[cobirds] Re: Broad-winged Hawk adult & juvenile, Boulder

[Bob Spencer]

We had very good looks this morning of the adult Broad-winged Hawk from the 
Centennial Trail parking lot at the mouth of Sunshine Canyon, Boulder. The 
hawk was perched for a long time on top of a pine tree across the road from 
the parking lot.

Bob Spencer and Sondra Bland
Erie, CO

On Monday, July 20, 2020 at 8:49:06 PM UTC-6, Nathan Pieplow wrote:
>
> This evening I was hiking at the mouth of Sunshine Canyon in Boulder when 
> I heard the whistled "Pee-tee" call of a Broad-winged Hawk. After looking a 
> bit I saw a juvenile Broad-wing perched in a stand of narrowleaf 
> cottonwoods. The unseen adult was calling from somewhere else in the stand. 
> Broad-winged Hawks breed in small numbers on the Front Range but it's 
> always exciting to run into a family group.
>
> This was only about 100 yards up Sunshine Canyon Road from the Mt. Sanitas 
> Trailhead.
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S71684131
>
> Nathan Pieplow
> Boulder
>

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit 
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/f24c287d-a7ae-48c2-9a89-5e10b1c41fe5o%40googlegroups.com.

[cobirds] Re: Robert A. Spencer, March 31, 1924 - May 11, 2020

[Bob Spencer]

Thank-you all so much for sharing your fond memories of my Dad!
I wonder if there is some cosmic significance in the fact that he chose to 
pass on from this world during the peak of spring migration. :-)

Good Birding Where Ever You Are!

Bob Spencer
Erie, Colorado

On Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at 12:02:16 PM UTC-6, Joe Roller wrote:
>
> Today is a somber day, as long-time Denver area birder and friend, Bob 
> Spencer, passed 
> away yesterday. His son, Robert, asked me to post this brief obituary. 
> There cannot be a
> memorial service anytime soon due to Covid-19, but we'll eventually find a 
> way
> to gather, share memories and mark his place in our lives. 
> Joe Roller, Denver
>
> Dear members of the birding community:
> It is with sadness that I share with you that my Father, Robert (Bob) 
> Spencer died peacefully yesterday while in recovery from a recent broken 
> hip. He and his new bride, Shirley (died 2006) moved to Golden Colorado 
> from Buffalo/Rochester New York in 1952. They lived in Golden ever since. 
> My Father worked as a printer, but he lived to see birds and share birding 
> with the regional birding community, especially members of the Denver Field 
> Ornithologists (DFO) and Colorado Field Ornithologists (CFO). 
> While serving as a past president of DFO (circa 1990) he helped invent the 
> Ptarmigan award, which the organization still gives out periodically. Some 
> of his proudest moments was receiving lifetime achievement awards from both 
> organizations. 
> I am so grateful for all of the friendship and support that the birding 
> community has shared with my Father throughout his long life (he was 96 
> years old!). 
>
> Donations in his name may be sent to: Colorado Field Ornithologists (
> cobirds.org) OR Denver Field Ornithologists (dfobirds.org).
>
> Robert L. Spencer, Ph.D.
> Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience
> Director of Neuroscience Major
> Department of Psychology and Neuroscience
> UCB345
> University of Colorado Boulder
> Boulder, CO 80309
> office room: Muen D465B
> office phone: 303-492-0854
> robert...@colorado.edu 
>

-- 
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/1fa8f63d-50ea-4afb-b43f-9dc90e4e4dd6%40googlegroups.com.

Re: [cobirds] Palm Warbler - Golden - JeffCo

[Bob Spencer]

Sondra and I and a couple other birders re-found the Palm Warbler at the 
same place between 4-5pm this afternoon. Shortly after we first saw it, 
right below where the large trash can liner was stuck in the chain link 
fence along Highway 58, the bag became unstuck. So...other landmarks in 
case you want to see if the bird sticks around after the snow tonight is 
that when walking east on the path flanking the south side of Highway 58 
the bird was where the bare wall of the Highway first becomes visible and 
has some whitish cement on the ground at the base of the wall; there is 
also a green survey post near that spot (we found the start of the path at 
Ford and 7th St in Golden). We also saw nearby an Orange Crowned Warbler, a 
Yellow Rumped Warbler and a Tabby cat stalking the birds.

On Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 2:41:12 PM UTC-6, Ira Sanders wrote:
>
> Tammy and I spent an hour over noontime looking for the Palm with no luck.
> Ira Sanders
> Golden, CO
>
> On Sat, 13 Oct 2018, 10:11 am Michael Lester,  > wrote:
>
>> Hi all,
>>
>> The Palm Warbler continues this morning (10/13) at the previously 
>> reported location. 
>>
>> Michael Lester
>> Littleton 
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Oct 12, 2018, at 11:28 PM, Tim Mitzen > 
>> wrote:
>>
>> Hello!
>>
>> One Palm Warbler continues for a 3rd day (at least) along the Clear Creek 
>> Trail just east of Golden today.  
>> The location (39.760985, -105.221082) is about 100 meters east of the 
>> junction of the trails under the Highway 58
>> overpass and frequents a bare weedy area below a big black trash bag 
>> caught in the fence above.
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Tim Mitzen
>>
>> -- 
>> 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+u...@googlegroups.com .
>> To post to this group, send email to cob...@googlegroups.com 
>> .
>> To view this discussion on the web visit 
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/5479eb93-5560-4d5c-a5f2-5114f2f008a7%40googlegroups.com
>>  
>> 
>> .
>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
>>
>> -- 
>> 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+u...@googlegroups.com .
>> To post to this group, send email to cob...@googlegroups.com 
>> .
>> To view this discussion on the web visit 
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/4329C051-3298-48D9-B657-C62709395C77%40gmail.com
>>  
>> 
>> .
>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
>>
>

-- 
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/4a7a4967-a3df-48f4-bd84-d383a3ede5cf%40googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[cobirds] Re: JeffCo: Tropical Kingbird—South Platte Reservoir

[Bob Spencer]

My Dad (Bob Spencer, 94 years old) was happily able to see the Tropical 
Kingbird today -- Colorado State bird #453 for him. Thanks to all who were 
there that helped us to get in good position to see the bird. In the 
excitement I drove off with my Dad's binoculars sitting on top of the car. 
Perhaps they fell off when we first started driving away from where we 
parked along the road at the West entrance of South Platte Park. We would 
appreciate it if you are walking along that road tomorrow if you would keep 
an eye out for a pair of binoculars.

On Friday, October 5, 2018 at 5:41:02 PM UTC-6, Michael Lester wrote:
>
> Hi All, 
>
> Frank Farrell reported a Western Kingbird to eBird with an intriguing 
> description. I just followed up and confirmed my suspicion that it is a 
> Tropical Kingbird. It is on the power lines west of the SW corner of South 
> Platte Reservoir. 
>
> Michael Lester 
> Littleton 
>
> 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/704d9522-e4a0-416d-b771-c7ed5e2406a8%40googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[cobirds] Re: Small Tern, Prince Lake 2 Boulder County

[Bob Spencer]

Common Tern at Prince Lake 2

I was able to get another look at the Prince Lake 2 tern (5PM), and was 
able to see a distinct dark carpal-bar, so I believe that it is a Common 
Tern.

Bob Spencer and Sondra Bland, Erie CO

On Sunday, October 15, 2017 at 3:57:56 PM UTC-6, Bob Spencer wrote:
>
> There's a small tern on the west shore of Prince Lake 2 (3:30pm, Sun) with 
> black cap that extends down back of neck that looks like a match for Common 
> Tern or Least Tern, but it looks to be about a 1/3 the size of the nearby 
> Ring bill gulls, so possibly Least Tern?
>
>
>

-- 
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/f386f89d-d832-468b-9a2f-df6444d0fb2d%40googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[cobirds] Small Tern, Prince Lake 2 Boulder County

[Bob Spencer]

There's a small tern on the west shore of Prince Lake 2 (3:30pm, Sun) with 
black cap that extends down back of neck that looks like a match for Common 
Tern or Least Tern, but it looks to be about a 1/3 the size of the nearby 
Ring bill gulls, so possibly Least Tern?


