that look like absolutely pure Richardson's. Then I see flocks that are a mishmash of everything from "Lesser Canada" to Richy to Tav, with most bird of intermediate appearance. The top 3 points will help explain some of the thinking that went into eBird taking parvipes and placing it with canadensis. The bottom 3 points serve as a caution re: the identification of Taverner's, Richardson's, and "Lesser" Canada Geese. Happy New Year Steve Mlodinow -- 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/160b2357a46-171c-43d32%40webjas-vac025.srv.aolmail.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Barrow's Goldeneye ID and Urban/Rural (manmade) forests
Greetings All I did another round thru various parts of w. Weld again yesterday. This time I visited Windsor Lake closer to mid-day, after many of the gulls had left, so missed out on LBB and Glaucous, which are undoubtedly somewhere in the area - at least for the time being (i.e., until water freezes) There was, again, several Common Goldeneye with dusty yellow to orange bills. This is a normal variant. I am unsure of the timing and age class when this is most prevalent. There was one Common Goldeneye with a rather orange bill. The point of this: Female/first-year goldeneye can not be identified by bill color alone. Indeed, youngish Barrow's (into mid-winter at least) can have dark or mostly dark bills. I've been to Windsor 5 times in the last 2 weeks and have yet to find a Barrow's despite averaging about 90 minutes per visit. So.. onto more pleasant topics. I've also spent time hitting manmade forests in Weld. The grandest of these is the area around Glenmere Park, which is a square mile or so of nicely wooded yards (and the park) containing many conifers. The boundaries of this area aren't hard and fast, as it fades into the surrounding areas where there are tasty smaller islands. Glenmere has been a treasure-trove of montane birds this winter (and in past), with dozens of RB Nuthatches, many Mountain Chickadees, roving flocks of Red Crossbills, a resident flock (or two or three) of Bushtit, many Brown Creepers, a few GC Kinglets and a small scattering of Pygmy Nuthatches and montane WB Nuthatches. Who knows what is hiding there. During migration in just the last couple years, despite relative modest coverage, this location has turned up Philly Vireo, Alder Flycatcher, Blackburnian Warbler... and heck, RB Nuthatches actually breed here. Of course, the same thing has been going on in Denver on a grander scale. Other islands exist. The Weld side of Erie has had a Western Scrub-Jay. The town of Windsor has had Red Crossbill and Common Redpoll (+ a number of Mountain Chickadees, RB Nuthatches, Brown Creepers, a GC Kinglet or two). For fun this winter, when things are really boring, pick a town or development on the plains that seems to have conifers on Google Earth, and see what you can add to that county's list. I am certain that Fort Morgan is ripe, as is Sterling and Julesburg and Holyoke. Good Luck and Good Birding Steven Mlodinow Longmont 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/16074441085-1724-128a7%40webjas-vad083.srv.aolmail.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Cottonwood Canyon, Long-billed Thrasher, Baca County
Greetings All Sorry for the couple day delay. On Friday, 15 December, I left my home just after midnight to arrive just before 6 am at Cottonwood Canyon. The weather forecast was correct about snow (< 1 inch) but wrong about temp (10F) and wind (none, at all). Besides the very loud hooting of a GH Owl my arrival was greeted by sweet, absolute, wonderful silence. I worked from the "campground" parking area at Cottonwood to 1.1 miles further into Baca Canyon. At one point I could hear 5 GH Owls talking to each other, a pair of W Screech-Owls dueting, and the lovely (to my ears) screeching of a saw-whet. I went to my car and waited. Given the temps, I did not expect birds to be active terribly early. When I opened my car door, about 15 minutes before sunrise, I heard an explosion of noise. Mostly, there were finches: Cassin's, Am Goldfinches, Pine Siskins, and at least one Common Redpoll + robins, solitaires... It was magnificent. My heart thundered. My movements caused them to disburse, but as the sun (still hidden by cliffs), brought light to the canyon, a accipiter-like ek-ek-ek-ek-ek came from up a side canyon. I played a tape (never could figure out precisely what the bird was), and in came a party of five Stellar's Jays, screaming loudly, party hats raised in excitement. And so it went. It was brutally cold until the sun cast rays directly into the canyon. Moving from shade to sun was like moving from the dead of winter to mid-spring. But the real beauty: All was dusted in snow like powdered sugar cast upon a Christmas scene and there was absolute stillness and the sweet, total lack of human-made noise. When a chickadee flew the whir of its wings was accompanied by a cascade of powder from the branches. It was disorienting, as I could easily hear the movements of each