[cobirds] Caspian Terns at Blanca Wetlands

Today while doing some bird surveys, I chanced upon 2 Adult Caspian Terns at the Blanca Wetlands Wildlife Area (Alamosa County). The area is now open and the birds were alternately using pond 115 and 107. This is possibly only the second and third records for the species in the San Luis Valley,

[cobirds] The Increasingly Rare Band-tailed Pigeon

Yesterday I took a long day hike into Upper Sand Lake in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness for some birding, photography, birding and fishing. Near Music Pass, I saw a bird that I have not seen in many yearsThree Band-tailed Pigeons (Custer County). Wow, I got to thinking about when it was

[cobirds] Owls and Bats

Took the family up to see the 200,000 Mexican Freetailed Bats at the Orient Mine near Villa Grove last week. Was surprised to find 2 Long-eared Owls frolicking in the entrance to the cave as evening approached. The bats put on a wondrous display as they headed out into the vast Valley. During

[cobirds] Cassin's Kingbird in San Luis Valley

There was a Cassin’s Kingbird about 7 miles south of Smith Reservoir (Costilla County), by the big white ranch house along the road. This is, so far as I know, the first summer record for the species in the SLV. No breeding records in Atlas I, and am anxiously awaiting Atlas II). The handfull

[cobirds] Cal Condor May Have Come Through San Luis Valley

Hi all: Was astounded to read the postings about the condor being collected in Black Forest. Here’s a little more to the story. On Friday, May 29, 11:00 am I received a call from a local birder that a visitor to the MVNWR reported seeing what he thought was a California Condor. The report

[cobirds] Chestnut-sided warbler in Alamosa

Kingbirdthey breed here every year lately Willow Flycatcher (no W-eyed Vireo but you’d need hip boots to find that one) Alamosa Golf Course : Cougar Woods (Alamosa

[cobirds] White-eyed Vireo in Conejos County

Lisa Rawinski reported a White-eyed Vireo in Pike’s Stockade today (Conejos County). The main trails are dry and passable but the bird is to the southwest in some extremely wet areas (requiring hip boots). Nevertheless, the bird may move to nearby locations. This is only the second local record

[cobirds] Northern Waterthrush

I birded a relatively new State Wildlife Area...the Schriver-Wright SWA near Home Lake SWA in Monte Vista. The cool thing about this place is it is open year round, so one can bird, hike and enjoy the area during all seasons. Not a bad list of birds either for that matter. Northern Waterthrush

[cobirds] Big Day Results San Luis Valley

A cool and somewhat breezy day made for some challenging birding today in the San Luis Valley. Lisa Clements, Jerry Poe and I started before dawn and had a fun and full day. Best birds were: American Redstart (only 3rd spring record for our area) (Cat Creek, Conejos County) Great Egret (At

[cobirds] Birds from the Garden

It was imperative that I get my garden in today, so I decided it was a good day to do a Backyard Day List (Rio Grande County). As I worked, I kept the binoculars close by as birds flitted through on their magical journeys. It turned out to be a truly fantastic day. I counted a total of 37

[cobirds] Good Action at Home Lake SWA

I was surprised and delighted to see a Green Heron on the canal north of Home Lake (Rio Grande County). It is a rare migrant through this area. Have not seen one here in many years. The nearby willow trees along the lake were alive with Orange-crowned, Yellow, YR, and Virginia’s Warblers,

[cobirds] Townsend's Warbler Male

At the cemetery at the Veterans Center at Home Lake (Rio Grande County), Lisa and I found a male Townsend’s Warbler. This represents one of just a few spring records for the species in the San Luis Valley. At our home, we counted 32 species of birds today as birds were on the move throughout

[cobirds] Nashville Warbler

Once the winds subsided, birding was great. At Home Lake Veterans Center in Monte Vista (Rio Grande County) were Nashville Warbler, imm Male Summer Tanager (different than adult male a week ago), Osprey, and Wilson’s Warbler. Check the crabapple trees and the hedgerow behind the main

[cobirds] New Backyard Bird and More

After living in our place for 20 years, we have accumulated a backyard list of 149 species. We live only 4 miles from the MV Refuge so we get a good assortment of things. We are lucky to have seen things like Whooping Cranes fly over the house and be on the list. Well, this weekend a new bird

[cobirds] Birding the South San Luis Valley

Some good birds to be seen in the south valley today, though conditions were windy and birds were staying low in cover. MVNWR: Brant is still there (Rio Grande County). It hangs with 2 Cackling Geese and a Canada Goose off the 8S location. On the auto tour loop there were 4 Ross’ Geese.