-- 
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/72e4af67-8287-4263-abec-5e59a25e2207%40googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[cobirds] Dickcissels, East Boulder County

[Bob Spencer]

Sondra and I saw 3 male Dickcissels this morning along 111th St (dirt road) 
that wraps around Prince Lake 2 and then intersects to the north with 
Isabelle. The Dickcissels seemed to especially like the extensive patch of 
thistles that runs along the East side of the road after it straightens to 
the north; allowing good looks from the car. We also saw Dickcissels this 
past week at Teller Farms and in a field along Baseline road east of 
Baseline reservoir. So there seems to be a quite a few in the area right 
now.

Bob Spencer and Sondra Bland

-- 
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/a186ca8f-7065-4bf3-8558-ed6701ab3d64%40googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[cobirds] Williamson's Sapsucker and Aggressive Dusky Grouse, Heil Ranch Boulder County

[Bob Spencer, the younger]

Sondra and I had a very nice snow shoe hike today in Heil Valley Ranch, 
Boulder County Parks. A highlight was when we stopped near the Ponderosa 
Loop overlook to view a Townsend's Solitaire, and a male Dusky Grouse 
sauntered up to us through the snow. We were thinking that it was amazingly 
tame, when all of a sudden it started attacking our snow shoes, and then 
jumped up and pecked at my day pack (I might have vocalized an octave 
higher than usual). As we continued on, congratulating ourselves for being 
treated to such a special unique close encounter with nature, we came upon 
a pair of signs that said Please Stay Clear of Aggressive Grouse. I see 
that there are posts on Facebook concerning this Grouse for at least a year 
now. Nevertheless, it was fun to see its subtle but striking markings so up 
close. On the way back down the trail (2 miles from the southern trail 
head) we were surprised to see a female Williamson's Sapsucker working a 
trunk of a Ponderosa pine tree by the trail.

Bob Spencer and Sondra Bland

-- 
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/40ffc308-ee03-4e58-a7c0-77209e116d1c%40googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[cobirds] Grace's Warbler Continues, Eldorado Mtn Open Space Park, Boulder County

[Bob Spencer, the younger]

First thing this morning Sondra and I spent over an hour listening to the 
Grace's Warbler call from trees all around the location well described by 
Christian Nunes. We occasionally caught glimpses of a bird stealthily fly 
from one calling location to the other. Sondra eventually caught the bird 
in flight through her bins well enough to ID. Not willing to give up on the 
bird, I went back after work, and around 6pm, after a bit of similar 
experience, suddenly noticed a bird on the ground not far from the large 
cottonwood tree and close to where I was standing. I was able to get 
excellent looks at the Grace’s Warbler while it appeared to be ground 
feeding for about half a minute. So, for the novice birder like myself, I 
recommend patience, persistence, and don’t look for the bird only at the 
top of the surrounding trees.

Bob Spencer

-- 
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/01718902-35de-47ac-bf64-f941eabc6f48%40googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[cobirds] Re: CO DOW

[Bob Spencer, the younger]

I was on Joey Kellner's DFO trip to Prewitt Reservoir yesterday. I was 
caught by a park official without a fishing or hunting license. He gave 
me the option of purchasing a license on the spot (the 1-800 number is 
posted on the Prewitt entrance sign board), or being issued a $75 fine. 
Somewhat surprisingly, I was able to get sufficient mobile phone reception 
and was able to purchase a fishing license over the phone on a Sunday 
afternoon.

Bob Spencer, the younger
Erie, CO 

On Sunday, August 25, 2013 4:57:23 PM UTC-6, Steven Mlodinow wrote:

 Greetings All, 

  No, this has naught to do with dowitchers.

  I find the behavior of the DOW enforcement agents in this state 
 baffling. I've had more run-ins (all at Banner Lakes SWA and St Vrain SP) 
 with state wildlife enforcement agents than in 20 years in WA (where the 
 number was a lovely zero, though the number of locations roughly equal). 

  The Banner Lakes guy didn't like where I parked, even though it was not 
 on SWA area land and totally legal. He threatened to have my car towed and 
 fine me even though he had no jurisdiction to do so. I don't argue with 
 folks carrying guns and yelling at me, so I hiked the two miles back to my 
 car and left.

  The most recent St Vrain incident on Co Rd 7 occurred a month ago when 
 the officer claimed that a clearly unused Osprey nest built along WCR 7 
 still required a 1000 m clearance, even though it was unoccupied because it 
 might be used. In mid-July. Really. 

  This Prewitt thing is odd. I've talked to rangers there a dozen or so 
 times over the 3 last years, usually chit-chatting about what birds I was 
 seeing. No one mentioned a permit. Now they are ticketing folks. I wonder, 
 has anyone in COBIRDS land received a warning during the last 3 years? My 
 guess the answer is zero, or close to it. None of us regulars out there 
 have received such that I know of.

  And I could not find, in 20 frustrated minutes, anything about a special 
 permit about Prewitt or that any permit was needed simply to enter Prewitt. 
 Maybe there is a sign at Prewitt that says such, but their website says 
 naught (as far as I can tell) about a Prewitt/Jumbo permit.

  This erratic behavior just confounds and irritates me. Signs at Andrick 
 Ponds SWA outright contradict themselves and their website. I've 
 encountered this at other locations. Most of the officers I've bumped into 
 (like at Prewitt in past, and at Andrick recently) have been exceptionally 
 nice, but then you get this weird aggressive angry behavior.

  I truly wonder what the underlying cause is.

  Best Wishes
 Steve Mlodinow
 Back in 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/2d3de4ff-df69-4dc6-a2e5-1eaee468f02c%40googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[cobirds] Observations at home!

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders.  Wednesday the temperature outside at my place went  
over 90 by Noon.  So I looked at the neighbor's
swamp cooler and sure enough there were 5 sparows clinging to the  
grate and one to the side grate each flattened out
Just like last year. They are called House Sparrows because they know  
how to make themselves at home!


Today (Friday) at 10AM  I looked out at the Nijer thistle seed  
feeder.  There I saw the orange head and breast
with black markings on face, a Blackburnian Warbler, First I have had  
in the yard.  Hope it comes again.

Sibley says unmistakable!

Pays to look for birds at home.

Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden


--
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.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] Walden Ponds Boulder

[Bob Spencer]

hi Cobirders   My son Bob and his wife Sondra and this morning saw  
two Green Herons along the west and north shore
of the big lake at Cottonwood Marsh.  A Great Egret also show up on  
the north shore.
I liked the 30 or more White Pelicans that were fishing on the lake  
and some flying about.
We saw the Eastern Phoebe at Boulder creek and the 75 St. bridge.  
Thanks to cobirds.


Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden.

--
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.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] CFO Convention try for Black-chinned Sparrow

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders.  I selected the Sunday field trip hoping it would lead  
me to the Black-chinned Sparrow.
But the trip stayed on the main Devil Kitchen route which led up a  
series of large stone steps where my
rollater could not go.  So stayed back to find birds .  The trip did  
not find the sparrow  either and so my
son and his wife and I decided to go by ourselves because it was not  
easy for me to keep up.  I did see

several birds including Gray Vireo.
Monday We went back early to the National Monument.  Going on the  
Devil Kitchen wide path to the
No Thoroughfare path to the right. It was a single file path but I  
was able to fold the rollater uo
enough and still use it and the path was mostly level and smooth so I  
made good time to the gulch
which had a narrow strip of mud and some water. Here the Black- 
chinned had been seen days earlier.
People came up the creek and path to stop here.  I waited on my seat  
above a little ways until they all
left.  About 15 minutes or so later three Black-throated Sparrows  
came near where I saw them. They
are neat birds.  We had to leave for home soon after without going  
further and not able to get the

rare ones.  Several had found the Black-chinned but most had not.

Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden
 


--
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.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] Rufous-collared Sparrow

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders,  The Rufous thread has come full circle. Time to meet  
the eye of the needle and sew it up!
Many on the way to the CFO convention and on way home stopped in  
Georgetown.  My son Bob,his wife Sondra
and I stopped Friday they saw it well but my binoculars and the busy  
sparrow didn't allow me to get a good look.
My son got me some better optics for Fathers Day so we could see it  
again. This time I did see it well twice.
It flew up into the tall Aspen at corner of the house. Rufous- 
collared Sparrow stopped in the middle of the trunk
providing a good background. It had an unique head pattern and rufous  
collar was wide more like a serape.


The sparrow was at the yard of the house on corner of Rose and Eight  
Street.  Definitely an urban sparrow
as it was reported for 3 short blocks on Rose St.  Nice to see young  
birders taking pictures with digital cameras

with telephoto lenses.

Hope many will get reports into the records committee!