bird, and there were so many, I just did not know which way to look first. Truly, it was a chilly version of heaven. Such peace. It was two hours before the existence of living humans was betrayed by the distant sound of a plane. So... the birds I saw a thrasher that I was able to see better in photos than through my bins (wish I had my scope out). It certainly seems to be a LONG-BILLED THRASHER, with much gray on head, collar and a long bill (amongst other marks). It was about 5 miles from the the "campground" as one goes along the Cottonwood Canyon Loop (past the Bighorn Sheep fields/interpretive sign, past the first house, around the corner and to the last (or nearly so) spot where a loop of the river swings to and from the road: tall wet grass, willows, brush, cottonwoods. The bird popped up in response to my pishing (lots of Song Sparrows and a few WC Sparrows). There was also a Curve-billed Thrasher at this location, and their bills were remarkably close in length (the CB Thrasher's bill being on the short side for that species, making me wonder about Bendire's, but it was a CB Thrasher, alas). At the "standard" Cottonwood Canyon location, highlights were truly the above-mentioned finches and jay, but I also saw Lincoln's Sparrow, Harris's Sparrow, GC Kinglets, and many Mountain Chickadees (surprisingly few nuthatches of any species) and Pinyon Jays. If I had David Dowell or Kathy M-D, or someone else with better ears than my own, I suspect that more species would've been recorded (pretty sure I heard BG Gnatcatcher 2 or 3 times). There were generally lots and lots of common species (Bewick's Wren, Spotted Towhee, juncos) I drove south from Cottonwood Canyon Loop on Baca County Road 8, where Kathy Mihm-Dunning had some success earlier in the month. There is a beautiful stretch of pinyon-juniper habitat here with a lot of pine. I had one Red Crossbill as the main highlight. No Pinyon Jays (plenty of scrub-jays), no chickadees, nuthatches, etc. The other highlight though was a flock of 4 WW Juncos. Kathy had many more. I've had flocks near Cottonwood in the past, and I do wonder if this is part of that subspecies (species?) main winter range. So, that is it. More time, could have been more poetic. The experienced deserved such. Good Luck and Good Birding Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/16069f910e7-1725-29f70%40webjas-vad196.srv.aolmail.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Southern Louisiana October 2017
Greetings All If anyone is interested, photos from my 10 day or so trip to southern Louisiana late this October are at https://www.flickr.com/photos/36088296@N08/sets/72157666457208999 Highlights of visit, as far as rarities, were Thayer's Gull, Great Black-backed Gull (I know, everywhere it's gulls, gulls, gulls), White-tailed Hawk (sorry, no photos), Say's Phoebe. It is interesting to encounter multiple Cave Swallows, Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, Swainson's Hawks, Vermilion Flycatchers, Bronzed Cowbirds, with nary a reaction from local birders. My guess is that a visit 25 years ago with these birds would have been met with awe. Good Birding Steven Mlodinow Longmont CO (formerly Everett WA) -- 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/15fcbc740ab-c05-9bef%40webjas-vac095.srv.aolmail.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Parasitic Jaeger still at Windsor Lake, Weld
That is the lake at edge of town, where seen yesterday. Not there at 8 am. Was there at 9. Spends most of time loafing in middle of lake with bursts of intense gull chasing Steven Mlodinow Longmont 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/6AEC88F8-AB4C-43DA-A19C-9E9C7C7B7993%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Tamarack Eastern Wood-Pewee
Greetings All On 30 May 2017 I found a pewee singing an Eastern WP like song at Tamarack SWA. In summer 2016, a bird uttering typical Eastern WP vocalizations was present at this location, perhaps in the very same tree. In addition to sounding "just like" an Eastern WP, the 2016 bird looked "spot on" for an Eastern Wood-Pewee. So, I let expectation bias roll and identified the bird in 2017 as an Eastern Wood-Pewee Over the ensuing weeks, a number of people relocated this bird, obtaining good photos (I never saw the danged thing) and audio-recordings. Tony Leukering pointed out that the this year's pewee did not look totally perfect for an Eastern in a couple respects. For instance, unlike last years pewee, this year's bird had one (or two) distinct streaks on the undertail coverts. Scouring the Macaulay Library, and excluding areas where both pewees might occur, I could not find an Eastern WP with this mark. Additionally, the 2017 bird's vocalizations were similar to those of an Eastern WP, but not quite right. So, the awkward topic of hybrid came into mind Enhancing that possibility is that last year's Eastern WP, when I found it, was in close proximity (15 feet or so) to an adult Western WP that was attending to two recent fledglings. Given the amount of