[cobirds] Re: Yard list questions: How many of CO's 520 species have been seen (or heard) from a yard?
Love this discussion, Thomas! I started birding before I had a car, so yard birding has a dear place in my heart. I've been yard-listing for around 6 years in Larimer County. I was very obsessed with birding in my yard for the first 3 years, submitting up to 4 complete checklists a day during migrations. I have had to resort to more casual yard-listing since I started my UG. I am pretty happy with the 81 species on my Timnath yard list, especially considering how it is not in the "birdiest" of locations. I've had some fun Larimer birds: SUTA, CORE, PUFI, TOWA, BWWA, CAKI, HOWA, CATE. One of the most memorable experiences was when I finally, after two months of taping nocturnal audio in the summer, got a Barn Owl screaming while sitting out on my driveway. The Hooded Warbler was my first yard rarity, and I remember having Nick Komar and Joe Kipper come over to see it. The Common Redpoll was another fun one that Josh Bruening and Joe Kipper got to pick up as well. I'm in the middle of the Summerfields Estates subdivision, so again, not super birdy, but there have been some miracles. I also took my yard birding to silly extents, setting up a scope on the patio and scoping as far out to the foothills as possible to catch raptors and a few other large species that I would have otherwise not gotten. Ultimately, yard-listing taught me a lot about birding that I take outside the yard: *bird every bird. Bird every common bird.* Bird until every bird seems boring, because nothing has prepared me more for recognizing and finding rarities than the hundreds of hours I've spent birding the expected species. I've also gotten to see some really neat behavioral phenomena, and the cherry on top is that I didn't have to spend any gas money. ;) Happy birding, everyone! - CSA -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/55492980-f7cc-4bdc-9fec-fd76948725een%40googlegroups.com.
Re: [cobirds] Baird’s Sparrow has returned to Larimer County
Definitely not a downer, Josh! Having birded Soapstone enough times to "learn the hard way" in the summer, everything you mentioned here is very appropriate for this discussion. It's a fairly appropriate disclaimer for a birding culture that is unfortunately shifting towards a "tick and run" rat race. Nobody wants anybody getting heat stroke while searching for these birds. It's also a timely reminder that birding is far more about appreciating the beautiful ecosystems that we still have in their raw and natural forms; when we go birding, we are nature's guests :). Happy birding to all who go after em! ;) Caleb Alons On Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 6:31:19 PM UTC-6 James Bruening wrote: > All, > > I wanted to add a few safety notes if there are people that are going to > try and re-find the sparrows we found today. Soapstone is a pretty epic > place and I don't think I've ever gone there and not seen something > amazing. Beyond the fact that we found the sparrows, we had a moment at > Jack Springs where a Prairie Falcon was after some Lark Buntings for > breakfast. After flying near Nick, a male bunting bee-lined for me turning > left just before he hit me. The Prairie Falcon was forced to bank right to > avoid me at the last second and missed me by an inch at best. Missed his > breakfast, too. EPIC!!! I was a pawn in today's survival game. I got to > run interference! Was I the Bunting's wing-man? Awful, I know. I > couldn't resist it. We couldn't believe it. I have also never gone to > Soapstone and not felt pretty beat up when I was done. > > A couple of notes about this place if you have not been: There is NO > SHADE anywhere except at the bathrooms and a few picnic spots in the > parking areas. The heat can get brutal. The temps are projected to rise > in the coming days. Start early. The gate opens at sunrise. Please be > prepared. Ample water/food/sunscreen. The Deer flies were ubiquitous and > intolerable today. We had bug spray but it was only good enough to keep > the mosquitos at bay. And there were not many of those. Find one that > works on flies. Wearing pants is not a bad idea as the Cheat Grass has > gone to seed and will get into your socks and drive you mad. I was happy I > wore pants. The quickest way to get to these birds was from the north > parking lot. They were 6.5 miles from there. Take the Sand Wash Trail to > the Plover Trail. The birds were near the ranch buildings. The whole > natural area is a stay on trail area. Please respect that. The birds were > more than photogenic (I added photos to the checklist and I'm sure Nick > will as well) but might require some patience. The ranch folks will be > more than happy to remind you of this even though they shouldn't have to. > These birds were never more that 20 yards off of the ranch road. Beware of > slithering things as well. I am not trying to be a downer here and > convince people not to go. I'm just trying to convey that this isn't your > normal leisurely stroll in the woods. It was well worth the effort today > but no bird is worth putting yourself in danger because you are > unprepared. I hope I haven't dashed anyone's hopes and dreams and helped > with some preparation. But this isn't an easy tick and go situation where > they are. > > Bird is the word! > > Josh Bruening > Fort Collins > > On Sat, Jul 15, 2023 at 1:43 PM Nicholas Komar > wrote: > >> >> Baird’s Sparrow territorial pair observed and documented just now at >> Soapstone Prairie Natural Area along dirt road by managers house. This is >> along the Plover Trail which is now open for the season. Josh Bruening and >> I are riding the loop by bike and found the pair after riding the loop >> counterclockwise about 9 miles from south parking lot to this spot. >> >> Nick Komar >> Fort Collins CO >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> -- >> -- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >> Groups "Colorado Birds" group. >> To post to this group, send email to cob...@googlegroups.com >> For more options, visit this group at >> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en >> * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. >> Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate >> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/ >> --- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "Colorado Birds" group. >> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from
[cobirds] Re: bird ID
Hello Pat! This looks like a Blue Jay to me :) Blessings, C. Scott Alons On Sunday, September 18, 2022 at 2:00:51 PM UTC-5 p_jo...@yahoo.com wrote: > This bird was seen in the Boulder area. Any clues? > > Pat Joy > 1450 Rembrandt Rd. > Boulder CO > -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/76c8abe5-8dd9-48e1-aead-05b7f198edb7n%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] ***Walden Loon Clarity
Hi All, I am currently working out in Central Nebraska, so I was intrigued when Steve’s Mlodinow’s report of an Arctic Loon at Walden Reservoir came in, as it was only around a day’s drive from me and some of the other birders out here in Nebraska who would have loved to see the bird. Throughout the evening, after Steve reported the bird, many birders noted one Arctic Loon and one rather obvious Common Loon, looks of the Arctic Loon were distant and poor for birders throughout that day and most birders were going off Steve’s description to tick this bird, as they couldn’t quite see the field marks due to the conditions. The following day, after a handful of birders went out looking for the bird, the only two loons present on the lake were Commons, with one obvious bird and another rather Arctic-looking Common Loon that 1st drew birder’s attention by the rather smooth-looking demarkation on the neck and white flanks. The structure of this bird was off for Arctic and when the bird’s neck left the resting posture it was obvious that it had a large white collar at the base, instantly eliminating Arctic Loon. Later on in the day, when photos were posted by Nick Moore and Steven Mlodinow of the bird, there was much discussion on the ID across the country with a few opinions by good birders with experience with the species such as Gary Rosenberg and Cameron Cox, both of which suggested that by the pics provided, the bird looked fine for Common Loon and very off for Arctic. To my dismay, this still wasn’t enough for anyone to publicly suggest on this platform that the bird was missIDed, but instead, more reports were coming in requesting for updates on if the bird had been relocated and some even suggested that people were on the wrong bird and area which blew my mind (people really wanted this bird to be an Arctic)! A couple days ago, Nick Komar photographed a loon that in some pics looks identical to Nick and Steve’s loon but in other pics it obviously shows a white collar. Joe Kipper’s photos of the same loon make this bird look like an obvious Common that wouldn’t draw many birders’ attention at all. What more is needed for people to understand that there was never any Arctic Loon present? There are still eBird reports with this loon labeled as an Arctic. I hope the Colorado Review Team will soon reach out to these people and update them on the correct ID of the bird. Anyways, I was keeping up with the posts on here and was seeing very mixed signs on what the identification on this loon was so thought I would make the claim that nobody else was willing to make on here, as there are still some birders who aren’t sure what is going on with this loon. Caleb -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/C5D371FF-44D3-470E-99D4-D65DE6C3E550%40yahoo.com.
Re: [cobirds] Thrush i.d. Larimer Cty
Hi Dave! Like everybody has pointed out, this is a Sage Thrasher. Although Sage Thrashers definitely look similar to *catharus* thrushes, this bird is a Thrasher, not a Thrush. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/7d7c5460-ebca-4286-b89e-33399a3496e8n%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Unknown sparrow, Horseshoe Park, Aurora
Hello Jim! Yes, that's a Harris's Sparrow! That's a wonderful bird to be able to see in Colorado :) *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/54ad6270-b8e6-4d2f-afcc-53e6ba461002n%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Swan ID help/Weld
Hi Gary! I believe that at least one of the birds (if not both) are Trumpeter Swans. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/bb533bbd-b599-4814-9361-89a30932a588n%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: ID of Clark’s vs Western at Sterns Lake (Boulder County)
Hi Mark! For the sake of efficiency, I'll be using WEGR to be Western Grebe and CLGR to be Clark's Grebe. You would be correct that there is variation and therefore ambiguity when it comes to the black and white pattern on the face. From my limited experience, WEGR tends to be the species that has the most common variation that brings facial IDs into the gray-zone, and it seems like most CLGR are pretty straightforward. That being said, looking at a grebe from half a mile away introduces issues, because we can't see every single bird with close-up detail as we would like. The other primary mark that is probably the most useful one to use year-round is the color pattern of the shoulder, neck, and flanks. On WEGR, the black extends from the back of the neck to more of the base of the neck, and that dark plumage (I say dark, because depending on the age/molt/a bajillion random parameters, it can be black, or some shade of gray) then goes down the shoulder close to the water. I've only been birding for a few years, so take this with a grain of salt, but I've never seen a WEGR in the field that did *not* have dark plumage extend down to the shoulder that connected to the water. The dark plumage extends down the flanks, so the bird just has a darker appearance. Where the body of the bird meets the water on WEGR is usually dark plumage. On CLGR, there is often much more white on the neck, and the black is restricted to the back of the neck. The white then comes off the neck and down the shoulder, which gives the entire front of the bird a much brighter, cleaner GISS. On adult birds, that white/light gray extends down the flanks that are in contact with the water. In most cases, you don't even *need* to see the head in order to make an ID: dark shoulder always means WEGR, no need to wonder. If where the body comes in contact with the water is pretty clearly white, then that is most likely CLGR. All this being said, I should mention that WEGR x CLGR hybrids do occur sometimes. They probably aren't super common, but I suppose it's never a bad idea to consider this possibility in those situations when you see a bird where all the marks are deep in the realm of ambiguity. I didn't talk much about the bill, because although I'd imagine that's helpful on adult birds in breeding plumage, I'm not sure how *reliable *of a mark that is. Sure, CLGR tend to have brighter and cleaner yellow bills, and WEGR have more dulled colored bills, but this is an even more unreliable mark to base entire IDs off of. Just to name a few parameters that will be in constant flux that can change the way a bill looks include lighting, feeding, and age. Hope this was helpful in some way :) I'd be interested to hear what more experienced birders do to identify the large grebes. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/f87e7c30-10a3-49af-9233-cfa052b59eabn%40googlegroups.com.