Bob Spencer  N.E. of Golden



















 
   


--
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.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] Brewers BB at home, Swallows at WRGB

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders.  Tuesday morning  I had two male Brewer's Blackbirds in  
the backyard calling.  Hope they stayed

down here.  Snow not much higher up Wednesday.

Good today to check birds.  This afternoon I stopped at Prospect Pond  
in Wheat Ridge Green Belt  where about
60 swallows were flying low sometimes near the south shore which is  
edged with bushes.  Stayed in car.


30 Violet-green Swallows
30 Cliff Swallows
  1 or more Barn Swallows

Pair of Pine Siskins  at the thistle feeder at home.

Bob Spencer  N.E. of Golden

--
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.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] American Goldfinch at home

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders.  Nice to see the Goldfinch males with their new spring  
clothes just in time for Easter!

Saw my first Audubon Warblers Saturday at Jim Hamm park in Longmont.

Bob Spencer  N.E. of Golden 


--
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.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] Flights of Geese over my house and nearby.

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders  At 9:15 AM already 42o, calm, and few clouds .  3 large  
flocks of Smaller Canada Geese flew over
not too high going NNE.  They were calling with wings beating fast in  
tight formation. The groups were not far

apart.  Spring cant be far behind.

Daylight Saving Time starts Sunday March 13!

Vernal Equinox  in March 20 . Next year is Leap Year and the date for  
the Vernal Equinox   moves

back  almost to March 22 to be March 21 again.

Even the Hawkwatch has started!

Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden 


--
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.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] Jan 3 Sharp-shinned Hawk Canvasback et al

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders  Hope this goes thru. I am not getting any cobirds lately.

I had a male blue gray back with white splotches Sharp-shinned Hawk  
just outside kitchen window at home.
Pictures can be sent but do not have a site for them.  Monday  
afternoon about 1:30PM  Flew off to
nearby Russian Olive tree.  It moved its tail from side to side  
several times.


Went to Mount Olivet Cemetery from 1:45 to 2:05PM .  Sunny and calm  
mostly clear and temp. 31o.
On small pond between chapel and Christ the King sanctuary about 1/3  
open.  Variety of waterfowl.
Northern Shoveler 8. Ring-necked Duck 10 (all males), Bufflehead 4  
males, 2 females, Redhead 12 males,

Gadwall 2 pairs, Canvasback 3 males.

Prospect Pond at Wheat Ridge Green Belt Canada Goose 20 (plus about  
200 in field), Mallard (about 250
mostly male)Ring-billed Gull 5 in water, 60 on ice edge, Common  
Goldeneye 1 male 2 female. Left at 2:30PM.


Nice to get better weather!

Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden 
 


--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado 
Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobi...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] Holiday Birding at home and Red Rocks

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders  Hope you are all out there enjoying some bird watching.

Friday  brought about an inch of snow on the grass and the drum  
feeder.  The day stayed in the upper twenties
and below freezing so that quite of bit of the snow held over into  
Saturday.

So Friday was a busy day for the birds at my feeders!
Sorry to be belated.

Redwing Blackbirds over 150 swarmed into the yard with many crowded  
onto the drum feeder. came twice.

Eurasian Collared Doves the usual 25 or more came and stayed awhile.
House Sparrows about 50 came and went all day.
House Finch about 15 both male and female with many males with  
different amounts of red.

White-crowned Sparrows 2
Slate-colored Junco with right black tail feather missing showing all  
of the white outer tail feather.

Gray-headed Juncos 2 probably first year birds.

Monday (yesterday) I went to Red Rocks the temperature got to be over  
50o.

No seed out but I did see the immature Harris Sparrow for quite awhile.
Also the White-throated Sparrow came.  Others came but absent were  
the Scrub Jays!


I drove around to south lot and the west face of the tall cliff. I  
saw a Prairie Falcon resting

on its belly surrounded by white wash
A pleasant hour spent with only a light breeze.

Hope you all have a great new birding year.

Bob Spencer 



--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado 
Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobi...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] Activity at home

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders  Friday afternoon I had a partial albino finch feeding  
on the ground and up into the chokecherry, It had a
white patch on top of its head,  one on its wing and another on its  
lower back.  I think it looked very much like the one

I had last winter.  The camera failed to work when I tried.

Today I had big flock of Redwings (perhaps 150)  come to the cable  
drum feeder. The drum was covered with them
and more waiting on the wire above and still more in the Russian  
Olive.  They soon all flew off.

I often see the large flock in the large trees to the north and east.
In the fall I  Have smaller flocks of them.  I also get one or two  
lots of days.  Being in large flocks seems to make them
scarce at small feeders.  There is safety in numbers I guess.  There  
needs to be food for all. When the flock gets to
be big.  They will fly onto the front lawns here and neighbors and  
often gang-plow the lawns finding something

before all going off together.

Later there were about 20 Eurasian-collared Doves feeding under the  
Russian Olive. they maybe finding Olives
fallen from the tree or even fallen thistle seed.  They come around  
every day. They like the millet.


Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden 
 


--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado 
Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobi...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] Sharp-shinned Hawk at home

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders.  Sunday just before noon when I got home there was a  
male Sharp-shinned hawk
looking in the Kitchen window from the Chokecherry tree nearby.  It  
kept opening its mouth
several times.  Too small for Coopers  with a few white patches on  
its gray blue back. Lots of

horizontal brown stripes on white breast. square tail.
Great looks didn't stick around for a picture!

When there are no birds around I thinks the hawks are up on the roof  
where I can't see them.


Bob Spencer  N.E. of Golden 


--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado 
Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobi...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] Merlin at home!

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders.  Merlins have been reported all over.  I wanted to see  
one didn't happen.
Sunday got home at 11:30AM  looked at the birds in back and there was  
a Merlin
in the Chokecherry by the kitchen window. It had its back to the  
birds there and they ignored it.
Soon the Merlin flew to the Russian Olive showing its gray blue upper  
body ,wings and tail.

Never saw one in the yard before.

Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado 
Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobi...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] Ross Gull Saturday

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders  Needed a state bird for the year.  Here is an answer to  
prayer!


Hi Norm  I did not read my emails yesterday evening as I usually do.   
Watched Prince Charles interview and his

documentary on Harmony of food using nature (we call it organic)
My older son Bob was coming this morning and we were going to try for  
the Pacific Wren and I did my email
and fortuitously there was a rare bird the Ross Gull.  So off we  
went.  Bob and his wife Sondra have become
serious birders. Sondra didn't come.  We arrived at 12:35PM and went  
straight to Lake Loop.  We saw a row

of telescopes at the north end looking across the lake.
Russ Gull was being seen active across near the dam.
Bob got it  in my scope and soon I saw it with the gray under wings  
flying around with two Bonaparte's Gulls

tough to keep them separated.
When I got the scope again I was able to follow the Ross Gull for  
about 5 minutes  or more.
The sun broke thru and I was able to see the pink on the lower belly  
several times.  Also the point of the
wedge white tail.  Noted the black bill and white head. The partial  
black collar was barely discernible.


Great seeing all the birders I do not see often enough anymore!   
Thanks to Glen for his great pictures too.


Bob Spencer  N.E. of Golden 
   


--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado 
Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobi...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] Chatfield Fri. Nov.12, Boulder area Sat. Nov. 13

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders  Birded Chatfield Friday 2:30PM to 4:30PM  Didn't find  
the Loons.

  Chatfield Marina area.   NE breeze 5-10mph  Clear

White Pelican about 70 resting and exercising on the point  
of sand spit across from the marina.

Marina  more Pelicans here about 7 and a few out on the lake.

Pied-billed Grebe
Hooded Merganser  pair
California Gull out on lake  Plenty of Gulls and Geese about.
   Common Merganser on sand spit shore 17 all male.
 N. Flicker imm.

Mammals
Cow Elk 2 plus 1 yearling
White-tailed Deer  jumping a fence.
Coyote

Saturday 13th clear to huge clouds overhead moving east, 2:30PM to 4PM
Baseline Resv.
Crows 12 near shore and gravel islands
RB Gulls lots
Cackling Geese  20
Common Loon 1 across lake

Ararapaho  Road
Ferruginous Hawk 1 in tree with lots of leaves yet south side

 Walden
Ring-necked Duck  2 pair at Toeys pond also Hairy Woodpecker  
female
Redheads males with Am. Wigeon trying to get food when they  
dove. about 30 each

Pied -billed Grebe
Buflehead
Canvasback  3 males
 RB Gulls  100s
 Bald Eagle 1 immature
 C.Raven

Dodds Resv.
Snow Goose in with 300 or more Canadas

Lagerman
 Northern Harrier

Golden Pond
  Double-crested Cormorant  4 on small island in pond.