territoriality displayed by other pewees on that date, it seemed almost certain that the female was the mate of the male Eastern WP. This doesn't prove the paternity of those two youngsters, but it does suggest that the father was the Eastern. The audio of this year's pewee was sent to audiophiles Andrew Spencer and Tayler Brooks who agreed that the vocalizations were intermediate, just as one would expect from a hybrid. Given the intermediate visual appearance, vocalizations, and the probably local cross-breeding in 2016 at same location, the most reasonable conclusion is that this year's male was a hybrid Eastern x Western Wood-Pewee. Our intention is to publish an article on this bird, most likely in Western Birds (journal of Western Field Ornithologists). So, sorry that all reports from Tamarack of Eastern Wood-Pewee from this summer will be invalidated. Like the towhees at Tamarack, it appears that the pewees there must be identified with extra-special care. Best Regards Steven Mlodinow Longmont 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/15e8b7f7cd6-c07-130f3%40webjas-vae204.srv.aolmail.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Oh well, bye bye Brown-crested Fly
>From Steve Cardiff: It's a very interesting bird for sure. It's a fresh HY individual based on the extent of rusty color on the wings. I would agree that it's definitely not an Ash-throated- bill way too large, plumage too bright, tail wrong. It does seem superficially similar to Brown-crested. However, I would still have to lean towards Great Crested on this one: --the white inner tertial stripe looks GCFL and is just too broad for a BCFL. --the brighter olive tones on the upper parts is better for GCFL, and I'm not picking up the subtle grayish nuchal collar that is usually present on BCFL and ATFL (see attached specimen photos). --from what I can see of the tail pattern, it is better for GCFL; BCFL should have a thin dark inner shaft stripe and on this bird it looks like the rufous inner web extends to the shaft (although on some BCFL the BCFL pattern may not hold to the tip of the feather. The bill seems a tad large to me for GCFL, but bill size can be pretty subjective/deceptive and you noted that the bill was similar to GCFL seen at the same time (plus see specimen photos)- for sure this bird is not a M. t. magister. I don't know what to say about the lack of color at the base of the mandible although it looks like there's at least a hint of pink along the basal edge of the mandible. Pretty sure there is enough individual variation in that mark that if it's obvious then GCFL, but if it's not obvious then it could still be a GCFL. We have soft parts descriptions from fresh GCFL specimens with base of mandible described as "dark horn." The paleness of the throat/breast would seem to argue against GCFL, but such paler-throated GCFL can occur at least rarely- here in LA we have collected at least one bird as a "BCFL" that turned out to be a pale-throated Great Crest. From the specimen photos you can see that there is considerable variation among GCFL in throat/breast color and how much blending there is between the breast and the yellow belly to creat the olive areas on the sides of the breast. -- 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/15de24c78a3-7a96-18d61%40webprd-m19.mail.aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Kiowa County Brown-crested Fly (likely) and Little Gull pics
Greetings All Pics of 2 Little Gulls and the probable Brown-crested Flycatcher (though the broad white inner tertial is worrisome for this bird being a most peculiar GCFL -- not the concern Dave and I had at first, which was ATFL) can be seen at https://www.flickr.com/photos/36088296@N08/35731824254 along with a discussion of Myiarchus ID as it pertains to this bird Outside help is being sought. Cheers Steve Mlodinow Longmont -- 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/15de15a1885-7a96-17a8f%40webprd-m19.mail.aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Aruba in April
Greetings I just came back from a fabulous trip to Aruba, and for those interested, there are 190 or so photos (from brown algae to Roseate Spoonbills) at https://www.flickr.com/photos/36088296@N08/albums/72157681434784390 Best Regards Longmont 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/15bdab3f434-1b69-21c7a%40webprd-m56.mail.aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] White-eyed Vireo, Weld
at Eaton Cemetery Steven 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/A799748C-0391-4BC2-AC4A-8D6780F1BCDB%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Park County