Re: [cobirds] Sagebrush Sparrow, JEFFERSON COUNTY
Hi Rosanne! Yes, these are wonderful pictures of a Sagebrush Sparrow! Nice find :) The birds are happy, and so am I ~Caleb Alons, Larimer County -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CABprybM_9oxzKuayS_1zV35Z_fgw%3DsS1c%3DF8YHd%3D%3DKqqu%2BkqfQ%40mail.gmail.com.
[cobirds] Re: Feedback on gull IDs
Hello Jenny! I'm a fellow unsure-about-gulls-in-general birder, but I agree with your identifications! The photo of the Lesser Black-backed Gull is a keeper! I think in addition to their colors, note how the Lesser Black-backed Gull just has a different--look overall than the California Gull. It has a slimmer body build, and like Nick said in the presentation, the silhouette of these gulls can also help guide on-the-spot intuition as to where an identification can lead. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/695e5d66-7db6-41c3-9dbc-ffe4ba40f40en%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Hawk ID?
Hi Amy! I believe this is a Red-tailed Hawk. The belly band is definitely there, and its legs do not have feathers on them. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/6881f60f-1bd4-4d59-ab48-d34e7641cb9an%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Identification for these adorable birds
Hi Brian! The first photo looks to be a female American Goldfinch. Note that it's pale yellow-ish, has a small, dark "finch" bill, the clean, pale underparts, and the "tipped" tail with black and white. The second photo is a Northern Shrike. We get two shrike species in Colorado: Northern and Loggerhead Shrike. The one you photographed is a Northern Shrike. Note that the black line going through its eye gets very thin. Its sister shrike species would have a thicker "mask." Generally speaking, if you see a shrike in the winter, it's a Northern Shrike, and if you see a shrike in the summer, it's a Loggerhead Shrike. (During migratory seasons, you have to watch out for the explicit marks, because both species are present!) Hope this helps you :) *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/538d14df-7f0f-4c15-a131-724cb12d044bn%40googlegroups.com.
Re: [cobirds] Re: Boulder Tufted Duck report?
Given that in the comments for Tufted Duck, it says they were in the creek, and although I'm not very experienced with sea ducks, I would assume that if there was a Tufted Duck in Colorado, it would hit a reservoir, not a creek. My guess is that it was confused for a pair of male Ring-necked Ducks/Lesser Scaup? *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/8fcd0f4c-7880-4335-8b69-5bc1f20250a6n%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Fort Collins CBC - Larimer
Hi Tom! Is there a google sheet with the totals like there were from the compilation last year? I have friends and family curious to know what I was up to all that time ;) *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* On Saturday, December 26, 2020 at 10:44:14 AM UTC-7 Tom Hall, Fort Collins wrote: > The Fort Collins Christmas Bird COunt was held Dec. 19th. We had a great > day with 93 participants despite the new Covid rules, which were followed. > We got 100 species, which has only been done a couple times. Rarities > included 5 Trumpeter swans, two Red-breasted Mergansers, a late Turkey > Vulture, a Sora, five Eastern Bluebirds, a Vesper Sparrow, and a Lincoln's > Sparrow. High counts were recorded for the swans, Wild Turkeys (increasing > greatly along Front Range), Black-capped Chickadees aqnd Pygmy Nuthatches. > Rough-legged (1) and Ferruginous (cw) Hawks, which is much lower than > normal. Coots were low at 1 and Ring-necked Pheasants, a once common bird, > was absent for at lleast the last 6 years. Colorado's wildfires likely > helped counts of mountain birds, especially many more than normal being > seen in Fort Collins, which is abnormal. It turned out to be a great count > and I appreciate everyone's hard efforts. > > Tom Hall > Fort Collins > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/9ed02f22-963f-4b63-8de1-aa081555d4ccn%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Common Redpoll in Timnath (Larimer County)
Hello CObirders! I posted this to the Larimer text-line and forgot to drop a note here. I found an adult male Common Redpoll in my backyard at around 10:30 am. Joe K. and Josh B. dropped by for a few hours to look for it. I have one of my finals today, but I'll respond to this thread if I am able to relocate the bird later today. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/eb053c7c-a6e0-428e-b581-5fc6e62c775cn%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Western vs Clark's Grebe
Hi Peter! I had just written up a long message with pictures, but apparently the google forum didn't like the copy-paste in photos and I lost the draft. I'll give this another try without the photos. For the sake of efficiency, I'll be using WEGR to be Western Grebe and CLGR to be Clark's Grebe. You would be correct that there is variation and therefore ambiguity when it comes to the black and white pattern on the face. From my limited experience, WEGR tends to be the species that has the most common variation that brings facial IDs into the gray-zone, and it seems like most CLGR are pretty straightforward. That being said, looking at a grebe from half a mile away introduces issues, because we can't see every single bird with close-up detail as we would like. The other primary mark that is probably the most useful one to use year-round is the color pattern of the shoulder, neck, and flanks. On WEGR, the black extends from the back of the neck to more of the base of the neck, and that dark plumage (I say dark, because depending on the age/molt/a bajillion random parameters, it can be black, or some shade of gray) then goes down the shoulder close to the water. I've only been birding for a year and a half, so take this with a grain of salt, but I've never seen a WEGR in the field that did *not* have dark plumage extend down to the shoulder that connected to the water. The dark plumage extends down the flanks, so the bird just has a darker appearance. Where the body of the bird meets the water on WEGR is usually dark plumage. On CLGR, there is often much more white on the neck, and the black is restricted to the back of the neck. The white then comes off the neck and down the shoulder, which gives the entire front of the bird a much brighter, cleaner GISS. On adult birds, that white/light gray extends down the flanks that are in contact with the water. In most cases, you don't even *need* to see the head in order to make an ID: dark shoulder always means WEGR, no need to wonder. If where the body comes in contact with the water is pretty clearly white, then that is most likely CLGR. For example, the inaturalist photo you linked has an ambiguous facial pattern, but when you look at the shoulder, it's pretty clear that it's a WEGR. This particular type of ID mark is similar to Common Goldeneye versus Barrow's Goldeneye, in which you know it's Common if the shoulder is white, and it's Barrow's if that black "spur" extends down the shoulder. All this being said, I should mention that WEGR x CLGR hybrids do occur sometimes. They probably aren't super common, but I suppose it's never a bad idea to consider this possibility in those situations when you see a bird where all the marks are deep in the realm of ambiguity. I didn't talk much about the bill, because although I'd imagine that's helpful on adult birds in breeding plumage, I'm not sure how *reliable *of a mark that is. Sure, CLGR tend to have brighter and cleaner yellow bills, and WEGR have more dulled colored bills, but this is an even more tricky mark to make entire IDs off of. Just to name a few parameters that will be in constant flux that can change the way a bill looks include lighting, feeding, and age. Hope this was helpful in some way :) I'd be interested to hear what more experienced birders do to identify the large grebes. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/a95161b6-1cac-47b1-b454-c6a535a336f4n%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Pine siskins?
Hi Amy! Yes, these are Pine Siskins :) Note the more petite, slender overall body shape and the yellow in the wings. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/94d1701f-10ad-4ddc-b8ec-fca53b4aecbfn%40googlegroups.com.
Re: [cobirds] Mystery dead bird
Hi James! I agree with Nathan. In addition to the thin, serrated bill and bushy crest, note the clean white chin and white wing patches, which are all consistent marks for female Hooded Merganser. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/0c3ac3cc-8b56-42ab-bf60-6c711b3e164bn%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Mexican Duck ID question (Pleasant View Marsh, Boulder Cty)
Hi Thomas! I'll start with a disclaimer: I'm not an expert on Mexican Ducks. The reason I'm putting in a word is because I remember learning from a waterfowl presentation that Mallard ducks (both sexes) and Northern Shovelers are the only dabbling ducks that have white tail feathers. Since Mexican Duck is not either Mallard or Northern Shoveler, a pure Mexican Duck should *not* have white tail feathers. I do agree that this bird looks to have Mexican genes. The bill and head look consistent with Mexican, but the tail looks more Mallard to me. I'd suggest this is a Mexican x Mallard, although I'm eagerly awaiting the experts to weigh in on this one. Great photo! *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/c3ad1830-2d24-4933-8845-136f6a1cbb34n%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Trouble with eBird?
Hi Susan! It appears that the ebird.org site is down across the United States. I'm not entirely sure if they're doing site maintenance, or if there's a bigger issue that they're trying to sort out at the moment. I guess we'll have to sit tight and see what happens. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/137d1eda-d9e2-48cb-8739-b3a933de05ean%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Hermit Thrush Yard Bird, Larimer County
Hello CObirders! I had a Hermit Thrush show up in my yard while eating lunch today outside. I've never had one in my yard before, so I was pretty excited. I suppose this is in light of the recent discussion about the wildfires causing mountain species to venture further east than usual. I live in east Timnath, near the Weld County border, and the only other time I've seen a Hermit Thrush in my neighborhood was last spring migration along a road with plenty of trees and along the Poudre. I definitely didn't expect to see a mountain species today, so I suppose keep your eyes out for surprises, even if you're east of the foothills a ways. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/b54a6326-2076-4e1d-86fb-fa875454d788n%40googlegroups.com.