--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado 
Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobi...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] Cooper Hawk at home

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders  Bringing in the paper this morning a large Coopers Hawk  
(probable female) swooped down near the patio and missed
a sparrow and landed on the ground striking a great pose. Got away  
before I got the camera.


Phone has been down twice since last Thursday when a strong thunder  
storm came over my house just after midnight.  For 10
minutes rain pounded down on the house.  Then about 12:30 am pounding  
came on the door police!  police  A young Sheriff
officer said he got a 911 call from here.  I said I didn't call he  
said the phone system can send it out!  It was a brief but horrific
storm and I was OK . I checked and phone only had static was that way  
until Thursday afternoon.


On Saturday the Oct. 9 at 1:45 PM I had 30 Eurasian Collared Doves on  
the wires in backyard and the dead high limbs of the
Locust tree in front.  Also about a 150 Red-wings and Starlings in  
trees of neighbors to the north.


Well at least it is activity!

Bob Spencer  N.E. of Golden
 
   


--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado 
Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobi...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] Recent sightings at home

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders.   When you can't get away it pays to watch what birds  
are doing at your home.

Here are three recent ones:

Sat. Sept. 25  Starlings  A swarm of  a thousand or more plus a  
ballooning tail of hundreds
swirled around above and to west of here at about 5 pm. Looking for a  
place to roost.

That time of the year but first from my place.

Monday Sept. 27  Robin lunging at Pyracantha berries   took 3 this  
way at 6:15 pm.


Wed. Sept. 29  Black-capped Chickadee stood on rear outside faucet  
trying to get water

from where the hose was connected for several minutes.
So I set out water in a plastic paper plate on the nearby patio table.

Bob Spencer  N. E. of Golden
 
  


--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado 
Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobi...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] Lower Latham report

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders.   I thank those who Checked last Saturday Morning.  On  
Friday when I got there there were several
hundred shorebirds of good variety.  Another birder was at the west  
end of the flooded meadow.  He seemed to be
taking pictures ( I hope)  and checking stuff.  He turned around  
before I got that far and I did not recognize him.
Any way I was super tired and the Ruff were near the shore along with  
a red legged type like a Red Shank.  I
didn't have the telescope with me but didn't really need it and  no  
heat waves!


On Joey Kellner's DFO trip Sunday I was able to go.  We made that  
flooded Lower Latham meadow on Rd 48 our
last stop. The number shorebirds was only about one tenth of what was  
there Friday early afternoon with a big

dark cloud overhead making poor light at times.

I am working on using my telescope with a digiscope device and my  
camera.  Slow setting up!


Great birding out there.

Bob Spencer 


--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado 
Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobi...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] Crow Valley and Lower Latham

[Bob Spencer]

hi Cobirders  Went up to Crow Valley first Friday morning.  Almost  
11AM and very little activity too warm.  I did see Mark Chavez
and Huffsetter (?) soon joined by Dick Schottler all had watched for  
the Connecticut Warbler. They did not see it neither did I.
I also met David Simpson and wife Dee from Florida.  We birded  
together for a short while.  Saw a small Flycatcher, his wife
photographed and we were unable to identify.  We came across a few  
warblers including two male Townsend Warblers.


I ate lunch and headed for Lower Latham and the flooded meadow on the  
south side of Rd 48. There were hundreds of
Shore birds here. Great variety. There were 4 Black-necked Stilts and  
6 American Avocets. Lots Killdeer and sandpipers

I made tentative ids.

There was one larger sandpiper with  very red legs possible female   
Spotted Redshank ( really impossible!) Sibley shows

one in Kansas.

Also there were two  female Ruffs nearby with characteristic hump in  
middle of back with feathers loose.


I hope all this stuff is still there early Saturday and someone can  
get pictures. I didn't take camera today of course!


Bob Spencer  resides  N.W. of Golden
 
  


--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado 
Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobi...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] Moonlighting

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders!  For over 40 years as an amatuer astronomer in the  
Denver Astronomical society I was active in many of
the things that were done.  One that went on for a while was  
observing birds passing in front of the moon using your
telescope.  Being also a bird observer over most of that time I  
didn't  get too excited about it.  Only a few large birds were
identifiable .  Also we all knew looking at the moon spoiled your  
vision for stars and nebulae.  It sure is a fun activity

and not very scientific.

Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden 
  


--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado 
Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobi...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] Tuesday Birders yesterday.

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders.  Noting Ted Floyd's comment on expecting a fall out of  
migrants there was some Tuesday morning.
Arriving at Mount Falcon about 8:30AM in the fog and very light rain  
pushing up from below.  No birds at the start
but soon as the rain had stopped we found a loose flock of Western  
Bluebirds perhaps 20 as well as non-

migrants of Pine Siskin (1)Hairy Woodpecker and Black-capped Chickadee.
Later more flocks of western Bluebirds. When the fog burned off and  
the sun appeared I saw a Say's Phoebe the
others in their end of the meadow found two Say's Phoebe, Northern  
Mockingbird, and some Black-headed

Grosbeak going through.
At lunch two large evergreens near by gave us good looks at an  
juvenile Williamson's Sapsucker in one tree
and some saw a Northern Three-toed Woodpecker in the other. This  
capped off an interesting trip.


Bob Spencer 
 


--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado 
Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobi...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] AOU new list. Comment

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders. Thanks to Larry Semo for providing the changes to the  
AOU North American list.
as someone else pointed out some errors I am hoping for the records  
commitee to tell us the

status of the effect on the Colorado total.

Black Scoter (Melanitta nigra) is called Common Scoter indicating its  
being found around the
the upper regions around the world.  Nigra of course means black.  It  
is the name the British

call the Black Scoter .

This has been an on going  problem with name changing.  The Common  
name may become

European .  I think that is why American showed up.

 I did not see the Common Scoter when I visited England about 30  
years ago as I did not
get to the northern area of Scotland.  I do not keep a World life  
list just separate lists which

I may consolidate when i retire from active birding.

Change is always out there!

Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden 
 


--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado 
Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobi...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] Green Heron at Walden, Pacific Loon at MacIntosh Lake Longmont

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders. My son Bob and his wife Sondra and I went to Walden  
Pond and Sondra found an adult Green Heron
in a small open area of the cattails along the Park lot of Cottonwood  
Marsh.  We got great looks with the telescope

and got several pictures.  If you wish to see some email me directly.

Then we went to Lake MacIntosh in NW Longmont. From Dawson Park near  
the far shore there was the Pacific
Loon.  It was active but didn't dive.  Near the White Pelicans.  With  
the telescope we watched for 20 minutes or
more. Black back and gray head and neck with lighter gray and some  
white.  We were unable to get a picture

of it because of distance and its movement.

Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden 



--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado 
Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobi...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] Correction. Meant BUSHTITS not Titmouse!!

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders  A late post made me make a huge mistake Saturday  
evening. I knew I had Bushtits but
somehow said  Titmouse.  Several  birders caught the mistake.  Sorry  
for the wrong name.


Bob Spencer 


--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado 
Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobi...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] Titmouse at my home.

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders.  For past ten days or more I have had several Titmouse  
come to my hanging bird cage feeder. Friday I
counted 10 hanging in and around it. It is filled with Sunflower  
seed.  They seem to find minute insects from the
shells and among the seeds I think.  Until they showed up I have  
never seen them here.  They definitely have moved
north in recent years during breeding season. In past years they  
wandered along the foothills at Christmas count time.

My place is just north of 44th Ave. and east of Indiana.
Good Birding.

Bob Spencer 
  


--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado 
Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobi...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] local injured birds care people

[Bob Spencer]

Hi There were a couple of lady birders who took in injured birds and  
care for them until well enough to release.
I have inquiries for help occasionally and would keep their names and  
phone numbers handy.  If you are or

know of some one in the Denver area please let me know. Thanks

Bob Spencer



--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado 
Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobi...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] Doves and Cowbirds at my feeder.

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirds  My birding is confined mostly  to home.  Yesterday late  
there was both an Eurasian Dove and
a Mourning Dove  feeding on my cable drum feeder.  Four Brown-headed  
Cowbirds joined them and
soon a female Cowbird showed up to eat seeds. An interesting  
combination.