Greetings All Yesterday was mostly sunny and windless in Park. I birded from Lake George to Elevenmile Res, then went along Tarryall Creek heading west from Como as well as birding Como and Jefferson Note that Elevenmile Res is bustling with birds, but Spinney Mountain Res is closed, including entrance road (though not all frozen) - frustrating. Antero Res is now full, but access still zero. Do not be fooled. The northeastern access road had gate open and shiny new signs. It really looked ready to go, but fortunately I stopped I looked at all of the signs (about 6), and one said "area behind sign closed." Still a bit ambiguous, as it did not clearly apply to road (could easily have meant field areas) -- anyway, the southeastern access was well shut. I don't understand the operations of the CDOW -- both in seeming random and purposeless closures (the signs at locations often differ wildly from website re: dates of access and who has access), and in poor signage (often ambiguous). I'll stop here. The attitudes and organizational skills seem far from those of WDFW (WA Dept Fish and Wildlife). Anyway.. I suspect Antero might be open this summer, which could be very interesting, indeed. A local thought Spinney might open soon. So, back to birding. 62 species. The rarest was likely Greater Yellowlegs, with 3 at the se. corner of Elevenmile. Early-ish Williamson's Sapsucker and Western Bluebird just s. of Lake George (lake, not town) were fun as was a N Pygmy-Owl that responded to my endless tooting (to attract chickadees, etc) Finches were scarce (No Cassin's, few siskins, only 4 Red Crossbills, no grosbeaks), but there was Gray Jay and Am 3 Toed Woodpecker headed w. from Como along Co Rd 50 just a couple miles out of town. Interestingly, birds came in more aggressively in response to taped calls of Goshawk than pishing and calls of N Pygmy Owl. This was true near L George and near Como. One of the Gray Jays, in <2 minutes (probably <1 minute) was doing a near-perfect imitation of the goshawk recording. That alarmed me! Good Birding Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/15ac33d89c5-37b9-256c4%40webprd-a11.mail.aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Caribbean Trip: St Martin/St Maarten, Anguilla, Saba
Greetings All I just returned from a most excellent trip to the Caribbean. Photos of birds, bugs, and such (along with some hotel recommendations, etc) can be found at https://www.flickr.com/photos/36088296@N08/albums/72157678872413611 Good Birding and Best Wishes Steve Mlodinow -- 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/15a7cb77add-6f8c-9d6e%40webprd-m30.mail.aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Aurora Reservoir (Arapahoe) and goose musings
Greetings All. Sorry that I've contributed so little of late. Yesterday, Sean Walters and I visited Aurora Reservoir for the last 4 hours of daylight. It was a stunning, frustrating, rewarding experience all wrapped in one And a bit chilly The southern half of the reservoir is frozen, so most birds are reasonably close to the dam on the north side -- if you have a scope. Be sure to pay the entrance fee if you don't have a year pass, as enforcement has been vigorous (if also pleasant) this winter. Anyway, Sean and I arrived to 300 or so Herring Gulls, far more RB Gulls, and a variety of other gulls salted in. There were 20K plus geese on the reservoir, 90% or more Cackling. We'd only done a modest job of scanning the gulls when Cheryl Teuton and Dan Brooks pointed out the Black Brant sitting nicely at the nw. corner of the reservoir. As we headed in its direction, a Bald Eagle came by, and pretty much every gull left the reservoir (excepting some Ring-billeds). Rather stunning actually. A lot of the geese fled, too. Over the next couple hours, most of the large gulls returned, and the geese returned with reinforcements. During the last hour, birds poured in. A single flock of incoming gulls contained 3100 birds, all of which appeared to be Ringers. Goose flocks came by very 5 minutes or so, numbering 500 to 5000. In the end, among the gulls, we were able to detect 2 first year Glaucous-winged Gulls 2 Glaucous-winged x Herring Gulls 14 Thayer's Gulls (this is really an estimate, and given how hard they are to pick out, the number was probably larger) 18 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (mostly adults) The ongoing first-cycle Great Black-backed Gull (towering over the lesser gulls) 2 immature Glaucous Gulls and one utterly baffling Thayer's/Iceland thing For waterfowl, the duck of the day was the ongoing female White-winged Scoter. Our final estimate of Cackling Geese was a staggering 115,000 -- but only 1000 or so Canadas. The Black Brant was a delight. As far as I can tell, this is the same bird that has been seen over the last month or so in Adams County and at Aurora Reservoir -- all pics show a first-year bird similar in color. In part because we were distracted by so much activity, we picked out only 3 hybrid geese, one each of Snow x Cackling, Ross's x Cackling, and G White-fronted x Cackling (compared with 9 hybrids in a flock of approx 37.5k geese in the Poudre Ponds on north side of Greeley on same day). Turnover here is significant, and one should not assume that today's gulls are the same as yesterday's. At one point, the Glaucous Gulls being seen here were adults. Now, immature. The first Iceland Gulls were adults, the ones seen later youngsters. The ratio of LBB Gulls seemed