Re: [cobirds] I have thumbed through 3 bird books and can't find this guy
Hello Jim! You've got a Red-breasted Nuthatch! A quick note about looking up birds in field guides: sometimes it's best to try the approach of noting key marks before opening a guide, because that way you won't be simply looking for an exact image match. For example, your photos show clearly a red breast, a black head with a conspicuous white "eyebrow" and a black line that continues through the eye. It's got a thin, pointed bill. When you go to the field guide, look for these *marks* rather than necessarily a bird that "looks similar," and that might help you for future identifications! *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/e4c4acb5-6268-42c2-bdc4-da7eda37f918n%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: New Yard Bird 2nd Day in a Row!/Weld
Hi Gary! Wow! A Mountain Chickadee way out there? That's an exciting bird to have out there! Congrats :) *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/7a6e3f46-a1e8-4019-a8c2-9a8707eaf89bn%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Another ID?
Hi Amy! In light of your last comment, I thought this little tip might help you as you continue to study birds: more times than not, the birds we see "in the field" don't perfectly match a 5-star photo of an adult in breeding plumage. If you're using a phone app like the Merlin ID app (which is an amazing app, by the way), it's good to be aware that the birds you find won't always look exactly like what you see in those photos. The Sibley Guide does a fairly good job of covering the major plumages for both sexes and most ages, but birds molt too, and at that point, it's often best to look to other field marks that aren't just color-pattern based. Have fun out there! *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/5f25bea6-1ffe-448b-8dad-12b3d9de8d8cn%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Another ID?
Hi Amy! Don't worry about asking questions--birding is hard, and I think I speak on behalf of the CObirds community when I say we love helping newer birders learn the many facets of bird identification! You have photographed a non-breeding plumage Yellow-rumped Warbler. Note that the throat is pale yellow (adult "Audubon" Yellow-rumped Warblers would have a much fuller yellow throat. There is another subspecies of Yellow-rumped Warbler called "Myrtle" that have white throats instead of yellow throats). Also note that the "armpit" is yellow--a mark that points to Yellow-rumped Warbler. The only other non-male breeding plumage warbler that has yellow armpits is the American Redstart, but those birds are much darker on their backs. The white eye arcs, dull gray back, dull wing bars, and dark streaks along the flanks are all marks that point toward non-breeding Yellow-rumped Warbler. Although your photo doesn't show it, these birds flash yellow on their rumps, hence their name (and their nickname "butterbutt"). Come spring, you'll get to enjoy seeing lots of these guys in their gorgeous adult breeding plumages! *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/44c7db82-24e1-46db-86c2-8622f3b71027n%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] American Golden-Plover Continues (Larimer County)
Hello CObirders! Josh Bruening and I birded Timnath Reservoir this morning and refound the *American Golden-Plover* that was reported here yesterday. We parked at the north end and hiked east on the mud until we were a bit southwest of the swim beach area. It was very active, chasing Killdeer and feeding all over the place, so it could move around some. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/544bcb5a-e146-45ec-afa1-a7cb4f8f024bn%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Birding in the La Junta area
Hi Cinnamon! Those pelican photos are absolutely stunning! Thank you for sharing with us :) *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* On Saturday, September 19, 2020 at 11:00:56 AM UTC-6 cinnamon...@gmail.com wrote: > One more thing... > > Right before I arrived, while on Hwy 71 and CR 805 (yes, there is a long > detour because Hwy 50 is closed down for a huge portion of it right now), I > noticed a huge flock of "something" flying in the distance. As I got > closer, I was able to pull into a safe area and get out to see what was > flying overhead. It was about 200 American Pelicans, circling overhead. I > got some decent photos. See attached. > > Cinnamon Bergeron > > On Sat, Sep 19, 2020 at 8:30 AM Cinnamon Bergeron > wrote: > >> Somehow the email was sent before I finished adding photos. Here are a >> few more photos from Holbrook, including the American Avocets: >> >> On Sat, Sep 19, 2020 at 8:22 AM Cinnamon Bergeron >> wrote: >> >>> Who has been to Holbrook Reservoir? Or Rocky Ford State Wildlife Area? >>> >>> Yesterday, I decided to venture out to Rocky Ford, Colorado and check >>> out some spots. It was quite an adventure. >>> >>> There were literally hundreds of shorebirds at Holbrook! So many, it >>> was overwhelming. I took about a thousand photos and have been trying to >>> decipher what is what. >>> >>> I saw at least 50 American Avocets. They are all white (non breeding >>> plumage) and so beautiful right now. See photo. >>> >>> I saw about a dozen Stilt Sandpipers, Long-billed Dowitchers, and every >>> type of Sandpiper and Peep. I wish there was a shorebird expert with me to >>> help me understand the differences between many of them. >>> >>> A funny thing happened. I was walking along the shore (having no >>> problems), and my feet suddenly sunk into the sand. My feet went down into >>> this blue clay. I couldn't pull my feet out at first. After a minute, I >>> had to pull my feet out of my shoes and step again deep into the sand/clay >>> and then stick my hand into the holes (where my shoes were at) and pull out >>> my shoes. Thankfully, I was wearing an old pair of sneakers that I really >>> do not care about. I was covered in mud. My socks were still on and I >>> walked a while carrying my shoes covered in slimy blue clay. Since I was >>> completely on the other side of the reservoir, I knew there was no way I >>> could walk all the way back to my car in this condition. Plus, what was I >>> to do when I got to my car? So, I decided to walk into the water to wash >>> my legs, hands and shoes. I was carrying a side sling shoulder bag, my >>> camera and binoculars. I was worried I was going to slip on the slimy clay >>> and ruin all of my gear. But thankfully, I was able to walk into the >>> water, wash off my shoes and hands and then walk back out onto the sand, >>> take off my socks that were completely covered in clay and put my shoes on >>> my bare feet and walk back to my car. It was somewhat traumatic... >>> especially because I was the only one at the entire reservoir (not to say >>> that I was glad no one was there to see all of this). Anyway, I just >>> thought I would share to bring a little humor to our birding adventures. >>> >>> Here are a few pictures from Holbrook. I also saw a bunch of awesome >>> birds at Rocky Ford State Wildlife Area. >>> >>> Ebird posts from both: >>> Holbrook https://ebird.org/checklist/S73748297 >>> Rocky Ford State Wildlife Area https://ebird.org/checklist/S73760699 >>> >> -- 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/8115e459-c3bc-42c3-91f1-1f52f91eade2n%40googlegroups.com.
Re: [cobirds] Hawk i.d. Storm Mountain, Larimer Cty
Hi Dave! Thanks for mentioning the white rump field mark. This looks like a Ferruginous Hawk to me. On its upper side there are the diagnostic "three points of white," the third point being the rump white patch and two white patches on the "wrists." The birds are happy, and so am I ~Caleb Alons, Larimer County -- 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/CABprybOr7yWPwzcbQFjZy6eDhqgw%2BWhkNM9mr-K1Em_OQau7eA%40mail.gmail.com.
[cobirds] Re: Comments on bird food habits during and after the recent storm
Wow! Thanks Dave for sharing. You're an incredibly thorough and well-rounded birder, and I always enjoy reading about your discoveries and excursions! *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* On Friday, September 11, 2020 at 11:07:29 AM UTC-6 Dave Leatherman wrote: > This whole year, and especially the last week, has been surreal. In > regards to the latter, high temps over 100 degrees, incredible smoke and > ash in the air from the Cameron Peak Fire (and others), then an early > heavy, wet snow. My first thought is how does an outdoor plant survive in > Colorado? Followed by, how do animals that depend on plants survive? > Followed by how do our birds that depend on animals that depend on plants > survive, particularly when the above set of events happens during the > stressful, energy-depleting exercise called "migration"? > > I have been out a lot of late, including three trips to Crow Valley, one > to Eaton Cemetery, several to Grandview Cemetery and nearby City Park in > Fort Collins and once to the Wyoming Hereford Ranch. The following > observations regarding birds and their feeding are mostly from these trips. > > I have heard the word "carnage" used and other words that imply this storm > took a heavy toll on the birds. I saw several incidences of birds > obviously in stress and doing things to cope they normally wouldn't do in > the absence of the snow and cold, but I personally didn't see high > mortality. That said, in Fort Collins and surrounding area we didn't get > the snow accumulations some other areas got, and I am not saying the > reports of birds getting hit by cars because of being weak and having to > hunt the bare ground afforded by roads are in error. > > What I have seen are lots of birds *on the ground*. I think > this represents two things: 1), they were tired and wet and unable to fly > very well, and 2), much of the food available to them had been washed from > plants to the lower parts of plants or onto the ground. > > Feathers are the best insulation material we know, EXCEPT when wet. Faced > with both wet and cold, a bird is in trouble. On Tuesday I was trying to > bird Grandview and the major chore was avoiding slush balls falling from > the elms and spruce overtopping all the roads. Things went OK except for > one that crashed down the back of my neck (think college football coach > after a major victory getting the surprise Gatorade bath). What would a > direct hit by one of those do to a bird? Mother Nature was playing > "Battleship" with all of us, and for pretty much two days was given an > unlimited number of chances to guess coordinates. Some of us sunk, but in > most cases I suspect just took a hit and limped to port. > > Like most stores in the early days of the COVID-19 shutdown, certain > shelves in outdoor food stores available to birds got depleted by the > storm. Flying insects were erased from the air, mostly knocked to the > ground. Like birds, they mostly survived but were either too cold or wet > to fly. At Crow Valley on the 8th I came across a catbird under a juniper > eating the huge dewinged body of a common green darner dragonfly. We > typically see darners coursing back and forth over water or open > terrestrial ground. The rest of the time they go up under the branches of > trees and roost like bats (see below). I would guess the catbird got in > under the juniper to hide from the elements and found a major morsel > sharing its shelter - maybe a life-saver, but at a minimum a win-win. > > > > A major food at Crow Valley and many urban areas of late is the elm leaf > beetle (*Xanthogaleruca luteola*)*,* both the yellow adults and grungy > larvae which skeletonize the leaves to rusty brown. Inspection of several > low branches revealed this insect might have been an exception to my theory > about insects getting knocked lower in, and even out of, trees. Somehow > the larvae were still present. Maybe their "trick" was their evolved mode > of feeding on the *underside *of leaves. Winged adults were present in > good numbers. Maybe they got knocked to the ground and by the time of my > inspection had flown back up into the trees. At any rate, Townsend's > Warblers, Yellow Warblers, Wilson's Warblers, Warbling Vireos, Red-eyed > Vireos, Cassin's Vireos, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, *Spizella* sparrows, and > probably other species spent major time in Siberian Elm getting this insect > before, during and after the storm. > > > > We all know about millers (aka Army Cutworm, *Euxoa auxiliaris*) and how > they migrate to the mountain