Bob spencer N.E. of Golden

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado 
Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobi...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] At home. An Evening Grosbeak

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders.  About 8:30AM an Evening Grosbeak appeared in the  
Russian Olive near the Nijer feeder!
I think it is a first for my yard in fifty years.  I also have not  
seen one for over 5 years up in the mountains!

It was a male possibly a first year (2009). Did not stay long.
I went to the Wheat Ridge Green Belt late so birds were not too  
active. Nothing new this time.


Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden 
  


--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado 
Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobi...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.

[cobirds] Monday WRGB, Tuesday Home

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders,  Yesterday I went birding near home at the Wheat Ridge  
Green Belt from the Clear Creek bridge to
Bass Lake on the nature trail.  After 11AM  until 1PM.  Nothing  
unusual when I spotted a male Bullock's Oriole in
a bush then a Plumbeous Vireo both of which an Evergreen birder also  
saw.


Being overcast and cool I stayed home today.  Best bird was a Green- 
tailed Towhee in the Choke Cherry by the
kitchen window.  It quickly hid there.  Maybe it will show up  
tomorrow.  I have had one or two other years so it

is rather unusual.

Bob Spencer   N.E. of Golden 



--
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

[cobirds] Walden Ponds Boulder Sat. afternoon

[Bob Spencer]

Hi  all  After lunch Saturday I went to Walden Ponds.  It soon got  
cloudy with light breeze.  There was one lone
White Pelican on the senior fishing pond.  Lots of Yellow-rump  
Warblers here and at Cottonwood Marsh.


Cottonwood has high water and all the ducks gone except a few Common  
Coots.  Lots of both Audubon and
Myrtle , some first year and females,  Yellow-rump Warblers.  There  
were 4 Yellow Warblers scattered among

them.

As I was leaving I spotted a egret on the far shore.  I grabbed the  
telescope and it proved to be a Great Egret

that had been reported there.

There were many swallows there too mostly Barn Swallows.

Bob Spencer  N.E. of Golden

 


--
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

[cobirds] Wednesday -Beebe Draw,Lower Latham, Loloff Resv.

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders.  Chuck Lowrie, Diane Carter and I went up north and  
east from 10AM to 2PM on April 28.
Highlights  mostly. On Weld CR 42 west of CR49 we found Brewer's  
Blackbirds at least 50.  At the feedlot
there were clumps of Yellow-headed Blackbirds,over 200.  They are so  
beautiful and were quiet!

A few Horned Larks,a pair of Swainson's Hawks,only 1 Avocet.

CR45 7 White Pelicans high in the sky, my first good look at Barn  
Swallows, more later.
CR44 Prairie Dog colony east on north side there were at least 7  
Burrowing Owls. Busy road paved be

careful here.

CR 48 much flooded fields, few birds this time, On north side in the  
swamp plants by the road was about
20 or more Marsh Wrens singing and popping up and briefly flying back  
down. They were very active.
No new marsh plant growth showing yet.  There was some flood puddles  
in the swamp here and we
heard a Virginia Rail call often also heard a Sora once and a Bittern  
a couple times.
Inlet had 3 Cinnamon Teal and one Western Grebe.  A little further  
west were at least 7 Great-tailed
Grackles all males. On the south side was plenty of swamp in a  
flooded area with about 30 White-faced
Ibis feeding in and out of the plants and flying low about the area.   
One group of Brown-headed Cowbirds

with 2 males and 3 females already looking for Redwing Blackbird nests.

At Loloff Reservoir the south west wind had come up strong. There  
were a variety of waterfowl including
Grebes, two together one Western and one Clark's!  Also a small flock  
of Ruddy Ducks and a group of

Wilson's Phalerope. I saw one male Blue-winged Teal  my first of year.
It was great to hear the Western Meadowlarks sing in several places  
again.

It was a very successful day.

A spring snow came this morning and is already melted today.
Bob Spencer n.E. of Golden

 
 


--
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

[cobirds] Addendum to Wednesday report

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders,  I omitted one of my favorite birds from the Loloft  
reservoir list. Four Black-necked Stilts
were on the near shore parading along dozens of feet apart.  This has  
been a reliable place to find
them for several years.  So I was glad to see them this year.  They  
nest on the opposite shore to

the northeast.
Thanks Elena for your comments.
Bob Spencer 
 


--
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

[cobirds] At home rain came Thursday evening and during the night.

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders.  The day brought many birds here and by noon a heavy  
wet snow built up 3 and temperature
down from 47o.   In the morning there were two Mourning Doves first I  
noted this year making yard bird #21.
They did not call or sing.  The snow quit about 2:30PM and the 5  
American Goldfinches showed up again
on the nijer feeder.  When they left a Pine Siskin came with bright  
yellow in wings and tail and soon a different
siskin came not showing yellow, then both being the first I have seen  
this year. Thus yard bird #22 and
#90 for the year I have not gotten around much anymore!  One White- 
crown Sparrow is still around.
Maybe tomorrow will bring something else new.  A Robin has built a  
nest recently under the front overhang.

Good time for birding.

Bob Spencer N. E. of Golden 
 


--
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

[cobirds] Lagermann Thursday

[Bob Spencer]

After checking Sterns Lake, Walden and Sawhill ponds with nothing new  
I went to Lagermann Reservoir.

After 2PM  until 3:30PM.
With binoculars I saw an Osprey on the nest too far away to see well  
and a couple of Avocets also not
very well.  Also on the far beach was a huge black mass.  So I got  
out the telescope a project for me.


A large brown bird flew over head and went to the southwest, while I  
was setting up.


The Osprey nest had only the flattened nesting material with the bird  
gone. Earlier it looked like

she was stomping the nest.  I saw the Avocets well now (my FOS).

The large tall clump turned out to be a Great Blue Heron standing  
tall on his legs with head tucked
down  away. It lifted his neck some and head with large bright orange  
bill.  Being up on the sand

it looked much bigger than usual.

The black object I saw across on a post to right of the nest pole  
proved to be an Osprey finishing

up a fish meal. (also FOS for me).

While I was putting the scope away a brown bird flew along the shore  
past me and into the nearby
closed area.  So I took the Rollator over to the fence area and  
searched the near shore and weed

area for some time and did not find anything.

Thus ended a nice day on a good note although the Sage Sparrow was  
not found.


Bob Spencer  N.E. of Golden

 
   


--
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

[cobirds] Grackles yesterday.

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders.  A flock of about 25 Red-wing Blackbirds including two  
Common Grackles landed on the
drum feeder  Friday.   Also with them on the ground was a male  
Brewer's Blackbird.  First Grackles
this year.  Ten days later than last year.  The gang of fifty cant be  
far behind. !


Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden

--
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

To unsubscribe, reply using remove me as the subject.

[cobirds] Wheat Ridge Green Belt today

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders  Went too late for land birds.  Noon to 1:45PM  Clear  
sky, light breeze from the south

50o to 65o f.
Prospect Pond
 Canada Geese 20  more else where
 Mallard 6
 Coot 5
 RB Gull 2  few more later
 No. Shoveler 1 , 2 ;ater
 Greater Scaup 1 male
 Common Goldeneye pair
 Lesser Scaup 2

Clear Creek
 Mallards several
 Gadwall one pair

Bass Pond
 Bufflehead 3 pairs
 Ring-necked Duck pair at reed edge resting
 Hooded Merganser pair also along edge
 Barrow's Goldeneye  neat may be one reported earlier female near  
by. Much yellow on bill.
 White-winged Scoter 2 first year birds staying and diving together  
one shows white wing.

 Common Goldeneye male with female near by.
Only landbirds were a RS Flicker flying away and another calling.   
Too nice a day!


Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden
 


--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en

Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org

To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribegooglegroups.com or 
reply to this email with the words REMOVE ME as the subject.

[cobirds] March 2 Spring is coming.

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders.  This morning after I put out more seed and retrieved  
the paper and was going into the carport
I heard a familiar bird call it was a Robin and was going to dismiss  
it when I realized it was a first for the yard
this year.  It gave several of the Robin calls in the tree right at  
the carport.  It looked a little thin but it was

ready to establish a territory here .

I went with the Tuesday birders today and at least 40 came out to the  
Stone House park on Estes in Lakewood.
The land birds were already hiding out on such a warm day. Saw  
several Flickers and 3 Magpies.  Little
else. There was a Hooded Merganser in Bear creek some one in the  
group saw the female also.
There was a Great Horned Owl on a nest near Kipling and with aid of a  
telescope saw the top of its head

with its horn feathers.