distinctly more skewed towards adults today than last week and so on. So, goose hybrid musings. It seems to me that, in n. CO, white-cheeked geese - particularly Cacklings - become more common as one goes from Sedgwick County to Weld (and into Boulder/Larimer). On the other hand, Snow and Ross's Geese show the opposite pattern. Hybrids often look rather like the blue form of Snow Goose (see https://www.flickr.com/photos/36088296@N08/albums/72157640339259034), and I think that for every "real" Snow Goose that I see in Weld/Boulder/Larimer Counties I see 2-3 of these hybrids. For some reason, the Snow/Ross's x Canada/Cackling hybrids seem to prefer to hang out with Cackling/Canadas rather than Snow/Ross's flocks. In Europe, Graylag x Canada hybrids behave similarly, usually hanging out with Canadas. Dunno why. So On that note Good Luck and Good Birding Steven Mlodinow Longmont 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/159a99382fe-5a80-162c6%40webprd-a101.mail.aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Black Duck- Greeley
Black Duck. Spectacular looks. 34th street Poudre Ponds. Scared off when balloon went over. Will continue to look. Thousands of birds Steven Mlodinow 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/322F6FF2-0FE9-4C5F-986C-D4B1A47ACA27%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] NE Colorado, Brant at Jumbo
Greetings All I started my day before dawn at Sand Draw SWA (south of Julesburg), owling, and had GH Owl, E Screech Owl, and Saw-whet Owl. During daylight hours, Sand Draw was birdy but without rarities (some local specialties, such as G Prairie-Chicken, N Cardinal, RB Woodpecker) and a flyover Snow Bunting On the way back to the highway from Sand Draw, I had another Snow Bunt fly over and 2 in a field. I arrived as the weather did at Jumbo. Geese were flying everywhere, including a Brant in a flock of Canada Geese which flew se. from the Sedgwick County side. At Prewitt Res, there was a WW Scoter and 2 Common Loons on Washington Co side. Good Birding Steven Mlodinow Longmont 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/158a8d1e3f9-45b2-c8be%40webprd-m19.mail.aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Woods Lake
Greetings All Note that, for the first time since I've been here (2011) there is a hunters blind at the nw corner of the lake: perhaps the source of the gunshots and probably why the ducks are all at the east end Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/F7B619F9-57A6-4699-88BD-101B93E9E6A4%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Am Black Duck -Weld
There is a male Am Black Duck at Woods Lake in Weld County. It'll take good luck to get it in good light but that will only improve as the day progresses. At nearby Neumann Lake there is an ad male WW Scoter and at Darling Reservoir a Mexican x Mallard (unless it was a Am Black Duck x Mallard- but I think not) Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/E84DC433-73DD-41E8-9E7A-86752138CAE1%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Crowley Black Scoters
4 female types at Lake Henry where entrance road meets lake Note Lake Meredith is entirely closed to public access Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/C582CAA7-61B1-4422-8A80-E94679FDCF28%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Sedge Wren
W end of Van's Marsh on S side of road (Benton County near John Martin Res) 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/C91F7614-55AE-47E9-8AA4-060642F7C7A6%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Yesterday Park County
Greetings All I spent the morning at Elevenmile and Spinney Mountain Reservoirs yesterday. Elevenmile had 9 Common Loons scattered throughout and a RED THROATED LOON at mid-reservoir. I saw the RTLO just as fog burning off. The bird called a couple times, swam into view, and a few minutes later took off, circled about gaining elevation and flew towards Spinney. There were 7 Surf Scoters, 6 at the far east end. A SHORT EARED OWL was flushed from tall grass at Hartsell Point (I think I got that location correct) At Spinney, there was a RED PHALAROPE was by the dam, hanging out with coots at the muddy edge. A THAYERS GULL was on the mud near the entrance- a juvenile, likely the same bird at Elevenmile recently. Good Birding Steve 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/F0869899-ED88-4FAD-A2C5-4AB4CD401F2C%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Pugetensis White-crowned Sparrow
Greetings All Kudos to Ted for paying attention to his White-crowned Sparrows. I must admit that I'd given up. The ID is tough, requires great looks, and patience. For a selection of photos of adult Gambel's and Puget White-crowned Sparrows, see https://www.flickr.com/photos/36088296@N08/albums/72157674171645590 Good Birding Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/157d5812843-ebf-cb86%40webprd-a57.mail.aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Northeastern Colorado reservoirs today