[cobirds] Re: Ruff-TimnathReservoir-Larimer County
Well said! Nick Komar and I searched extensively for the bird yesterday late afternoon into the evening without luck. I would strongly urge other birders who are able, to pursue refinding this bird, however! (There are two Sanderlings, lots of Stilt Sandpipers, a Pectoral Sandpiper, and four Black Terns as well out there.) Thank you for your great finds and contributions to the Colorado birding community, Josh! *The birds are happy, and so am I,* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* On Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at 10:34:28 PM UTC-6 Josh Bruening wrote: > All, > > First, let me report a Red Knot at Fossil Creek Reservoir that I found at > noon today. Luckily this bird was seen by many people. Better photos were > taken than the ones I included on my Ebird checklist. > > Second, there is some question to the veracity of my report of a Ruff > earlier this morning at Timnath Reservoir. I would like to put out there > first that I am more than willing to go to school on my identification of a > Ruff vs. Buff-Breasted Sandpiper. Therefore, I would love to defer to the > experts. However, several things were brought up that questioned the > sighting. Mainly, the tertial feathers. Also, the bill was called into > question. Before I mount my defense, I would like to acknowledge that I > have exactly one experience each with both of these specie. > > The reason that I called this a Ruff was the crazy dark head feathers and > thick bill. Also, the bill was thick at the base and bi-colored from what > I could see. The bill was also longer than what I would expect from a > Buff-breasted. Buff-breasted bills are short and dainty. Beyond the the > bill and the head feathers was the fact that it was larger than the > Killdeer and Lesser Yellowlegs nearby. I'm not sure how just the tertials > is a good enough indicator to species at that point. A Buff-breasted > should be far smaller. Again, in a time of molt, I'm not clear as to why > the tertials are the determining factor here. I don't usually "defend" a > sighting but am at odds with this one. Further, if this was "just" a bird > that got beat up or stained by the storm. I don't get it. This bird > looked like a Muppet. If that storm was equivalent to a 15 round bout with > Mike Tyson, I get it. But it didn't look like it to me. > > I truly hope this bird stuck around and can be refound. Truthfully, I > don't care what it is. I think it's a Ruff. Either way, it's a great bird > for Larimer County in the fall. > > Bird is the word! > > Josh Bruening > Fort Collins > > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/e0c88d1e-c306-4b93-b23e-4b748b21676an%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: help with bird ID at Big Thompson Ponds SWA
Hi Bev Yep, I second Joe K. European Starlings have a fairly impressive range of plumages, especially in juveniles and molts. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/1ab45773-cf72-48f1-adf4-ff8a3a711f71n%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Empid ID help, please (Boulder County)
Hi Richard! Thanks for sharing this photo. I wanted to bring something new to this empid discussion: when differentiating between Dusky and Gray, note that Dusky Flycatcher will have a small, dark bill, but Gray Flycatcher has a much larger bill with an orange lower mandible. These two birds are remarkably similar in most other areas, and another mark that can be noted (but not used solely for differentiation due to typical variation) is that Dusky Flycatchers tend to have a rounded crown, whereas Gray Flycatchers tend to have a more flat-head appearance, which subtly alters each bird's GISS. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/9d25d7fd-7e74-42a6-8676-e320fce3db23n%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Recorded Chip Call ID/Weld
Hi Gary! Hmm, this one's tricky. I think the reason xeno so highly recommends White-throated Sparrow is because the pitch, timbre, and attack are very good matches. However, the volume of the recording is relatively low, and the rhythm is a different. I'm not sure I would rule out Blue Grosbeak either, because that metallic chink note works. I think the best thing to do would be to upload the sonogram to ebird, and if the bird wasn't too distant (you can see the notes clearly enough), the shape should help confirm one way or the other. Interested to see what others think! *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/ea9865f2-28e5-4b04-858f-227daf808bf8n%40googlegroups.com.
Re: [cobirds] Sharing the Joy of Birds
Hi David and Larry! This reminds me of a little thesis I did for an essay I wrote in German, where I argued that the most effective form of conserving and stewarding the environment is showing more and more people *what* they are protecting. People might pass you off if you attempt a lecture on recycling, reducing developing more land, or ambiguously "going green," but show those same people a nest full of baby Goldfinches or Kingbirds, and it begins a chain reaction of practices that end up being more environmentally-aware than before. Perhaps this may be an unpopular opinion, but I think people feel like they need to speak for nature so much so, instead of allowing nature to speak for itself. Birds tend to be better communicators (and convincers) that encourage ecofriendly behavior for that matter as well... Great birding ahead of us yet this fall! *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/f40ee6fe-8447-41dd-a9cf-207657e6050cn%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Sharing the Joy of Birds
Hello CObirds! Regretfully, I do not have a rare bird to report today, but I do want to take a moment to talk about one of my growing favorite parts of birding: making newer birders. I love to teach, especially when I'm sharing something I love, and birds are no exception. I'm a teenager, so there are always the occasional awkward side glances when I tell my peers about my hobby, but I've discovered (through many conversations) that the majority of people in *all* age groups are interested in birds to an extent. Not just that, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that a lot of these people would be interested in birding, but they just don't know how to start or how any of it works. I am currently guiding several classmates through the beginning phases of birding (who are already catching on pretty quickly) and I've noticed that my family is recognizing the birds around them more often (my Grandma has a wonderful pair of feeders that sported some great activity this past month). For those of you who know what Nextdoor is, I've found that there is a whole community of nonbirders who want to learn more about birds, whether it's identification tips or just how to attract birds to their yards to watch. I had the opportunity to show a neighborhood resident a beautiful, cooperative Townsend's Warbler on their walk, and yesterday I led a bird walk for some local girl scouts (unexpectedly picking up a FOY Prairie Falcon along the way). I'm finding that sharing birds with our friends, peers, and communities is just one more fun aspect of birding for me and thought I'd encourage this wonderful Colorado birding community to keep making birders! We live in a great state for the hobby, after all... *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/46621812-b853-448b-b2b7-cdafb6a9ddd1n%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Blackbirds massing--is fall on its way?
Especially considering I'm starting to see flocks of geese again, flocks of spizellas heading south, and more shorebirds and passerines coming through, I think fall is on the way! *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/b1aa3ab6-47af-4121-b5f5-8a7cce9da744n%40googlegroups.com.
Re: [cobirds] Beginner birder: please name this bird seen around my home the last 2 days
Hi Vara! Those are some great backyard birds! The first two photos are of House Finches. The males are very pretty with their bright red color pattern. Females don't show red, and juvenile birds have a very large variety of plumages. Their long, slurpy songs are also fun to hear. The 3rd and 5th photos are of a Western Meadowlark. They have a very iconic song that you can hear all over the place once you know it. Although they don't look like it, Meadowlarks are in the blackbird family! The blue and orange bird is an adult male Blue Grosbeak. I'm a little less sure about the last picture, but I know that the bird on the far left is a Brown-headed Cowbird. *The birds are happy, and so am i* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* On Sunday, August 16, 2020 at 6:50:38 AM UTC-6 vvi...@gmail.com wrote: > Thank you Cinnamon, Peter, Jam, Joe, and Cobirders, > > Great- Red-tailed hawk it is! I will try to retain, apply and expand on > this knowledge. > > Thank you for your encouragement. I will reach out to local birders. > > The following may be too common for you; they have become my new friends. > I don't have names for them yet. The water feature outside my window is my > new TV screen. > I haven't seen the blue/purple bird again- it has been several weeks. > > [image: image.png] > [image: image.png] > [image: image.png] > > [image: image.png] > [image: image.png] > > > [image: image.png] > > > > On Sat, Aug 15, 2020 at 12:52 PM Joe Roller wrote: > >> Welcome, Vara, to the great pastime of birding! >> And thanks for the photos of what I think is an adult Red-tailed Hawk. It >> even has >> a red tail. >> As a beginning birder, you have it all before you - so much to learn and >> enjoy! >> >> The Fort Collins Audubon Society hosts great field trips, but they are on >> hold for now, >> due to the "you-know-what" virus. >> Perhaps someone from the Fort Collins Audubon Society can invite you to >> meet at a local >> Open Space or hotspot for a stroll to look at some birds together >> (safely, of course). >> There is no substitute for being "taken under a wing" of someone more >> experienced, >> who can guide you along. >> >> Best of luck, >> Joe Roller, Denver >> >> On Sat, Aug 15, 2020 at 12:30 PM Vara Vissa wrote: >> >>> Hello, >>> >>> I took a few pictures of this bird seen around my home and the >>> surrounding prairie. (I don't have a large zoom lens) >>> >>> A friend told me it is a red-tailed hawk. I want to start using >>> technical vocabulary as I spend more time looking out at birds. >>> >>> I live immediately southeast of the Fort Collins landfill. >>> >>> Thanks, >>> Vara >>> >>> [image: image.png] >>> >>> >>> >>> [image: image.png] >>> [image: image.png] >>> [image: image.png] >>> [image: image.png] >>> >>> -- >>> 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 view this discussion on the web visit >>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAPS7UGacWsQofCLYbPDSiDjS0tyAjgidBNXfO7Udmn_6%3DG7yoA%40mail.gmail.com >>> >>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAPS7UGacWsQofCLYbPDSiDjS0tyAjgidBNXfO7Udmn_6%3DG7yoA%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email_source=footer> >>> . >>> >> -- 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/c234b1eb-4c34-40bf-adf4-3063b6361961n%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: So Long McCown's Longspur, Hello Thick-billed Longspur
Maybe call Ring-necked Duck "White-armpitted Duck" The only way I make 100% positive IDs from long distances for these fellas. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* On Friday, August 14, 2020 at 8:23:11 AM UTC-6 rjpa...@gmail.com wrote: > And can we change Ring-necked Duck to a name descriptive of something you > can see through binoculars? > > > On Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 4:57:46 PM UTC-6, Richard Trinkner wrote: > >> Forgive me if this has already been covered on Cobirds. I don't recall >> seeing it's discussion. >> >> The AOU decided last Friday to rename the >> bird-fomerly-known-as-McCown's-Longspur to the Thick-billed Longspur. I >> personally had not realized how controversial the bird's former namesake >> was. >> >> >> https://www.birdwatchingdaily.com/news/science/mccowns-longspur-renamed-thick-billed-longspur/ >> >> I would imagine we'll be seeing the change in eBird soon. >> >> Richard Trinkner >> 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/daf80ec5-429b-4fd5-b216-9d1183d3e48en%40googlegroups.com.