[cobirds] Brant Update

Hi all: The Brant is still at the Monte Vista NWR near Monte Vista (Rio Grande County). This morning it was feeding in the grainfields off the turnout on the 8S road. A scope is recommended. This bird appears to be lost and is out there feeding with a few scattered Canada Geese, one Cackler,

[cobirds] Greater White-fronted Geese at MVNWR

A funny thing happened as I reviewed crane photos I had taken on 3/12/15 at the Monte Vista Refuge. As you recall, that was just on the leading edge of the Crane Festival Weekend with all its visitors. It was 2 weeks after the fact when I examined the photos, that I noticed a group of birds in

[cobirds] Brant at Monte Vista Refuge

Deb Callahan reported a Brant at the Monte Vista Refuge today. My wife and I went down there and saw it as well. It is an adult nigricans phase, and can be seen at the most southern turnout on the west side on Hwy 15, as it was feeding in the fields about 60 yards away. One of a few San Luis

[cobirds] Monte Refuge Filled with Birds

The Monte Refuge has bountiful numbers of Sandhill Cranes, Canada, Cackling, Snow and Ross’ Geese, Mallards, Pintails, Ring-necked Ducks and many Bald Eagles watching them closely. The refuge still has snow cover which has affected usual feeding and roosting patterns. Best place at the moment

[cobirds] Surge of Cranes Today

Today, the southerly winds brought the first major surge of migrating birds to the San Luis Valley. A few hundred cranes were heard off and on all day, and one flock of 120 individuals was seen at the Monte Vista Refuge. In addition, I spotted 300 Cackling Geese at the refuge. The refuge

[cobirds] Monte Vista Christmas Bird Count

Twelve of us participated in the 55th annual Monte Vista Refuge Christmas Birdcount on Saturday. Weather was clear, mild and very unusual for this time of year. We were even able to get into the fotthills because there was no snow there either. So we had a great day afield. I don’t have final

[cobirds] Red-eyed Vireo in Alamosa

John Stump and I birded local hotspots yesterday and the best bird of the day was our 5th SLV record of Red-eyed Vireo at the Cattails Golf Course (Alamosa County). We also enjoyed a variety of warblers, and other birds in this season of change. John Rawinski Monte Vista, CO -- You received

[cobirds] Sabines Gulls Still Around

Three of us ventured to Smith Reservoir SWA (Costilla County) to investigate a reported Arctic Tern in the area. Well the Tern had left, but the three Sabine’s gulls were still present. We studied them closely, photographed them, and all look like juveniles. One does appear darker than the

[cobirds] Trio Sabines Gulls

I got great views this afternoon of 3, no less, Sabines Gulls at Smith Reservoir SWA near Blanca. There are 2 juveniles and one molting adult. What a sight! They can be seen along the south shore of the reservoir so go into the south side entrance. John Rawinski Monte Vista, CO -- You

[cobirds] Sabines Gull At Blanca Wetlands

I was able to follow up on Beatty’s report and found the juvenile Sabine’s Gull at Pond 114 in Blanca Wetlands. We were conducting shorebird surveys so the gull was an a fabulous benefit. It also rests on an island in pond 134. To see this bird, go into Blanca Wetlands all the way east until

[cobirds] Cranes Flew in Last Night

I thought it was appropriate that on September 1st, the first cranes flew overhead last night, as the evening temps cooled. Kids jumped on the trampoline as both cranes and geese announced their arrivals, as I tried to watch both kids and birds. It is that glorious season aheadfall. The

[cobirds] Little Blue Heron at Alamosa NWR

This-past week I saw an immature Little Blue Heron on the Auto Tour Loop at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge. The bird is white, and has a prominent blue base to the bill. It was not re-seen yesterday but should be watched for in this area. I lead a bird trip yesterday to Alamosa