Greetings all, I had intended to start my day at jumbo at sunrise, but the fog delay that by a couple hours. Therefore I spent the first couple hours of the day landbirding nearby. The highlight of that effort or to Harris' Sparrows just west of Ovid in a shelter belt on the north side of the road. Jumbo Highlights Laughing Gull was present on the point that is near the county line, on the south side of the reservoir. This appeared to be the same bird that was at Jackson reservoir about a week ago. With it was a Sabine's Gull. There were no shorebirds, except for a couple of Killdeer. Though there were plenty of birds, there were no other highlights. North Sterling reservoir highlights: a juvenile Little Gull was seen intermittently on the south side of the reservoir as was a Sabine's Gull. Again, there were no shorebirds ( except six Long-billed dowitchers) but large numbers of other birds such as grebes and pelicans. Jackson reservoir highlights: 7 Sabine's Gulls paraded around the north side of the reservoir. There was also one Lesser black backed Gull, not the dark back gull of interest that has been seen recently. Several species of shorebirds occupied the northeast corner. The most interesting were Stilt Sandpipers. Note that duckhunting season starts tomorrow, which may have a significant impact several locations noted. Also, hundreds of McCowns and CC Longspurs were along Morgan County Road 4/Weld County Road 105 north of Jackson reservoir. Good birding Steven Mlodinow Longmont Colorado This post was dictated so misspellings and grammatical errors are to be expected 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/CCA37B82-6E05-4BA1-BDEF-E9F47D34A5D9%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Union Today
No Red Phalarope Yes, 3 Red-necked Phalaropes Crow was slow Eaton Cemetery was lively , including a Nashville Warbler Good Birding Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/BF8A3EE5-05C4-489B-9064-0F8362D57E26%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Laughing Gull- Morgan County
On Jackson Res, s side not hanging with Franklins. Also 2 Sabine's Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/7CE5C495-71FA-4191-8A8F-4F07285D494A%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Tricolored and other goodies- Jackson COUNTY
David Dowell, Sean Walters and I ventured to Jackson County. An adult Tricolored Heron near the road on the town side of Walden Reservoir was definitely the star highlight. Also on Walden Res was a juv Sabine's Gull and a male Mexican Duck!! Other highlights included Common Nighthawk and Cassins Vireo at Aspen Campground just outside of Gould, a number of shorebirds on Arapaho NWR loop (first pond on right), including BB Plover, Pec and Semi Sands and CC and McCown's Longspurs (okay, those aren't shorebirds). At 18 Island Res, another BB Plover and more Pecs. Scattered late birds included Gray Catbird, Yellow Warbler, House Wren, Wilsons Phal. Good Birding Steven 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/81695C34-9E44-49CD-87DF-988FD4E7BFCB%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Juv at Baxter Lake on s side. Baxter Lake is on e side of WCR 1/LCR 13 at intersection with Wilfred south of Berthoud CO-56 DO NOT PARK ON THE COUNTY LINE ROAD. Park on Wilfred and walk to the north Steve Mlodinow and Nick Moore 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/0BD0E889-54D2-4063-942E-BF67B83232D2%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Mlodinow and Marron in Baja, August 2016
Greetings All At https://www.flickr.com/photos/36088296@N08/albums/72157672569356866 you can find highlights from recent trip to Baja's Cape, which yielded 170 species of birds and about 27 species of Odonata (dragons and damsels). I hope that you find these entertaining. The "album" starts with a few scenery shots (more to be added), followed by birds, then herps, then bugs, and finally a few flowers. Good Birding and Bugging Steve -- 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/156a400dfcb-533-75f5%40webprd-m38.mail.aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Alder Flycatcher Weld
Alder Flycatcher on path along n side of Mallard Pond at St Vrain SP now Steven Mlodinow Longmont 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/C451B0BD-368A-47F9-8D8D-D7EA1BA1E04F%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] John Martin Loons
Greetings, I am dictating this, and therefore apologize for errors. I went to John Martin today, and found three common loons at approximately the same location at which the red throated loons had been reported. Two are particularly pale, at least on the head and neck. For some reason, they tend to hold their bills pointed upwards. However, they all show signs of a neck collar, and have rather hefty bills. Indeed, to look just like common loons that I photographed there in June. Best regards, and good birding, Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/35C564CF-BE5F-46D8-A4A3-EE3B510FC8AD%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Stub-tailed Wren, Boulder County, Calypso Cascades