Re: [cobirds] Re: Archilochus sp. ID
Thank you David and Nick! Really great to learn from the experts *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* On Friday, August 14, 2020 at 5:43:27 AM UTC-6 Nick Komar wrote: > Scott and Caleb, I believe this is juv female Black-chinned. Completely > green central tail feathers rules out Calliope, which should have blackish > tips. Crown is grayish (Ruby-throat would be greener). It looks like it is > pumping its tail up and down, a behavioral trait of Black-chinned but not > Ruby-throated). Bill is short due to young age. Broad-tailed would have > more buff on flanks and rufous base of outer rectrices (tail feathers). > > Nick Komar > Fort Collins CO > > On Aug 13, 2020, at 8:19 PM, Caleb A wrote: > > Hi Scott! > > I'm not very good with hummers, but this looks like a Broad-tailed > youngster to me. Definitely curious to hear what CObirds has to say on this > one, though! > *The birds are happy, and so am I* > > *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* > On Thursday, August 13, 2020 at 7:46:19 PM UTC-6 Scott Severs wrote: > >> Any thoughts on the ID of this juvenile? >> >> Thank you, >> >> Scott Severs >> Boulder County >> >> >> >> -- >> Scott E Severs Longmont scotte...@gmail.com (Note the "E" in the address >> above) Sent from Gmail Mobile >> > -- > 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 view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/4fa8b313-24be-4745-b869-3e0e8030e027n%40googlegroups.com > > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/4fa8b313-24be-4745-b869-3e0e8030e027n%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email_source=footer> > . > > -- 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/97c72acc-d698-4b3f-9ae7-1271b3e9419dn%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Archilochus sp. ID
Hi Scott! I'm not very good with hummers, but this looks like a Broad-tailed youngster to me. Definitely curious to hear what CObirds has to say on this one, though! *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* On Thursday, August 13, 2020 at 7:46:19 PM UTC-6 Scott Severs wrote: > Any thoughts on the ID of this juvenile? > > Thank you, > > Scott Severs > Boulder County > > > > -- > Scott E Severs Longmont scotte...@gmail.com (Note the "E" in the address > above) Sent from Gmail Mobile > -- 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/4fa8b313-24be-4745-b869-3e0e8030e027n%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Hooded Warbler and Palm Warbler @ Timnath Reservoir, Larimer County
Hello CObirders! I went birding this morning with a friend at Timnath Reservoir, originally expecting to see only migration shorebirds, but along the northern shore where there are clusters of dense trees, we were pleasantly surprised to discover some early fall warbler migrants! We started at the east bay, walked down the mudflats to double check an ID for a Pectoral Sandpiper, Wilson's Phalarope, and Greater Yellowlegs. The Franklin's Gulls numbers are higher than I remember last week here too. Before the sun rose, four Virginia Rails were very active in the reeds near the flowing water. A mammal highlight was seeing a family of racoons (momma with two kiddos) watch us quietly before going back into the reeds. At the north shore, there were plenty of Lesser Yellowlegs, Baird's Sandpipers, and Solitary Sandpipers. But the most exciting part was the unexpected miniature fallout in one patch of forest: Yellow Warblers, Orange-crowned Warblers, a Common Yellowthroat, a Palm Warbler, and a rare Hooded Warbler! The Palm Warbler was an eastern PAWA, and the rufous crown was visible. The Hooded Warbler called twice and it hunted for a few minutes before I lost it. Per usual, the wading birds, gulls, and cormorants are abundant. (For those of you curious, here's the whole checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S72312813) The Hooded Warbler looked to be either a juvenile or female type, and I couldn't help but speculate, given the conditions that an adult male and female were reported within miles of each other earlier this spring in the county. Anyways, those reports are probably unrelated, but it's fun to imagine on occasion ;) *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/a9306950-b4dd-4d42-89bc-cae5d5e40aabn%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Shorebirds at Prewitt Reservoir, Washington County
Hi CObirders! I recently went east with friends to bird eastern Colorado counties, and one of the highlights from the day was stopping at Prewitt Reservoir. In the fall, I only remember seeing shorebirds in their more drab nonbreeding plumages, but the birds at Prewitt still showed a lot of their breeding plumages, and it was gorgeous! The mudflats are extremely large, and there were hundreds of shorebirds feeding. Shorebird species: American Avocet, Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Stilt Sandpiper, Sanderling, Baird's Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, Wilson's Phalarope, Spotted Sandpiper, and Lesser Yellowlegs. Other highlights included a large group of lifer Black Terns and 35 White-faced Ibises. So, if you're ever out in that area, it's a really fantastic place to bird! *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/2214da6d-82e8-4115-b300-cabd54606b98o%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Arapahoe County swan sp
Hi Bryan! I'm not an expert with waterfowl, but based off of your photo, I'd suggest not entirely eliminating the possibility that this is a domestic type goose. I could be wrong, but I would assume any swan to be much larger (I'm not sure how far away you were from the bird when you got this photo). Something else that catches my eye is the entirely bright pink bill--is this a mark on younger swans? Because Tundra and Trumpeter Swans would have a black bill, and Mute Swans would have a darker red/orangey color with black on it too. Let me know what you think, or if other birders get better looks at it! *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/d71d55a7-82a1-457f-8dc7-b8fdc6b95a8do%40googlegroups.com.
Re: [cobirds] Semipalmated Plover at Clear Creek and Lowell Blvd. Adams County question
Hi Joe! I actually have a question about this. Can fledgling Killdeer have a bicolored bill like adult Semipalmated Plovers, or would a bicolored (yellow and black) bill on a plover with a single stripe around the neck be a satisfactory number of field marks to rule out any aged Killdeer? Thanks so much! *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/070a0692-7d6c-4770-a81f-3a3095e80ed1o%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Juvenile Spizella Sparrow ID
Hi Dave! Very fun post to read! I was recently thinking about juvenile birds, especially now that the fledglings are growing up quickly, but aren't quite grown up entirely. In backyards, recently fledged juvenile House Sparrows, House Finches, American Goldfinches, Western Kingbirds, and Common Grackles have been everywhere (at least in my Timnath neighborhood), and it's always interesting to note various field marks that distinguish the youngsters from each other. In my case, you're probably not going to struggle differentiating a young House Sparrow from a House Finch, for example, but it brings up an interesting point that the majority of bird field guides don't always address fledgling identification on passerines (and all species in general). *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/d32e0dc5-0e38-47ac-94a8-d8675429622bo%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Tern, Longmont, CO
Hi Kyle! Looks like a beautiful Caspian Tern. Really nice shot! *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/111b529f-47d1-42b1-ac80-c61f66ea5824o%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Breeding Birds at Fossil Creek Reservoir, Larimer County
Hello CObirders! This morning I birded Fossil Creek Reservoir in search of breeding birds and was not let down. I'm happy to say that the Orchard Orioles did return to breed, and apparently successfully fledged some young already! I was unable to confirm that Warbling Vireos and Yellow Warblers had nests, but based off of the extensive amount of singing and indicative behavior, I wouldn't be surprised if there were nests for both species. One highlight was the impressive numbers of recently fledged Cliff Swallows--they carpeted sections of the dirt trail at a time, while busy parent birds were hunting in their whereabouts. Of course, the Barn Swallows have returned strong; there were four easily viewable nests with young, and I'm sure there are others. A recently fledged Western Meadowlark was practicing his song (which was curiously humorous), and Western Grebes were vocalizing back and forth. Seems like the Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles are also doing well, and the begging cries of baby birds in nests could be heard all along the south end of the reservoir. Part of me suspects that Lark Sparrows have a nest somewhere on the property, but the best hints I could get were pairs and singing in the right habitat. I don't know much about ammodramus sparrows in general, but I did notice there were an incredible amount of Grasshopper Sparrows singing their hearts out all over the nature reserve. Do Grasshopper Sparrows breed at Fossil Creek Reservoir? *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/82856184-83e2-49be-ba26-85219c657439o%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] White-winged Dove in Timnath, Larimer County
Hello CObirders! I was driving to the pool this evening and found a White-winged Dove on the sidewalk next to the road. It flew into the field (private owned land) just south of the Timnath Community Center. I hurried back, but it flushed too far, and I couldn't relocate the bird for a photo. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/318ec76e-6e28-47ca-bf30-0a776daa11bfo%40googlegroups.com.
Re: [cobirds] Fun Bird Behavior and Interesting Insects at the CSU ELC
Thank you, Pam and Charlie! *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/f25f2956-3144-49ca-8d5a-db61ba30fb87o%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Another bird sound quiz
Hey Ted! I'll take the bait: I think it's a Say's Phoebe as well. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/776f6336-5a34-423c-8cb1-ac5b39830f59o%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
Hey Ted! Fun bird song quiz here--it sounds like a Red-winged Blackbird calling to me. I'm not sure what else it could be...I'm basing my guess entirely off of the timbre of the sound. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/5c39b2ed-fe61-453e-9fc9-cac380bde83fo%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Amazing bird song at Waneka Lake, Boulder County; do you know what it is?
Hey Ted! Fun bird song quiz here--it sounds like a Red-winged Blackbird calling to me. I'm not sure what else it could be...I'm basing my guess entirely off of the timbre of the sound. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/386829a6-ed1f-4700-a9fc-eb282d1f50bdo%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Can you identify these fledglings?