[cobirds] Caspian Tern at Blanca Wetlands

Lisa Rawinski found a Caspian Tern at Blanca Wetlands yesterday. This may be the same bird reported at nearby Smith Reservoir a few weeks ago. A trip out there today failed to refind it, but wondering if it went back to Smith Reservoir. Snowy Plovers are still present at the Watchable

[cobirds] Shorebird Variety at Blanca Wetlands

Lisa and I did some surveys today and recorded 14 species of shorebirds at Blanca Wetlands, east of Alamosa. Gr and Les Yellowlegs, Western Sandpiper, Baird’s Sandpiper, Black-necked Stilt, Black-bellied Plover, Snowy Plover, Sanderling and Semi-palmated and Solitary Sandpipers were the most

[cobirds] Loss of a Bird Friend

It is with deep regret that I report to you the loss of one of our birding bloggers on our San Luis Valley mailing list. Our good friend Thomas McMurray of Crestone drowned while rafting alone along the Arkansas River near Salida and was found Monday. Thomas most recently posted (on our Valley

[cobirds] The Showstoppers....Tanagers

Hi all: We had a fabulous birdwalk at Home Lake in Monte Vista this morning. And good thing we chose “morning” as winds are howling as I type this. I lead a group of 10 on a morning bird trip at Home Lake Veterans Center, and the birds did not disappoint. The spruce trees were like a

[cobirds] Blacvk-throated Sparrows

John Stump and I birded John James Canyon this morning and successfully saw 5 Black-throated Sparrows where they ought to be (Conejos County). Seems like the population here is consistent and steady over the years. Other daily highlites included Blue Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, and Olive-sided

[cobirds] San Luis Valley Birdz

Yesterday, my wife Lisa and I along with John Stump took a run at the big day record for the San Luis Valley. The challenge is to document/observe as many species in one day as possible within the San Luis Valley. The previous record from 2006 was 143 species. Yesterday, we set a new high

[cobirds] MEGA Fall Out San Luis Valley

Last nights 4 inches of snow continued our San Luis Valley fallout of birds. Again they were EVERYWHERE! Hermit Thrushes were found in every cover. Black-head Grosbeaks sang in many locations. But the showstopper were the warblers. With food limited, the warblers gravitated to the open water

[cobirds] San Luis Valley Fallout

With the overnight snow and cold front, birds were everywhere this morning! I mean everywhere! At our home, we have already counted 30 species, including our first homesite record for Hermit Thrush (in 20 years of birdwatching at our home!). At the Monte Refuge, a Lewis’s Woodpecker has feeding

[cobirds] San Luis Valley Fundraiser Birdathon

We had a pretty ideal day for our annual spring bird count and fundraiser. Each year, Valley birders select a charity (this year two of them), and we gather pledges. This year we exceeded last years donations and will be donating in excess of $1000 to local conservation groups. The two groups

[cobirds] Townsend's Warbler

We had a total of 15 birders participate in our Alamosa bird trip. The day started out sunny and not too breezy. Immediately, at the Alamosa Cemetery, we found the bird of the day...A male Townsend’s Warbler (Alamosa County), amongst an Orange-crowned and a Yellow-rumped Warbler. Townsend’s

[cobirds] Alamosa Birding Trip

On Saturday April 26, I will be leading a morning bird trip to local Alamosa hotspots. Birds are really starting to show up here. In the past week we have had Black-bellied Plover, G L Yellowlegs, Wilson’s Phalaropes, Black-necked Stilts, Chihuahuan Raven, Red-breasted Merganser, and Brown

[cobirds] Black Phoebe in San Luis Valley

After a 3 inch snowfall overnight, I thought there might be some good opportunities for bird and landscape photography this morning. I also wanted to find a Black Phoebe, originally reported by Hettinger (Alamosa County). It was a wonderful morning just for the wet snow and scenic

[cobirds] Vermilion Flycatcher Update

The bird was not seen yesterday or today. John Rawinski Monte Vista, 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.

[cobirds] Vermilion Flycatcher in San Luis Valley

Hi all: Exciting bird has been found between Del Norte and South Fork. An adult male Vermilion Flycatcher has been seen at Ann Cummings place near the Rio Grande. If you wish to see this bird you must get permission first. Call Ann at 719 849-1750 and make arrangements. Directions to her

[cobirds] Vermilion Flycatcher

For the record, it is in Rio Grande County. John Rawinski Monte Vista, 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.