Greetings Today, at about 9 am, I heard a Winter/Pacific Wren sing several times in the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park, not far from Allenspark. I heard the bird just north of the bridge that leads away from Calypso Cascades towards Ouzel Falls. I hope someone can nail this wee guy down Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/15584b29b37-6aa9-2933%40webprd-m86.mail.aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Western Gull Prewitt
In Washington County- on west side of cove that is west of camping area- on logs where gulls and Pelicans often perch Second year bird with metal band on left leg Also, Lesser BB Gull and white winged gull, very worn, probably GW Gull x Herring Steven 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/B4D33C0C-4A52-41F5-8CBA-C2DCC4E96EAE%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Eastern Wood-Pewee- Logan County
Today, Nick Moore and I visited Tamarack Ranch The highlight was a singing and calling E Wood Pewee on the west side, about where a singing bird has been present for the last two years. Additionally, on the west side, closer to the road there was an odd pewee that looked like an Eastern but gave befuddling vocalizations. We had another calling and singing Eastern Wood Pewee on the east side almost at the work station. We had a Red-eyed Vireo and a male Indigo Bunting in the shelterbelts on the east side. Of the 30 or so towhees encountered, we were able to ID about 7, 5 Spotted and 2 hybrids. We also heard about 6 buntings in addition to the Indigo. One was a hybrid, one was a Lazuli and the others were not visualized. Tamarack is a place to beware: hybrid towhees, Orioles, and buntings are not unusual at all- and maybe hybrid pewees now as well. We had a few YB Cuckoos, Field Sparrows, N Cardinals on the east side and 10 Bell's on the west. Also, 6 Great Crested Flys on the east. Lotsa RH and RB Woodpeckers. 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/4C204F58-84C4-455E-BD56-1B3705484928%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Crow Valley
But Glenn's Yellow-throated Vireo is still here. Singing on south side to east of campground 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/841D8E88-4D0B-4AAD-BD6D-ACD9277C31F1%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Make that probable Golden-winged Warbler
I am not absolutely certain. The bug... gave me only fleeting looks. One that got away 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/9381468C-B103-401E-BAA1-58D440D98F6C%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Golden-winged Warbler Weld
In sw corner of campground at Crow Valley 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/6D2130CA-63E6-493F-804D-3DA2A7514EDC%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Park County, Arctic Terns
Greetings All Today, I went to the pond described by David Suddjian at Park County Rds 34 and 72. There were no migrant shorebirds, but two Arctic Terns were dipping down and up from the pond like huge swallows (among a large swallow flock). I got a number of distant photos, which I will download tomorrow. Of note: PCR 34 goes east from between the towns of Como and Jefferson. If you look at the DeLorme, you will not see a PCR 72, or at least not one near PCR 34. So... the pond is about 4 miles to the east of the hwy on the left, you can't miss it. The terns were no longer visible after I reviewed some photos. I don't know if they flew off or were just perched on the near shore, which is not visible from any angle I could discern Both were gorgeous full breeding plumage adults. --- Elsewhere in Park, I did not see any of David's highlights at Elevenmile Res, but did have 2 Common Goldeneye. At Spinney Mile Reservoir, there was another C Goldeneye and lotsa shorebird habitat without any migrant shorebirds. California Gulls were walking in the grass munching on a feather-antennaed midge. I've never seen a large gull eat such small prey. --- Also, I could not find the Mtn Plover(s) near Antero. Other major highlights from my 6 days off west (mostly sw) included Montezuma County: Green Heron- Puett Reservoir (pond on entrance road) Yellow-billed Cuckoo - dead on road along Bauer Reservoir RN Phal (a first for Montezuma??) at Totten Reservoir N Parula and Am Redstart at Lone Dome SWA 5 Lucy's Warblers (but no Summer Tan) at Yellowjacket Canyon Indigo Bunting in the town of Cortez Bonaparte's Gull and Common Goldeneye at Smith Res in Costilla a CANYON TOWHEE, across the street from the Blanca STP, which are on the road to Smith Res Willet, Stilt Sand, Marbled God, RN Phal at San Luis Lake SP - Alamosa Willets at Vallecito Reservoir in La Plata I am sure that I am forgetting something. The southwestern portion of the state was still awash in western migrants such as Western Tans, W Wood Pewees, WC Sparrows and such. Good Birding Steven Mlodinow Longmont 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/154ef95ea4b-7cb8-22f9%40webprd-m74.mail.aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Yesterday in Weld County: Hudsonian Godwit and Lewis's Woodpecker