Hello Pauli! Fledglings never cease to confuse me, but you seem to have found young birds that have had time to grow a bit. I believe they are Osprey chicks, due to the color pattern of white/gray and a contrasting dark back. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/238ff14e-06ec-4ff9-a856-ea07ddd6825ao%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Where are the Orioles? Jefferson Co
That's interesting! I'm up in Larimer, so I'm not sure how much this will apply or be helpful to you, but Bullock's Orioles nest in my neighborhood in Timnath and are relatively "frequent at this time of year." I haven't seen but one Orchard Oriole, which was a migrant that passed through my neighborhood in May. The Bullock's Orioles nest in deciduous trees that line one of the smaller roads in the neighborhood. They did last year, and they returned again. I'm not sure if they'll become permanent breeders in the area, but that would be a welcome treat! *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/12047520-77cd-41ce-bef0-b7d22ce22565o%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: help ID owls on Pier One signage Loveland
Hi Beverly! Hmm, I'm not too good with owls either, but based off of the photos and location, they are probably Great Horned Owls. Although they aren't adults, your photo shows the orangey parts around the face starting to come in, and I've watched recently fledged owls at my grandma's house. They still have a lot of their baby fuzz! *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/8cd147da-bed0-40a4-ba50-6c2f9dc4b3dfo%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Eastern meadowlark?
Hello Marcia! Great photos--too bad you couldn't obtain audio! I read Gary's link about Eastern versus Western Meadowlarks, and after carefully studying the images by Cornell and yours, I am leaning toward this bird being a Western Meadowlark. I definitely noticed that white part just under the lower mandible, but it just looks like too faint a thin piece, and the yellow from the throat "invades" the malar area. Given the amount of variability (check out Gary's link--it's really helpful!), I would say that the white visible on your bird doesn't quite seem to be a 100% confirming mark to be totally certain about Eastern. Did you get good looks at the tail feathers? Interesting bird! *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/f62d5b92-ffc9-4327-8dac-eb32e160c8aco%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Can you help me identify this bird?
Hello! This looks like a male House Finch in breeding plumage. The birds are happy, and so am I ~Caleb Alons, Larimer County -- 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/aedbb58d-0c39-49ba-bb93-17de4c84ae5e%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Rest in Peace, COLORADO RARE BIRD ALERT! And a suggestion/request!
Hi John! That's interesting to hear...I'm subscribed to the Larimer RBA through ebird, and as long as people report a checklist before a certain time each day, it will appear in the next alert. Subscribing to the hourly alert is the "safer" way to go, if you don't want to miss any reports throughout the day. I don't know if sightings go into a "hopper" at all...what ends up happening is that a rare bird report will show up on the RBA email, but then it will be shown as an unconfirmed sighting. If a rare bird report is confirmed, then the email will show that it is in all caps like this: "CONFIRMED." I've never encountered the problem of rare birds *not *making it onto the RBA, but who knows--the ebird computers may still have a few bugs. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/a123c6be-3b38-4ccd-85f9-5e59eae6423f%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Creating Hourly ebird RBA (with screenshots to help)
Hi Beverly! I think what constitutes a "good list of rare birds" is highly personalized to the birder. Since I live in Larimer County and don't have a driver's license yet, I am not too concerned about things that happen say, in Pueblo County or Mesa County. I *do* care about what's being seen in Larimer County, however, so in light of this, I went through the steps shown above in my first post to subscribe to the daily Larimer Rare Bird Alert as well as the Larimer Needs Alert. I think I should mention that the ebird engine sort of determines what constitutes "rare" at various times of the year. For example, we all know that American White Pelicans are pretty common birds...in the right time of year. So, a Pelican reported on Christmas Day would be a pretty big deal, because that's "rare"...as in "out of place rare." Maybe you aren't finding lists with "good birds" because you need to also subscribe to the Needs Alert for your desired regions. That way, you can see everything from uncommon to rare. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/23ac36eb-0011-4bff-ae67-c03e807cdd64%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Bird ID help - This is an old photo - Adams County
Hi Kyle! That's a very beautiful photo of a Ferruginous Hawk! *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/5daee469-4e1d-4ac5-8683-d22f7fabf5cd%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Krider's Hawk? Environmental Learning Center, Larimer County
Hello CObirders! While birding the ELC on May 17th, I photographed a very interesting buteo that I think is a potential Krider's Red-tailed Hawk. I've attached my photos below. I'm very curious to pinpoint an ID (if it's even possible from my photos), so I'll put my thoughts down in an organized fashion. I have a very open mind about this bird, so I'd really appreciate to hear the CObirds community weigh in on this guy. Supporting marks: - White underparts - No belly band - White tail - Dark shoulder bars - Light "wrist" marks in between shoulder bars and wingtips - Darker wingtips - White throat Incongruent marks: - Head is all dark with white throat I'm confused about the belly band thing. In Sibley's guide, under "Eastern" Juvenile looks really great, but only problem is Eastern has a conspicuous, dark belly band, but this bird has nothing on the belly. However, Eastern Juvenile DOES have the right head color pattern, dark shoulder bars, wrist patches, white tail, and darker wingtips. I eliminated Southwestern subspecies, because it lacks a white throat. I eliminated Swainson's Hawk, because of color pattern. I eliminated Ferruginous Hawk because Ferruginous doesn't have thin, dark shoulder bars. Do Red-tailed Hawk subspecies hybridize? [image: IMG_5504 (2).JPG] [image: IMG_5505 (2).JPG] [image: IMG_5506 (2).JPG] [image: IMG_5507 (2).JPG] *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/bf57918c-c648-4642-b38c-263d97549224%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Watson Lake warbler fallout, Larimer
It's days like these, when I really wish I had my driver's license. Good luck to all the chasers! Also, is it probable that these birds will stick around for the rest of the day and leave by night? If so, I may have a chance to get out there later. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/94589f03-7292-4d5b-b7a8-227d7221e9e4%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Vireo ID help
Hello! Your photo is very intriguing and provided me with almost 20 minutes of thinking. Both Plumbeous and Cassin's share a lot of field marks, so my conclusion is the result of studying the differences. I believe your bird is a Plumbeous Vireo, and here's why: 1) although the photo only shows a little bit of it, the edges on the secondaries are gray. Cassin's would be greenish, or at least tinted in some color other than gray. 2) the tail is pretty short, and I realize that this is a relative measurement, but after considering both the camera angle and bird's posture, the tail's length leaned toward Plumbeous to me. 3) it's important to note that Plumbeous can have faint yellow wash on the flanks. However, after reviewing the photography aspects (lighting, surroundings, etc.) I concluded that the yellowish coloration on the undersides of the bird are the result of the bright sun reflecting off the nearby, young leaves. That would also explain how the yellowish tint on the photo seems to be almost uniformly spread out on the entire underside of the bird. It should be known that I'm no expert on Vireos, and am still enjoying learning this fun family of birds too, so take this with a grain of salt! The birds are happy, and so am I ~Caleb Alons, Larimer County -- 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/0fa45ce0-a549-4db5-b8f1-8b4152275a65%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Help needed with photo I.D. Of possible Blackpoll Warbler CCSP, Arapahoe
Hello, This picture confirms Blackpoll Warbler to me. The solid black cap that turns into a clean white cheek looks good. Your photo picks up the slight greenish-grayish tint on the wing, below a white wing bar. Combining that with all white underbelly and undertail coverts looks good too. The back is "messy" grayish and white which is also good for Blackpoll. I'll attach a photo of a Blackpoll Warbler I photographed at Prospect Ponds on Global Big Day so you can compare. [image: IMG_1153 (2).JPG] *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/eaacecfa-42cd-4125-a209-e2fa51a6ad8a%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Scissor-tailed flycatcher?