[cobirds] Cranes Leaving Daily

Cranes have been spiraling upward and leaving the Valley by the hundreds in the last 2 weeks. It is amazing how fleeting the bird seasons are. Seems they just got here, and they leave me wanting more Western Bluebirds and Williamson’s sapsuckers are back in the hills. Nice to hear the rat

[cobirds] Crane Festival Primer

It appears that crane numbers are peaking this week. I estimate between 12-15,000 cranes Valleywide. A trip today produced 25 Ross’ Geese, a few Snow Geese, Cackling and Canada Geese, Bufflehead, Mallard, Pintail, and a few Ruddy Ducks. Also in the area is a Ferruginous Hawk. Still many Bald

[cobirds] Ten Thousand Cranes

I just got back from a morning at the Monte Vista NWR and it was a delightful morning. I estimate there are now about 10,000 cranes in the Valleynot quite peak yet. Add in 10,000-15,000 geese and ducks and it was amazing. (Great therapy that puts me in a better state before I tackle

[cobirds] Snow Geese and Cranes

Todays quick check showed still thousands of cranes and Canada and Cackling Geese. There were about 20 Snow Geese in the mix as well. Ducks included Am Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallards and Pintails. I think birds are still arriving but are spread out as the snows have all but vanished. We also are

[cobirds] Brown Thrasher in Alamosa

Very unusual at any time of year was a Brown Thrasher feeding on berries near the water treatment plant in Alamosa (Alamosa County). We got about 14 inches of snow in the San Luis Valley over the weekend and the storm had migrating birds looking for food. John Rawinski Monte Vista, CO --

[cobirds] Brown Thrasher in Alamosa

Very unusual at any time of year was a Brown Thrasher feeding on berries near the water treatment plant in Alamosa (Alamosa County). We got about 14 inches of snow in the San Luis Valley over the weekend and the storm had migrating birds looking for food. John Rawinski Monte Vista, CO --

[cobirds] Waves Arriving San Luis Valley

locations yesterday were Townsend’s Warbler, seen by me at the Monte Refuge (Rio Grande County) and independently by John Stump in Alamosa’s cougar woods (Alamosa County). Sparrows and Towhees were also in good numbers. Birds that I saw were in Russian Olive and Lilacs thickets and feeding

[cobirds] Shorebird Numbers Thinning at Blanca Wetlands

Even tho Lisa and I still had 15 species of shorebirds today, we did note that numbers in general are declining. While we had over 500 avocets last week, we were down to about 250 this week. Best shorebirds were Snowy Plover, Stilt Sandpiper, Long-billed Curlew, and Red-necked Phalarope.

[cobirds] Goshawk Eating Cottontail

Yesterday on a hike in the mountains, I flushed a Goshawk off a kill site. Upon investigation, the prey was a cottontail rabbit, and was a fresh-kill. I normally think of Accipiters as bird hunters, but goes to show they take a variety of prey. We left the site for two hours and returned, but

[cobirds] Blanca Shorebirds Update

This is kinda like my report from 2 weeks ago. Shorebirds are in in good numbers and varieties. Lisa and I had 14 species of shorebirds including Willet, Snowy Plover, Solitary, Least, Baird’s, Western and Stilt Sandpipers, Gr and Les Yellowlegs, and Long-billed Dowitcher (Alamosa County). Many

[cobirds] White winged Dove South Pueblo

I was on Pueblo Blvd near south Lowes recently and had a White-winged Dove fly by. May have been seen by others but just wanted to mention it. John Rawinski Monte Vista, CO -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To unsubscribe from

[cobirds] Shorebirds Are In at Blanca Wetlands

Had a chance to observe birds at Blanca Wetlands yesterday. It seems the shorebird migration is happening, though not in numbers we have seen in previous years. Water levels in wetlands are high and extensive due to recent heavy rains. The area is open now, though you will have to walk to the

Re: [cobirds] Digest for cobirds@googlegroups.com - 8 Messages in 4 Topics

Last evening John Stump and Jerry Poe came over to see the Peach-faced Lovebird. It was around all day, flying and sometimes just roosting in the cool shade trees. Both gents got to see it fly and perch. However, early this morning, the bird was nowhere to be heard or seen. But we’ll keep