Greetings All Yesterday, Kathy Mihm-Dunning, Jon King, and I birded from Crow Valley to Union Reservoir, finishing our day about 6 pm, soggy and chilled. During the course of the day, we stumbled across 145 species. The rarest birds included a gorgeous breeding-plumage HUDSONIAN GODWIT (and a Marbled) near Behren's Reservoir. Go to corner of Weld CR 46 and 41, go N of WCR 41 and look at the big pond on your left about 0.5 miles n of 46. Hanging out low (like 2 feet off ground) on telephone poles was a LEWIS'S WOODPECKER at the Firestone Gravel Pits. If one goes to the "north gravel pits" (reached by taking frontage road north over St Vrain River, driving up the modest hill, and parking where road birds sharply to left) there were 2 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS and a SANDERLING Crow Valley definitely required tall boots. The most unusual birds there were LESSER GOLDFINCH, BALTIMORE ORIOLE, BLACKPOLL WARBLER and GH JUNCO. At Norma's Grove, there was a GH JUNCO and a GRAY FLYCATCHER Despite solid rain, Glenmere Park was quite birdy, particularly at the west end, which seems the birdiest spot. Highlights, beyond the still present Bushtits, included NASHVILLE WARBLER, BLACKPOLL WARBLER, 2 TENNESSEE WARBLERS, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH and a drenched BW HAWK. There are a few BC Night Herons on the island which seem to be considering breeding. There were no Ruddy Turnstones that we could uncover at Stewarts' Pond but there was an imm BONAPARTE's GULL and a GREATER SCAUP. 4 SANDHILL CRANES were again along the s. side of Lower Latham. A pretty spectacular days under somewhat challenging conditions (at least we didn't have too much wind) Good Birding Steve Mlodinow -- 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/154bed58928-c0b-219ec%40webprd-a52.mail.aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Yesterday in Weld
Greetings All Yesterday, Nick Moore and I birded Weld County, starting at Crow Valley and finishing at Union Reservoir. The fallout was impressive, if not more for bird numbers than rarity. We had 125 species in all. The rarest birds were a Western Palm Warbler at the Eaton Cemetery and a Glossy Ibis (injured, not with other ibis) near Lower Latham. Crow Valley was packed with Spotted Towhees (and a Spotted x Eastern), Lincoln's Sparrows, and OC Warblers. A White-throated Sparrow was singing away incessantly and two early Gray Catbirds scurried in front of us amongst the towhees. It looks as if a PB Grebe may be attempting breeding just n. of the campground area. Bushtits are still hanging around various clumps of conifers near the pond at Glenmere, which had about 6 BC Night Herons and a Snowy Egret -- the neighborhoods were stuffed with OC and YR Warblers. A late Lesser Black-backed Gull (near adult) remains at Union. Good Birding Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/1546833d229-1364-5105%40webprd-a103.mail.aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Weld Neotropic Cormorant
Greetings All Sorry for the delayed post. Yesterday afternoon I had an adult NEOTROPIC CORMORANT swimming with a DC Cormorant near the east side of Lower Latham Reservoir. Both birds flew off (hence not a post from-the-spot). The Neotropic is similar in size to a Western Grebe. In all, from Crow Valley to Union Reservoir, I had 106 species. Crow Valley was bird scarce, but had the long-staying RED BELLIED WOODPECKER and an early ORANGE CROWNED WARBLER as well as a location-rare 2 Hooded Mergansers Eaton Cemetery had a nice little group of YR Warblers and a GRAY HEADED JUNCO Glenmere Park in Greeley had 4 BUSHTITS in the junipers in the sw. corner of the park. These have been present for a couple years. There were 2 Black-crowned Night Herons on the island, but there is no evidence of breeding A GADWALL x N SHOVELER was at Stewarts' Pond 17 LEAST,1 BAIRD'S and 1 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER were at Behren's Reservoir (ponds across from the actual res) BN STILTS were still at Loloff Reservoir and the Weld Co Rd 59 Ponds Firestone Gravel Pits had a CACKLING GOOSE, 6 HOODED MERGS, a COMMON GOLDENEYE and lots of Bufflehead and RB Mergs Union Reservoir was busy with 700+ Franklin's Gulls, a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, 5 species of swallows, 2 WILLET... Good Birding Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/1542eb8e4bf-6382-448e%40webprd-a68.mail.aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Swan ID Tips
Greetings All It is swan-season (or at least for spring).. with most eBird records of spring swans coming from March I pulled together a short primer on Trumpeter vs Tundra Swan ID with lots of pics of young Trumpeters at https://www.flickr.com/photos/36088296@N08/albums/72157665149912971 Good Birding Steve Mlodinow Longmont 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/1534eaa8416-6553-10b7f%40webprd-m07.mail.aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