Hello, Kristen, That is indeed a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher! Amazing find, and good work getting that IDable photo. Note it's ridiculously long tail, salmon flanks, black and white tail (white seen easier in flight), and light blue back. Happy Mother's Day! *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/60f0ae5b-db87-4699-ada8-ae333be5b951%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Rose-breasted X Black-headed Grosbeak hybrid -- LARIMER
Really intriguing find, Joe! Did you by chance hear what it sounded like? And if so, which species was it more reminiscent of? *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/892e3fa9-408b-4562-99fd-a22e6eac0037%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] European Starlings Mimicking Brown Thrasher -- Larimer County
Hello CObirders! I was birding my neighborhood patch along the Poudre this morning, when I heard a Brown Thrasher singing. I looked all over for the Thrasher, but alas, all I could see were some Common Grackles and European Starlings. About five minutes later, I realized that one Starling on a high perch was actually the bird that was singing! Here's my theory: there *was *a Brown Thrasher yesterday morning that was very active and singing. Perhaps the local Starlings learned the song, and are now either using it to be more attractive to prospective mates or even possibly to play a practical joke on me. (Ok, maybe not so much the second part.) Anyways, with all these reports of Brown Thrasher coming into Colorado, I only put out a cautionary word that a heard only Brown Thrasher *may* be a mimicking Starling. Have fun with the migrants this week! *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/ad02db25-6a66-4204-9542-d55d58f901da%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Lucy's Warbler Timnath (Larimer County)
Hello CObirders, I believe I have found a Lucy's Warbler in my neighborhood patch. Here's the link to the checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S68306046 Joe K and Nick K came not long after and we searched for another few hours to try and relocate the bird with no luck. *Note: I will be birding the patch again this evening to attempt relocating it again.* If you want more information about the road I saw it on and other details, feel free to send me an email. Other birds of interest are a Brown Thrasher, Black-throated Gray Warbler, and Dusky Flycatcher found by Nick K when he came to look for the Lucy's Warbler. Good luck and happy birding! *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/4bfed59b-0eb9-42ae-a34e-4cd316c51df0%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Louisiana Waterthrush -- Larimer County
Hello CObirders, I chased a Louisiana Thrush that was initially reported by Jessie Reese and Matthew DeSaix at Spring Park, Larimer County <https://ebird.org/hotspot/L6595151>. It was still there, and although the sun was down, I managed to get a few photos. Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S67653417 Hopefully this migrant sticks around through the night! This was a fun county life bird to see. Good luck to any chasers tomorrow! *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons, Larimer County* -- 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/2a4ebede-d548-4371-87e5-d530d6600546%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Teals x 3 in CCSP
All the Teal talk reminds me of the day I got Green-winged Teal, Blue-winged Teal, and Cinnamon Teal at Rigden Reservoir in one day. They were admittedly all in separate bodies of water (the Green-winged were in a pond across the east railroad tracks, the Blue-winged were in the NE corner of the reservoir, and the Cinnamons were in the creek east of the reservoir), but it was still a really great day! *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons* -- 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/2fa3c907-813a-47ba-b224-6482a6da1ece%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: El Paso county bird ID
Hello, Bill! I intuitively saw this as a House Sparrow based off its general body shape and bill ratio to head. Upon deeper study, I am still convinced that this is a female House Sparrow. Note the thicker, bi-colored bill and the brownish face with a faint tan border around the eye and "eye-line." The belly and breast is a plain tan, something I've observed in the majority of House Sparrows that visit my yard. Also note pink legs and pale throat compared to the rest of head. This is an excellent photo! Note: I could be entirely wrong and be counting out another fitting species in El Paso (I'm a Larimer birder), but considering House Sparrows are common basically all over the U.S., I figured it would be definitely possible. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons* -- 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/915c112c-67a7-46d3-a0b8-1cf8e7ac1f78%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Free online Colorado Raptor ID games
Thanks for sharing! This was a fun way to convince myself that I haven't forgotten all my raptors during quarantine (yet) haha *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons* -- 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/a2288aea-31f2-47a2-8f09-66fd052c883b%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Ideas to Up Your Backyard Birding Game During Quarantine
Hello, CObirders! In light of quarantine during this year's spring migration, I thought I'd offer a few of my tips that I've used to enjoy backyard birding (and find a decent number of species). I know that it gets a little tedious when all you see is House Finches and American Robins over the course of fifteen minutes, but to cure my backyard birding boredom, I've compiled a list of things that have helped keep backyard birding interesting, but also very educational and help me improve in other facets of bird watching. 1) *Use a scope!* Granted, this could be a little weird to your neighbors if you're at really close quarters, but positioning a spotting scope away from homes and into an open field can wring in those extra three or four unique backyard species that you might not otherwise see with just binoculars. For example, I've gotten Chipping Sparrow and Horned Lark by using a scope in my backyard and aiming at a nearby open field. 2) *Study the minute of the minute of details.* Keep a list of all the unique House Finch calls you hear, or maybe pay really close attention to the behavior of birds at certain times of the day. Create mental bird clocks, tracking when the peak of daily activity is, and when it "dries up." A personal example of this is when I studied the flight styles of Red-winged Blackbirds and compared it to Common Grackles and European Starlings. Since their numbers were all but plentiful every single day, I was able to do careful observations of landings, takeoffs, flight-styles, and many nuances and exceptions. For example, I discovered that (in general) European Starlings favor a more linear flight, whereas Red-winged Blackbirds will often undulate slightly. This undulation occurs because Red-wings often do a flap-flap-tuck-and-glide on repeat, which emulates the American Goldfinch's undulating flight style as well. European Starlings on the other hand have a fairly constant rate of flapping, which makes them look a lot more dynamic and bullet-like when combined with their straighter trajectories. 3) *Practice sketching birds*. Drawing has never been a favorable skill to my clumsy motions with a pencil. However, when in the event of observing the same few species every day, we birders are given a relatively rare opportunity to study a single species in incredible detail. Sketching your local species that you see on a daily basis can help be an honest check of how much detail you really pay attention to on even common birds. 4) *Stay on the lookout for nesting behavior*. It's springtime, which means we'll be seeing evidences of nesting! For my personally, I've been tracking three pairs of House Finches who have been carrying nesting materials into three separate trees, visible from my yard. A pair of American Robins have been displaying and feeding together, and this morning I observed them copulating. (Not sure where they're building their nest, however.) Pairs of American Goldfinches have been more frequent, and I'm excited to see all the young birds that hatch this summer! So, let's stay positive, and use this quarantine to brush up and hone our fine-observation skills! And once this is all over, you may be impressed or surprised by how beneficial intentional backyard birding can be. I know I was; and the skills I learned in the yard only helped me enjoy my birding experiences later on in the Parks. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons* -- 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/5b24c15a-6394-4435-954d-9dde91c99593%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Accipiter "Fun"/Weld
Hi, Gary! Accipiters have always challenged me, but I'm pretty sure that your photographed bird is an adult Cooper's Hawk. My first impression was Cooper's, and I realized why: it shows some of that "capped" appearance and squarish head shape that makes it look a bit "bulkier" unlike the more "cute" Sharp-shinned Hawk. It's tail is rounded off, which I'm pretty sure is the mark for Cooper's as well (Sharp-shinned would be flatter, I believe). That's a very nice photo! That's my nickel and dime at least. *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons* -- 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/e92cb7b1-8834-4c1a-a459-936924778118%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: American Blue Kestrel Jay, Denver Co.
Oh, the Blue Jays have fooled me before: heard one imitating a Red-tailed Hawk really well, and it managed to frighten off an incoming Bald Eagle. It was confusing, because there actually *was* a Red-tailed Hawk nearby, but it was not the bird that was vocalizing. I think that European Starlings are more tricky--yesterday I heard one give nearly perfect imitations of at least eight or nine species within ten minutes. Stay safe, all! This season will pass the sooner we comply *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons* -- 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/61b9f532-67a9-49c4-9927-5f7f34b1a674%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Social Distancing While Birding written by Laura Erickson and a Dr./birder
Great reminders for us all during this season! As a birder without a driver's license, I've been a patch birder and backyard birder ever since the beginning. I think it's important to remember that valuable data isn't always just collecting ticks at the popular hotspots; gathering data and doing counts in neighborhoods actually helps us learn more about how birds live alongside people. I've been keeping close watch on my yard these past few days, since spring was on its way and is now here (albeit freezing cold now). A pair of House Finches have been building a nest in a small juniper in my backyard, and it's been very cool to watch the American Robins display. The American Goldfinches have just started displaying in my neighborhood as well. My yard life list is at 64 right now, so I suppose being quarantined during this year's spring migration might give the the opportunity to raise that to 70 *The birds are happy, and so am I* *~Caleb Alons* -- 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/a9217c3a-ca95-4b7f-a0d3-01594328bf45%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Addenbrooke Park "Trumpeter Swans" are DECOYS! (Jefferson)
> > Haha, that reminds me of when I found a decoy Mute Swan on one of my > neighborhood patch bodies of water. It gave me great pause, but I was so > suspicious of the good fortune, and after investigating, I was sorely > disappointed, but slightly humored, that someone had put one out on the > water. Thankfully it's been removed now, so I can bird in peace ;) > *The birds are happy, and so am I*. ~Caleb Alons > > -- 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/e378f22a-1b06-48b1-bd97-cce4af8ffe2b%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Gyrfalcon present now
[image: IMG_0533 (2).JPG] Managed to take a low-quality photo before it flew away. What a privilege to see such a powerful and inspiring bird! *The birds are happy, and so am I* ~Caleb Alons On Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 3:16:33 PM UTC-7, Nick Komar wrote: > > West TRILBY. RD pole on South side of the road., south of Larimer > landfill. > > Nick Komar > Fort Collins CO > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/ecbedfd9-7ed3-4acd-ae59-75fa9d07a751%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Tundra Swans, Larimer
[image: IMG_0514 (2).JPG] [image: IMG_0516 (2).JPG] [image: IMG_0513 (2).JPG] Here are some low-quality photos. The photos that show 3 birds are all TUSW and the photo that shows 1 bird is the TRSW *The birds are happy, and so am I* ~Caleb Alons On Sunday, February 9, 2020 at 2:44:26 PM UTC-7, Nick Komar wrote: > > Folks, there are 4 Tundra Swans in the north half of Boyd Lake. Visible > from east side (no fee) or west side (state park fee area). > > Nick Komar > Joe Kipper > Caleb Alons > Larimer County > -- 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/6a509ed8-9a76-4530-a401-21f2e24b0d60%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: I like Hugh Kingery's idea of an "anti-pollution" formula.
I don't have a driver's license yet, so 90% of my checklists receive the score of 0walking is a clean mode of transportation, but gee it takes a while to get places... -___- ~Caleb A -- 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/8d762578-0435-4f3b-8079-f9fea7894410%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Overeager, Arapahoe County
> > Oh my word! Let me guess this story will land its place in the "dipper" > journal ;) > I once dipped on a Black-Bellied Plover 3 times, at a hotspot only 10 minutes away from my house. That was embarrassing, to say the least... Happy birding! ~Caleb A -- 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/dd0bdd6a-7d57-4060-bee1-ce2d79cb3f72%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Goose Hybrid....