[cobirds] Peach-faced Lovebird

Hi All: Just when I was getting settled into the post-migration letdown, I spotted a bird in our backyard that had me running for the camera. The bird was a Peach-faced Lovebird and Lisa, me and the gals got great looks and photos. This bird, as I have since found out, is native to Africa. So

[cobirds] Birdathon Counts Birds and Nets Funds for Charity

This year we tried something exciting for our spring big day count. We asked for pledges from our San Luis Valley network of bird people for each species we (a team of 4 people) counted. The response was immense and more than 20 individuals and organizations participated. We may be small in

[cobirds] San Luis Valley Specialties

Lots of colorful and exciting birds showing up in the last week. Three Rose-breasted Grosbeaks at Zapata Ranch is outstanding for a species we see a few times each spring. THREE! Warblers have been great this year and even tho we don’t get the variety of the SE part of the State, we have had

[cobirds] Where Few Winds Blow....

HI all: It is certainly a rare year for us when the winds don’t seem to send the birds scurrying for cover. But in SE Colorado this weekend, winds were few to none, making for great bird finding conditions. My wife Lisa and I spent the weekend in SE Colo and had a blast. Here’s some of the

[cobirds] As the Blizzards Rages

Lisa and I did a morning trip to the Monte Refuge and Home Lake. Most ducks are in with Canvasback, Bufflehead and Lesser Scaup around. The Yellow-headed Blackbirds (or Black-bodied Yellow Birds as a friend used to say) are in with Marsh Wrens now singing in the cattails. Most wetlands have

[cobirds] MV White Crane

I know many of you are still wondering about the white crane that was found at the MV Refuge a few weeks ago. Since I reported it on COBIRDS, it seems to have generated quite a bit of chat in the chat rooms. A good friend of mine, Michael Forsberg, presented some photos of the Monte Vista

[cobirds] MVNWR Cranes and More

The temps are warming and the south winds are favorable today for cranes to be spiraling upward. I am sure some will be leaving today. Birds are now well spread out across the valley as many grainfields are being used. The white crane photos are being reviewed by some crane specialists and I

[cobirds] White Crane at MVNWR

Sure to cause a buzz during the upcoming crane festival is an unusual white crane among the Sandhills at the Monte Vista NWR. Before anyone goes off shouting or “whooping” about it, here are some details. It is about the size of a Lesser Sandhill, short billed, white face, neck and rest of body

[cobirds] White Crane at MVNWR

Sure to cause a buzz during the upcoming crane festival is an unusual white crane among the Sandhills at the Monte Vista NWR. Before anyone goes off shouting or “whooping” about it, here are some details. It is about the size of a Lesser Sandhill, short billed, white face, neck and rest of body

[cobirds] Sage Sparrows are in SLV

Jerry Poe, John Stump and I spent the morning near John James Canyon trying to set an early arrival date for the Sage Sparrow in the San Luis Valley. Previous early date was March 5th. It was a blustery day and winds were keeping birds tight to cover. After a while,we saw some but the birds

[cobirds] Boreal Owl in San Luis Valley

Last week I received some astounding news! A Boreal Owl was spotted and photographed at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains! I viewed the photo and it is indeed an adult Boreal Owl. This observation is very significant as I’ll explain. In all of the owl surveys I, and others have done

[cobirds] Cranes or Geese?

This morning as I drove just south of Alamosa, I saw a flock of birds approaching from miles away to the south. Geese or cranes? Cranes or geese? I was stopped at a stop sign on an otherwise unbusy street so I just waited as they came closer and closer. Finally I saw them close up and to my

[cobirds] Geolocator Birds and Records

I thoroughly enjoyed the latest article in Colorado Birds “Where Black Swifts Go In Winter”. The info learned during this process has been nothing short of amazing. Thanks to Jason, Carolyn and Kim for the excellent report. However, an important question has been raised regarding bird records,

[cobirds] Monte Vista Crane Festival

Hi all: Well the time is getting closer by the day and perhaps as early as this coming week, we may again here the rapturous calls of the returning Sandhill Cranes. I can hardly wait! And our Monte Vista Crane Festival is set to bring you great experiences among these majestic birds. The