There was almost no snow on the paved trails . Good for my rollator.   
Nice Spring day.

Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden.
 
 


--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en

Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org

[cobirds] Backyard seed eater

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders.  This morning at 7:30AM I went out to feed the birds.   
There was lots of seed left on the cable drum
feeder.  I put the seed back and looked again and there was a young  
buck deer there eating seed at a nice height
(27).  When I got home from Tuesday birders all the seed was gone  
and the 3 rocks I used to cover holes had been

pushed aside.  I guess the deer came back and finished it off.

Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden 
   

[cobirds] Snowy day.

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders  I found the missing cobird messages on my servers spam  
control. Do not know what made them
do that. Took an hour to retrieve them. Not sure if the problem is  
solved yet.


Today the snow started on schedule at 10AM soon got quite heavy.  A  
flock of 50 male Red-wing BB came to
finish off seed that was left.  Soon took off and a Cooper's Hawk  
came screaming in halted in the lower branch
of the Russian Olive stayed there for a few minutes moved to back  
fence and suddenly disappeared.  I put

out more seed and later some bread crumbs.

Yesterday (Tuesday) I went to the Wheat Ridge Green Belt for 2 hours  
nice day. Prospect Pond was 50%
frozen and had lots of merry go round Shovelers in 3 groups.  a  
female Red-breasted Merganser was
swiming and diving with a male Common Goldeneye. Got to watch out for  
those redheads that need a

haircut.

May find time to check the backyard birds tomorrow.
Thanks to those who replied to my problem

Bob spencer 
 
-- 
Colorado Field Ornithologists: http://www.cfo-link.org/
Colorado County Birding:  http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en

[cobirds] Am I still on cobirds?

[Bob Spencer]

Hi  Have not received any cobird messages for several days. Is  
cobirds down or am I out??


Bob Spencer 
-- 
Colorado Field Ornithologists: http://www.cfo-link.org/
Colorado County Birding:  http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en

[cobirds] Northern Shrike here,

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders on cold Christmas Eve day!.  It was 5o at 8 AM when I  
put out seed. Soon a lot of birds came.  I checked
at 11:30AM  Sunny calm and 24 o  still seed out there but no birds!   
Then I spotted a larger gray bird down in the
Choke Cherry.  As it moved up I saw it had long black tail lined in  
narrow white. Then I noticed the narrow black face
mask of a Northern Shrike!  As it moved further up even the ECODoves  
left.  This the first one I have seen in the yard
in recent years.  It soon left but the birds were reluctant to come  
back. It was yard bird #32 for 2009.
Bob Spencer  N.E. of Golden
  
 

-- 
Colorado Field Ornithologists: http://www.cfo-link.org/
Colorado County Birding:  http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en

[cobirds] Red Rocks Trading Post birds

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders, A beautiful day to go to Red Rocks.  About 2:30PM and  
over 50o f clear and calm.  I sat in my Rollator on the lawn
behind the trading post with the sun off to the left.  I looked at  
the feeder above the tiny frozen pond surrounded by dirt and a
variety of shrubs.
  The Western Scrub Jays came and went. About 8 Black-capped  
Chickadees or more  were busy.  House finches came to the
feeder and nearby.  A few Juncos fed on the ground.
The immature Golden-crowned Sparrow showed up in with them and  
scratched the ground hopping back as it did so.  It was
easy to identify as it had the start of some yellow gold on its  
forehead.
A Spotted Towhee made an appearance for several minutes in the same  
area.
Then a most clean looking bird came up over the rocks and looked down  
on the frozen ice. Didn't stay long.
Still I was able to see it well. 3 light brown stripes on its head. A  
well defined white throat patch. Chest had black stripes
that stopped evenly before its white belly and it had a small black  
square patch in the center.
It was a first year White Throated Sparrow.
I spent an enjoyable half hour or more there two days before winter  
begins.
Bob Spencer
  
   

-- 
Colorado Field Ornithologists: http://www.cfo-link.org/
Colorado County Birding:  http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en

[cobirds] South Platte/Barrows Goldeneye

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders.  Thanks to Mike Henwood I found the Barrows Goldeneye  
within 2 minutes just
north of Evens on the South Platte. Checked the river for a short  
distance. Found a Robin
right away.  On way back found 2 male Buffleheads , 2 male Common  
Goldeneyes and 1 female
with white strip broken into 3 patches and black bill with yellow  
tip. Lots of geese of course.
About 2:30PM. 53o f.
Bob Spencer Golden
  
  

-- 
Colorado Field Ornithologists: http://www.cfo-link.org/
Colorado County Birding:  http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en

[cobirds] Purple Finch is bright House Finch

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders.  Sent  pictures of the male Purple Finch that has  
been coming almost daily but doesn't
associate with House Finches when they come.  An experienced photo  
person and birder determined
it is an House Finch.  I have seen many thousands of House Finches  
and often thy are very variable
in color and plumage.  My first field guide  ( 1950's) was Roger Tory  
Peterson's Western Bird Guide.
It had a section at the back of sub-species (no pictures) House  
Finch had at least a dozen in
California (eg: SAN CLEMENTE HOUSE FINCH and small paragraph) also  
about as many Song Sparrows
So sub species  used to be a lot more commonly  studied or  
mentioned.  I don't do that.
Horned Larks had over 20 sub species and in the 1930's National  
Geographic Magazine published
a story on them with color pages of the different types.  Thompson  
Marsh was pleased when they
made them all one species.  He spent hours in the freezing cold back  
then studying them.
I was glad they separated the Rosy Finches again but hope they do not  
call Red Crossbills different
by the calls they make.  I still have good hearing but not good  
enough to get them. (Of course I am no
longer young either)
Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden
  
   

-- 
Colorado Field Ornithologists: http://www.cfo-link.org/
Colorado County Birding:  http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en

[cobirds] These cold snowy days at home

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders. On Friday Dec. 4  a White-crowned Sparrow came back.
   A  male Red-winged Blackbird showed up with a large panel of brown  
feathers on top of his back. This
makes them very difficult to identify if have not seen this stage of  
molt. This the only one so far this season
and it was alone.  However it did flash his bright red new wing  
patch.  I have had about a half dozen at
once a year ago.  When they are with a small flock of Redwings they  
often are not welcome.

On Saturday  A Blue Jay came first in several weeks. It found a seed  
to its liking and flew off.

It pays to check Juncos which I try to place in their sub-species  
much easier than Red Crossbills if
you have not learned their calls or have limited hearing. Today there  
was a lone black headed Slate-colored
Junco in the Russian Olive and flew down to the ground under the  
thistle feeder.  Sibley;s shows a
variant like that from the Canadian Rocky Mountains.  First I  
remember seeing one like that.
So it pays to watch what shows up at your feeders.

The partial albino House Finch hasn't shown lately nor any House  
Finches only a small flock been
coming this fall.  The Purple Finch males ( 2 seen at once) are still  
coming. They both show more
streaking on flanks than I like to see but lots of white too.

Hard to keep the cage feeder full these days.

Bob Spencer
N.E. of Golden

  
  

-- 
Colorado Field Ornithologists: http://www.cfo-link.org/
Colorado County Birding:  http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en

[cobirds] Report for Thursday 2 ft more snow lots of birds

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders  Hoped for something rare.  Didn't check the Nijer  
feeder a lot so did not  see
the Purple Finch today. There were 3 Lesser Goldfinches abut it at  
once.  Also on of the
large flock of Redwing BB succeeded somehow to get some of the tiny  
seeds. It didn't
stay long.
I refilled the cage feeder with Sunflower seeds and put mixed seed  
out under it and along the
  patio edge.  The cage feeder gets H.Sparrows and H. Finches also  
the two BC Chickadees fly
  right in grab a seed and take it to crack open.  The White -crowned  
sparrow finally showed up.
A. young Mourning Dove came to ground feed late.  I had not seen any  
Mourning Doves in the
yard lately.  The ECOdoves were around . There are about 30 of them.  
Interestingly our street
had been plowed and the young Mourning Dove was walking along the  
side of the plowed road.
About 3PM a small Shed mouse came out on the patio and found seeds it  
liked.
I can no longer shovel snow very well. My son may come after work and  
help.
Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden 

--~--~-~--~~~---~--~~
Colorado Field Ornithologists: http://www.cfo-link.org/
Colorado County Birding:  http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en
-~--~~~~--~~--~--~---

[cobirds] Snowy day

[Bob Spencer]

Hi birders.  About 10 of snow here today.  The cage feeder was  
nearly full now nearly empty. About 75
House sparrows and at least 30 House Finches plus only 1 White- 
crowned sparrow(scratched away the
snow to get at seed I put out on the patio) Didn't try to use cage.   
Many of the sparrows and finches
took shelter on the cross beam under the patio roof.
The Purple Finch and Lesser Goldfinches showed up at the Nijer feeder  
in the Russian Olive which
still has lots of leaves.
The small flock of blackbirds came by and settled mostly in the  
Russian Olive.
Snowbound.
Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden 
   

--~--~-~--~~~---~--~~
Colorado Field Ornithologists: http://www.cfo-link.org/
Colorado County Birding:  http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en
-~--~~~~--~~--~--~---

[cobirds] new observation at Nijer feeder.