This afternoon I found a goose hybrid that I believe is a Snow x Greater White-fronted Goose hybrid. I was able to get photos: https://ebird.org/checklist/S62928237 This was at the lake on Twin Bridge Road. Happy birding! ~Caleb A -- 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/978b64bc-b475-44d4-aad2-225c84960538%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] 8 Greater White-Fronted Geese on Timnath neighboorhood lake
The lake is located on Twin Bridge Road and is near Bethke Elementary School. There is a trail around the lake, and there is parking available on the shoulder of the road. The lake is small enough that you could probably see everything from the car. They were sensitive to human presence, but they still cooperated for some great photos (Macaulay assets) https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/196074031 https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/196074061 https://ebird.org/checklist/S62780554 Happy birding! ~Caleb A -- 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/b31f526b-69d1-4d1d-906a-9393e65c336e%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Gyrfalcon in Timnath - 18 December 2019
Hello, I went birding yesterday evening, and the Gyrfalcon flew past me as I was walking to count waterfowl. It was headed due west, about 1 mile north of the Trilby stakeout. The bird was seen on public property. -Caleb Alons -- 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/1cfa9b21-3bfb-4e22-8a08-643db935580a%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] SW Colorado Trip Summary
Hi Colorado birders, Last week I spent 5 days in SW Colorado, based in Mancos, and found some good birds: Mon Jul 8: I visited Hovenweep Natl Monument, where I found Sage Sparrows (lifer!), Gray Flycatcher, several kestrels, Gray Vireos, Cassin's Sparrows, and (in Utah) a Burrowing Owl. Totten Reservoir near Cortez held 2 California Gulls and a Greater Yellowlegs. Jul 9 I headed to Yellow Jacket Canyon. The upper trail area held Brewer's Sparrows, Juniper Titmice, and more Gray Vireos. In the riparian area of the canyon were at least one Lucy's Warbler, a chat, Yellow Warblers, and Lesser Goldfinches. Jul 10 I made a productive trip to relatively unbirded Echo Basin, just east of Mancos. There is some nice riparian lowland habitat lower down, then the road climbs up into the thick pines of the National Forest. Highlights from Echo Basin were Virginia's Warblers, Grace's Warblers, a Lazuli Bunting, and excellent looks at Plumbeous Vireos. I also birded back roads south of Mancos, producing birds such as Blue Grosbeak, Rufous Hummingbird, Bullock's Oriole, Lewis's Woodpecker, and Say's Phoebe. Jul 11 we took a trip to La Plata Canyon between Durango and Mancos. There is a nice montane riparian area which held Western Tanager, Audubon's Warbler, and Steller's Jay. When I was there last year, a pair of Golden Eagles flew over. After the canyon, we drove east to the Lake City area. Jul 12 was the final and best day of the trip. We climbed a 14er, Handies Peak, which is between Ouray and Lake City. The trail begins around 10,600 feet and climbs through aspens and pines at first. Here there were Cordilleran Flycatchers, Wilson's Warblers, etc. Just before treeline, we were treated to a pair of American Three-toed Woodpeckers! Later, near the peak, a White-tailed Ptarmigan foraged on the side of the trail, and on the summit, at least 3 Brown-capped Rosy-finches (another lifer!)! All in all a very successful trip! Thanks to all who responded to my RFI a few weeks ago J Good birding! Caleb Frome TX Century Club Member Dallas, TX -- 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/03e401ce81d2%247bf91600%2473eb4200%24%40sbcglobal.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
RE: [cobirds] RFI: Birding SW Colorado
Hi everyone, In my first post I thoughtlessly copied pasted my target list (which I had made for my own use using 4-letter codes as shorthand) into the email without thinking to write out the names of the birds. Here they are in English - sorry if they were confusing or offending to anyone! Northern Goshawk Virginia Rail Western Screech-Owl Northern Pygmy-Owl Long-eared Owl Sage Thrasher Sage Sparrow Brown-capped Rosy-Finch Evening Grosbeak Thanks again! Caleb Frome TX Century Club Member Dallas, TX From: cobirds@googlegroups.com [mailto:cobirds@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Caleb Frome Sent: Friday, June 28, 2013 11:48 AM To: cobirds@googlegroups.com Subject: [cobirds] RFI: Birding SW Colorado Hi all, I'm going to be on vacation in SW Colorado this summer (July 7-13) in Montezuma County. I've been to the area before but I'd like to explore it some more. I'm planning to go to Yellowjacket Canyon, Totten Reservoir (very productive last year), and in general around the city of Mancos - are there any other locations that are definitely worth a visit? Also, a few target birds I'm interested in are NOGO, VIRA (I do know of one spot), WESO, NOPO, LEOW, SATH, SASP, BCRF, and EVGR. Any info on where to find these would be great. Please respond privately. Thanks and good birding! Caleb Frome TX Century Club Member Dallas, TX -- 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/935ca96e-5604-4f67-b3b4-7bbe5fc615 c8%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2904 / Virus Database: 3199/6427 - Release Date: 06/20/13 Internal Virus Database is out of date. -- 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/010301ce7480%2499331220%24cb993660%24%40sbcglobal.net. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] RFI: Birding SW Colorado
Hi all, I'm going to be on vacation in SW Colorado this summer (July 7-13) in Montezuma County. I've been to the area before but I'd like to explore it some more. I'm planning to go to Yellowjacket Canyon, Totten Reservoir (very productive last year), and in general around the city of Mancos - are there any other locations that are definitely worth a visit? Also, a few target birds I'm interested in are NOGO, VIRA (I do know of one spot), WESO, NOPO, LEOW, SATH, SASP, BCRF, and EVGR. Any info on where to find these would be great. Please respond privately. Thanks and good birding! Caleb Frome TX Century Club Member Dallas, TX -- 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/935ca96e-5604-4f67-b3b4-7bbe5fc615c8%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Re: RFI Monument area
Clarification- my specific target list is as follows: Rough-legged Hawk Most of the owls (except Great Horned and Barn) Northern Shrike American Tree Sparrow Snow Bunting (possible?) Rosy-finches Evening Grosbeak Common Redpoll And any rarity that might show up :) Thanks and good birding! Caleb Frome TX Century Club Youth Member Dallas, TX On Sunday, November 25, 2012 10:30:04 PM UTC-6, Caleb Frome wrote: Hi all, I'm a Texan but I’ll be in Monument, CO (just north of CO Springs) for a wedding this coming weekend. Can anyone recommend any good birding spots around there? I've been birding in CO several times before, so I have seen most of your common species, but I have some target birds I'd like to find this time around. Specifically, I’m hoping for birds that I can’t see at home in Texas – such as Rough-legged Hawk, Northern Shrike, American Tree Sparrow, and maybe some rosy-finches or Evening Grosbeaks at feeders. Anything you can tell me will help! :) Good birding! Caleb Frome TX Century Club Youth Member Dallas, TX -- 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. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/cobirds/-/C2luQbjnK4oJ. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] RFI Monument area
Hi all, I'm a Texan but I’ll be in Monument, CO (just north of CO Springs) for a wedding this coming weekend. Can anyone recommend any good birding spots around there? I've been birding in CO several times before, so I have seen most of your common species, but I have some target birds I'd like to find this time around. Specifically, I’m hoping for birds that I can’t see at home in Texas – such as Rough-legged Hawk, Northern Shrike, American Tree Sparrow, and maybe some rosy-finches or Evening Grosbeaks at feeders. Anything you can tell me will help! :) Good birding! Caleb Frome TX Century Club Youth Member Dallas, TX -- 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. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/cobirds/-/F-tmeMrSz5QJ. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] RFI- SW Colorado
Hi Colorado birders, I'm a young birder from Dallas, TX, and I'll be vacationing with my family in SW Colorado the last two weeks in June. I'll be staying in Mancos and taking day trips, possibly a few overnight trips as well. I've been birding in Colorado before, but there are a few SW species that have evaded me that I would really like to see this time around. The list includes: Northern Goshawk Ferruginous Hawk Ring-necked Pheasant Gunnison Sage-Grouse White-tailed Ptarmigan Virginia Rail Owls (except Great Horned) Common Poorwill Lewis's Woodpecker Williamson's Sapsucker Sage Sparrow Black-chinned Sparrow Brown-capped Rosy-Finch Bobolink Evening Grosbeak Pine Grosbeak Any info you guys could give on locations to find these birds would be very helpful! I've been browsing CFO's county birding site but I would appreciate real-time data as well. I know a lot of these birds are hard to find though :-) We'll drive up through the TX panhandle, cut the corner of NM, and enter Colorado at Raton Pass then drive through the southern part of the state- so if some of my targets are in the eastern part of the state I might be able to stop and get them if they are near the main highway. Thanks for whatever you can tell me, and good birding! Caleb Frome TX Century Club Youth Member Dallas, TX -- 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] Pagosa Sprigs/Wolf Creek Ski Area, 3/14-16
Hi all, Thanks for all the reponses to my RFI. I was able to get my lifers Black-capped Chickadee and lots of Gray Jays at the Wolf Creek Ski Area. I also saw plenty of ravens and crows and some Western Bluebirds, Pine Siskins, Black-billed Magpies, Mountain Chckadees, Robins, and Juncos. Good birding! Caleb Frome TX Century Club Youth Member Dallas, TX -- 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] RFI - Birding Wolf Creek Ski Area
Hi all, I am Caleb Frome, a youth birder (15) from Dallas, and I will be skiing at the Wolf Creek Ski Area March 13-17, staying at Sonlight Camp. I won't be doing much birding but I was wondering if I could get a general idea about what to expect. I have never been north of Texas in the winter so a lot of your winter birds would be lifers for me, although I have been to Colorado in the summer. I haven't seen Black-capped Chickadee, American Tree Sparrow, Rosy-finches or grouse, Pine Grosbeak, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Northern Shrike, and plenty of others. Could I see any of these easily? What else can I see? I really don't know much about the area, so any info would be great! Thanks and good birding, Caleb Frome TX Century Club Youth Member Dallas area -- 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] RFI: Birding SW Colorado
Hi, I am a youth birder from Texas and will be on vacation with my family in SW Colorado during the third week in June. I will be based out of Mancos but will be in South-central CO twice: on the way there (I'm driving) and on a day trip. I have been birding to this area once before (last summer), and added 40 of the common birds of the area to my life list (currently at 336), but there are some I didn't see, which I am hoping to add to it. I would like some advice on the best places to get my target birds (list below). Any info on where to see them at this time of the year would be appreciated. Target birds: Birds which are more important to me [based on their range] are marked with * Common Merganser Gunnison Sage- and Dusky Grouse* White-tailed Ptarmigan* Ring-necked Pheasant* Chukar* Clark's Grebe* Golden Eagle Northern Goshawk Ferruginous Hawk* Virginia Rail Sora Mountain Plover* Band-tailed Pigeon Long-eared, Burrowing, and Boreal Owls* Spotted, Western Screech-, Flammulated, Burrowing, Northern Pygmy and Saw-whet Owls Common Poorwill Calliope Hummingbird Lewis's Woodpecker Acorn Woodpecker Willamson's Sapsucker* Gray Flycatcher* Black Phoebe Cassin's Kingbird Steller's Jay Gray Jay* Black-capped Chickadee* Red-breasted Nuthatch Canyon Wren Veery* Sage Thrasher* MacGillivray's Warbler* Sage and Brewer's Sparrow* Lark Bunting* Yellow-headed Blackbird Bobolink* Scott's Oriole Brown-capped Rosy-finch* Red Crossbill Pine and Evening Grosbeak Of course, I realize that I can't see all of these birds and some are borderline on range but I am hoping to see many of them. Again, any comments on reliable places to see these birds would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance and good birding, Caleb Frome TX Century Club Jr. Member Dallas, TX -- 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.