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders. On Sunday Oct. 11th I reported a possible Vermillion  
Flycatcher which seemed very
unlikely.  It showed mostly red from the house with poor binoculars.
The last few days including today the small bird showing mostly red  
came back and I brought in
the telescope and it definitely is a Purple Finch. Sure looks more  
purple red in the telescope.
It is a male. First I have had in my yard.  It definitely likes the  
thistle type seed.
Earlier today there was a male Northern Flicker trying to get some of  
seed from the feeder
It stayed quite a while.  Flickers only eat seed when they can't find  
anything else. In spite of
warmer afternoons lately (58o here at 2:30PM) there seems to be few  
bugs around except
near house.
I didn't refill the feeders but a Blue Jay came to check it out. It  
came on the 23rd and ate
some seeds. They don't come often any more. I don't think seed are  
their favorite food.
They sure are pretty.

I am fighting off an annoying cough for 2 weeks so I spend more time  
checking on the birds.

Fun time
Bob spencer N.E. Golden 
  

--~--~-~--~~~---~--~~
Colorado Field Ornithologists: http://www.cfo-link.org/
Colorado County Birding:  http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en
-~--~~~~--~~--~--~---

[cobirds] Flicker at cage feeder

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders.  Yesterday I saw a Flicker trying to get into the round  
cage feeder hanging at edge of the patio.
It is designed to let small birds only get into it to get at feeding  
ports  in the center which I put Sunflower seed.
The Flicker was there quite awhile trying to figure it out and was  
way too big.  It noticed me watching and flew
past with another flicker following close behind.
I have seen a squirrel a couple times go thru all kinds of tricks to  
get at the seeds.  House Sparrows and
House Finches get in easily and the Chickadees just fly in and  
quickly select a seed and take it to the
Choke Cherry nearby to hammer away to get the seed out. Always happy.
Not seen any other small birds get into it yet.

Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden 
  

--~--~-~--~~~---~--~~
Colorado Field Ornithologists: http://www.cfo-link.org/
Colorado County Birding:  http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en
-~--~~~~--~~--~--~---

[cobirds] Sunday more seen afternoon.

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders.  I watched the Nijer Thistle feeder about 3 PM. There  
was a black-backed Lesser Goldfinch,
an American Goldfinch, a couple of sparrows when a small bird that  
had lots of bright red was finding seed
from the feeder it came and went a couple times. I decided it had to  
be a Vermillion Flycatcher with
such a bright red head and belly.  I watched it for about 10 minutes  
before it flew off in the Russian Olive
where the feeder is located.  It was too cold for bugs. Wonder if  
there are reports of it eating other things.
Its beak is very small so it could grab the tiny seeds. I had to  
leave and didn't return until after dark.
Monday it did not show up. I checked the feeder and filled it with  
more.  If it returns I will post sooner
and leave my number.
Bob Spencer N. E. of Golden
  
 

--~--~-~--~~~---~--~~
Colorado Field Ornithologists: http://www.cfo-link.org/
Colorado County Birding:  http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en
-~--~~~~--~~--~--~---

[cobirds] Sunday October 11 at home

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders.  A  chiily overcast morning. at 10:45AM I had about 50  
Common Grackles on and about the cable spool
feeder. There were a couple of Red-wings with them.  Temp. about 28o  
f. ,calm
Yesterday had several Brewers BB males and FOS Junco a Pink-sided.   
Lots of Eurasian Collared Doves.
Something else is sure to show up.
Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden

--~--~-~--~~~---~--~~
Colorado Field Ornithologists: http://www.cfo-link.org/
Colorado County Birding:  http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en
-~--~~~~--~~--~--~---

[cobirds] Thirty doves or more

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders. Today I had 24 Eurasian Collared Doves in front Locust  
tree and at least 6 in the back yard.
They liked being up in the large dead parts to get the sun.

In January on the DFO trip to Pueblo we went south of the City Park  
to neighborhood where there
were 30 plus White-winged Doves hanging out in one residential block.

It has been a few years now since I have had 30 Mourning Doves come  
to my yard usually in December to
February.  Very few come now since West Nile and the coming of a few  
Eurasian Collared Doves.
They multiply in the neighborhood.  I hear their calls from March to  
September.

What Doves are next that will make thirty something?

Rock Doves been here done that for  years but they decided they are  
pigeons!

Bob Spencer  Golden N.E. of Golden 

--~--~-~--~~~---~--~~
Colorado Field Ornithologists: http://www.cfo-link.org/
Colorado County Birding:  http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en
-~--~~~~--~~--~--~---

[cobirds] Spotted Towhee at home

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders . I had the first Spotted Towhee this year in my yard.  
( a 100 ft. x 110).  #29 species (2009).
Very windy off and on.
Started feeding Oct. 1  A Black-capped Chickadee welcomed me back as  
it got a sunflower seed.
Bob Spencer 

--~--~-~--~~~---~--~~
Colorado Field Ornithologists: http://www.cfo-link.org/
Colorado County Birding:  http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en
-~--~~~~--~~--~--~---

[cobirds] Friday WRGB -Probable Red-faced Cormorant

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders.. Went to the Wheat Ridge Green Belt about 12:30PM to  
2PM Friday August 14.  I needed to get more
practice walking with my right foot boot and Rollater.  Also wanted  
to see damage done by the storm 2 weeks ago.
a commercial firm was cleaning up.  All smaller trails were closed  
because of damage.  Only the paved trail and the
nature gravel trail were open.  I went to Bass Lake and relaxed  
there . Listened to a noisy bullfrog which did not show.
I watched a large black cormorant in the middle of the pond. It as up  
for a few seconds and dove at least a dozen
times. It had a red patch on face and into gular patch. Its bill  
smaller than D.C. and dark. Tail had many fringes.
Its neck was much heaver possibly not as long as Double -crested.  A  
Double -crested came in but didn't interact
soon flew to the east. the one I was watching circled around and went  
low north.
A few years ago about the same time returning from checking the heron  
Island in Tabor Lake I found two similar
Cormorants on the shore of Prospect in the sw corner near the outlet.  
I will have to see if I made good notes.

We tend to ignore Cormorants unless they are 3/4 size. Sibley says  
thse Cormorants like to be solo or in smaller
groups.  I went Monday afternoon and did not relocate it but couldn't  
check Tabor. Took camera this time.
So even at least likely time of day you find something rare.
Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden 
  

--~--~-~--~~~---~--~~
Colorado County Birding:  http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en
-~--~~~~--~~--~--~---

[cobirds] Crow Valley item I forgot from Friday

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Co birders  I meant to include Eurasian Collared Dove pair on  
picnic table about 2PM
Friday.  First I have seen there but I didn't get there but once  
before this year and only
few times last year.  one of my many favorite places. There was also  
a pair of
Mourning Doves near the signs and group picnic area.
Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden 

--~--~-~--~~~---~--~~
Colorado County Birding:  http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en
-~--~~~~--~~--~--~---

[cobirds] Marston loon and Nighthawk over Crown Hill Rsvr

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders.  The Loon I saw was definitely a non-breeding Red- 
necked Loon.  I didn't have any guides with me
but the non-breeding Arctic has much more black on neck and head. Of  
course is very rare here.

Today I went to Crown Hill off 26th avenue east of Kipling.  Best  
bird was a Common Nighthawk seen about
11:30AM  above the reservoir.

Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden 

--~--~-~--~~~---~--~~
Colorado County Birding:  http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en
-~--~~~~--~~--~--~---

[cobirds] Loon at Marston Rsvr Friday July 31

[Bob Spencer]

I cobirders. I found the Red-necked Loon I think. Went in on the  
Wadsworth side worked way down to W.Layton
to end at wood fenced Bird Sanctuary from there you could scope the  
south expanse of Marston.
The loon I saw suspected as a Red-necked seem to fit an Arctic non- 
breeder doubt if it is a different bird.
Of course I am relying on the Guide because the Arctic one I saw a  
few years ago at Cherry Creek was
a first record ( was at Walker pond first at Franktown. Maybe someone  
will double check it.
Bob Spencer Golden 
  

--~--~-~--~~~---~--~~
Colorado County Birding:  http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en
-~--~~~~--~~--~--~---

[cobirds] Banded Rock Pigeon

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders.  Discovered at edge of my driveway a dead Rock Pigeon  
on its back clean looking. Had a seed in its bill.
Possible broken neck so may be a window kill.  It appeared there Wed.  
afternoon.  So someone in neighborhood knowing
my interest in birds could have dropped it off.  May be a homing pigeon.
Had bands on its legs:
Right leg -Yellow band with AU9 GFL-528
Left  leg  -Purple band with only  7.
Call me at 303-279-4682 or e-mail me with if I should contact  
someone.  Thanks
Bob Spencer 
  

--~--~-~--~~~---~--~~
Colorado County Birding:  http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en
-~--~~~~--~~--~--~---

[cobirds] Black backed L.Goldfinch

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders..  I continue to put out Njer seed. I have been getting  
Lesser Goldfinches lately.
Today a beautiful black backed form of the Lesser Goldfinch showed  
up.  I quit the regular
seed in May this year.
Bob Spencer
N.E. of Golden 
  

--~--~-~--~~~---~--~~
Colorado County Birding:  http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en
-~--~~~~--~~--~--~---

[cobirds]

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders   Tuesday evening at 8PM after a church meeting in  
Arvada there were 5 Common Nighthawks
flying below the low clouds calling as they went to the west.  Don't  
see them as often as past years.

Bob Spencer NE of Golden.

--~--~-~--~~~---~--~~
Colorado County Birding:  http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups Colorado Birds group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en
-~--~~~~--~~--~--~---

[cobirds] Lower Latham area and Crow Valley

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders  my feet have healed so I tried birding mostly near the  
car. Eleven AM got to Lower Latham area.
Migration mostly over.
Road 42 pond had a large shorebird disappear behind a peninsula .  A  
Baird's Sandpaper was running under an
American Avocet one of 8. There were also 8 Wilson Phaleropes  plus  
one male. There were 6 Cinnamon Teals
all males.
Highlights on way to Road 48 were a juvenile Prairie Falcon and a  
Swainson's Hawk.

Road 48 low numbers but many species, Highlights;
White Pelican  1 only flying low along the inlet.
Snowy Egret   also in the inlet
Black-necked Stilt on a nest in the grassy area.
Northern Harrier male over the marsh being chased
Great-tailed Grackle 2 males scattered over the area
Killdeer  3 having a conference in the middle of the road.

Crow Valley several new ones for me.
Bullock's Oriole
Common Nighthawk  in a tree branch
Eastern Kingbird only 1
Cedar Waxwings 4
Empid. small but in the shadow sat silently
White-eyed Vireo (reported earlier) I couldn't detect eye or color  
(didn't make my year list)
Swainson Thrush (last of them I guess)
Western Tanager female seen several times
Western Wood Pewee
Did not walk around much- hung out mostly at the faucet they leave  
run to make a puddle.
The Waxwings (all 4), Robins, Starling and Grackles took baths -warm  
day.
Added 7 to my year list  Nice day.
Bob Spencer



--~--~-~--~~~---~--~~
Join us at the 2009 Convention in Alamosa:
http://cfo-link.org/convention/index.php

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
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en
-~--~~~~--~~--~--~---

[cobirds]

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders. A short trip to the Wheat Ridge Green Belt at noon  
today. Over the bridge and  just to the right on the
nature trail there is a Bushtit nest in small tree not leafed out yet  
to the left of the trail about 6 feet high.  It is behind
several dead leaves in the branches.  I saw the the Bushtits moving  
in the nearby trees. at least two.
I leaned upon the tree and watched the 8 cylinder nest and saw one  
of the Bushtits quickly slip into it.  This the
first Bushtit nest I have seen and also the first ever Bushtits seen  
at the Green Belt.  People pass on the trail
often and I think they don't seem to be bothered. Shows even if you  
have been going to a place many many times
something new can still show up.  Another DFO couple showed up  there  
and I was able to show them.

Bob Spencer N. E. of Golden 
  

--~--~-~--~~~---~--~~
Join us at the 2009 Convention in Alamosa:
http://cfo-link.org/convention/index.php

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
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en
-~--~~~~--~~--~--~---

[cobirds] Weld County birds Tuesday April 21

[Bob Spencer]

Hi Cobirders .  Went birding from the car until my feet heal.  
Highlights :
Road 42 -Beebe Draw
  Yellow-headed Blackbirds -30 all male
  Great-tailed Grackles 7 males and 2 females
  Greater Yellowlegs 1
  Lesser  Yellowlegs  2
  Barn Swallow 1 flyby

Road 48
Willet 1
Snow Goose 1 hanging loose
Western Grebe 1 only in the inlet diving
lots of flooded field and usual ducks

Road 50 and 57 -Loloff Reservoir
American Avocet -6
Black-necked Stilt 2
lots of Shovelers
15 Scaup all males
few GullsGeese, other ducks and 1 Killdeer

Bob Spencer 
  

--~--~-~--~~~---~--~~
Join us at the 2009 Convention in Alamosa:
http://cfo-link.org/convention/index.php

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
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en
-~--~~~~--~~--~--~---

[cobirds] Home feeder bird-Yellow-headed Blackbird

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders.. Heavy wet snow kept me close to the patio until my son  
and grand children came this afternoon
and cleared a path to the drum feeder. Jim filled the sunflower cage  
on the patio and put more feed out on the
drum feeder.  Two juvenile Mourning Doves - On Mar. 26 two adults  
came and this month only one came.
so that is why!  The young ones fed most of the day. no adults tho.  
Lots of Eurasian Collared Doves every day.
After 4 PM a small group of blackbirds came to the drum feeder.   
Outstanding in the center was one Yellow-
headed Blackbird.  First of the year here.  First ever in the yard  
came about same time last year.

This storm sure brought out lots of different birds. Wish I was able  
to get out there too but my feet are being
doctored.

Bob Spencer NE of Golden 
   

--~--~-~--~~~---~--~~
Join us at the 2009 Convention in Alamosa:
http://cfo-link.org/convention/index.php

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
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en
-~--~~~~--~~--~--~---

[cobirds] Snow in the yard -lots of birds

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders. Thursday at 7 AM there was 2 of snow on the ground. By  
9AM there was enough so I
could not find the paper.  I am unable to shovel much any more so no  
path to the drum feeder and
it got 10 by afternoon.  Often blizzard conditions.
Lots of birds came for shelter and check out the caged sunflower  
feeder at the patio also the
suet feeder and the Nijer seed holder.  Spring was short and winter  
is back,
Eurasian Collared Dove 12
Mourning Dove  2
Common Grackle 1
Red-winged Blackbirds 30 male  4 female
Starling 6
Northern Flicker 2
Black-capped Chickadee 2
White-crowned Sparrow 3 plus a brown stripped one
Song Sparrow 1 first in yard this year
House Finch 20+
American Goldfinch 4
House Sparrow 40+
Well sun is shinning and sky clearing.  We sure needed the moisture.
More and better birding to all.
Bob Spencer NE of Golden


--~--~-~--~~~---~--~~
Join us at the 2009 Convention in Alamosa:
http://cfo-link.org/convention/index.php

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
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en
-~--~~~~--~~--~--~---

[cobirds] At home- first Black-backed Lesser Goldfinch

[Bob Spencer]

Hi cobirders.   I have been having 7 American Goldfinches at my  
thistle feeder for weeks. Today Monday
I had one Black-backed form of Lesser Goldfinch which is the first  
winter to my yard ever!  Have they shown
up along the front range elsewhere this year?   Bob Spencer NE of  
Golden 

--~--~-~--~~~---~--~~
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
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en
-~--~~~~--~~--~--~---