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18 Mar March 18, 2010, Rare Bird Alert for Colorado [JOYCE TAKAMINE ] 18 Mar State of the Birds USA 2010 Report on Climate Change [SeEtta Moss ] 17 Mar Spring migration notes 3/17 [rostrhamus ] 17 Mar id help [john polo ] 17 Mar Re: owl attacks eagle, Broomfield County ["pygmyowl" ] 17 Mar Bald Eagles - Highland Lake, Weld Co ["Polly S" ] 17 Mar Re: Barr Lake [Pamela Norris ] 17 Mar owl attacks eagle, Broomfield County [R Carol Cushman ] 17 Mar Barr Lake [Dave Cameron ] 17 Mar White Ranch Open Space, Jefferson Co - MOBL ["Kayleen A Niyo" ] 17 Mar March 2010 D.F.O. Fieldtrips -- Join Us! [] 17 Mar Bald Eagles - Highland Lake, Weld Co ["Polly S" ] 17 Mar Union Reservoir opening up [] 17 Mar Bald Eagles Weld County north of Greeley ["Norma Erickson" ] 17 Mar Crane Festival Results ["John Rawinski" ] 17 Mar March 17, 2010, Rare Bird Alert for Colorado [JOYCE TAKAMINE ] 17 Mar Sorry guys!!! ["Jessica J. Oberbeck " ] 16 Mar Chico , signs of Spring [] 16 Mar Forwarding this to the group ["Jessica J. Oberbeck" ] 16 Mar Rusty Blackbird- Jefferson Co Map ["Margaret Smith" ] 16 Mar Rusty Blackbird-- Jefferson County ["Margaret Smith" ] 16 Mar March DFO Meeting -- Birding 2.0 -- Using Technology to Become a Better Birder [] 16 Mar Re: Rusty Blackbird, Jefferson Co [Joyce ] 16 Mar Rusty Blackbird, Jefferson Co ["Margaret Smith" ] 16 Mar Goosing, Weld [Eric DeFonso ] 16 Mar March 16, 2010, Rare Bird Alert for Colorado [JOYCE TAKAMINE ] 15 Mar Prospect Lake, Colorado Springs [] 15 Mar Crossbill Update, Grandview Cemetery, 15March ["Dave Leatherman" ] 15 Mar Open Water/Northern Colorado ["The \"Nunn Guy\"" ] 15 Mar Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco [mike ] 15 Mar Re: R-T Hawk predates a Cooper's ["Ira Sanders" ] 15 Mar Barrow's Goldeneye, Cottonwood Marsh, Boulder ["Mailjpl AT aol.com" ] 15 Mar Re: R-T Hawk predates a Cooper's [Skot ] 15 Mar Aiken Auduboon Society in Colorado Spring to host Paul Bannick, "The Owl and the Woodpecker" [] 15 Mar Re: New Yard-bird in La Veta, Huerfano County [kickback ] 15 Mar New Yard-bird in La Veta, Huerfano County [Beverly ] 15 Mar Wheatridge Greenbelte Sunday 3/14 [] 15 Mar Re: R-T Hawk predates a Cooper's [] 15 Mar RMBO Seeks Award Nominations [Jason Beason ] 15 Mar A few Saturday birds, Larimer [Eric DeFonso ] 15 Mar March 15, 2010, Rare Bird Alert for Colorado [JOYCE TAKAMINE ] 15 Mar Re: R-T Hawk predates a Cooper's [] 14 Mar Rusty Blackbird RFI [Chip Clouse ] 14 Mar R-T Hawk predates a Cooper's ["Leon Bright" ] 14 Mar Bluebirds on the move ["Leon Bright" ] 14 Mar Red-tail specializing in hunting birds; also, lake names [Skot Latona ] 14 Mar Greater White-fronted Goose/Greeley ["The \"Nunn Guy\"" ] 14 Mar Bushtit, Gunbarrel [Walter M Szeliga ] 14 Mar Swan sp., Larimer County (I25 & Harmony Rd.) [William Schmoker ] 14 Mar March 14, 2010, Rare Bird Alert for Colorado [JOYCE TAKAMINE ] 13 Mar Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch - 3/13/10 [rostrhamus ] 13 Mar Convention Field Trips [Mark Peterson ] 13 Mar Golden Eagles - Highland Lake, Weld County ["Polly S" ] 13 Mar Hybrid Hooded Merganser x Common Goldeneye, Chatfield SP, Jeffco [] 12 Mar White-winged Crossbills - Larimer [mike ] 12 Mar Fashion Show to Support Birds of Prey Foundation-TONIGHT @ Prana [Julia Bond ] 12 Mar CFO Convention online registration is available [Maggie Boswell ] 11 Mar Hooded Mergansers on South Platte [UParkBirder ] 12 Mar March 12, 2010, Rare Bird Alert for Colorado [JOYCE TAKAMINE ] 11 Mar Long-tailed Ducks 88th and South Platte, Denver 3/11/10, RFI, a few odds and ends [William Blackburn ] 11 Mar Admin Message/Please Read ["Rachel Hopper" ] 11 Mar Mergansers [Nancy Stocker ] 12 Mar Monte Vista NWR ["Virginia Simmons" ] 11 Mar Rusty Blackbirds 3/11/2010 [] 11 Mar White-winged Crossbills--Grandview Cemetery/ Ft Collins [] 11 Mar Grandview Cemetery report for 10-11March ["Dave Leatherman" ] 11 Mar La Veta, Huerfano County: Rosy-Finches, Lewis's Wp, Scrub Jay, etc. [Beverly ] 11 Mar March 11, 2010, Rare Bird Alert for Colorado [JOYCE TAKAMINE ] 11 Mar Re: Article on Lesser Prairie-chicken habitat improvement weekend [SeEtta Moss ] 11 Mar Article on Lesser Prairie-chicken habitat improvement weekend [Pete Janzen ] 10 Mar Access to Mile High Duck Club [mike ] 10 Mar Juniper Titmouse - Dinosaur Ridge Hawkwatch - Jeffco [mike ] 10 Mar March 10, 2010, Rare Bird Alert for Colorado [JOYCE TAKAMINE ] 9 Mar Definitely a red winged blackbird [kickback ] 9 Mar Crossbill Nesting Update, Grandview Cemetery on 8-9March ["Dave Leatherman" ] 9 Mar Boulder Bird Club Spring Meeting [Charles Lowrie ] Subject: March 18, 2010, Rare Bird Alert for Colorado From: JOYCE TAKAMINE <jabiru55 AT msn.com> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:38:58 -0600 Date: March 18, 2010 e-Mail: rba AT cfo-link.org phone: 303-659-8750 compiler: Joyce Takamine This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 5 am sponsored by Denver Field Ornithologists and the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. Highlight species include (*Denotes that there is new information for this species in this report) Tundra Swan (*Mesa) EURASIAN WIGEON (Mesa) Barrow's Goldeneye (Boulder, *Delta, *Denver, Jefferson, Moffiat) Thayer's Gull (Boulder) American Three-toed Woodpecker (Douglas) Juniper Titmouse (Jefferson) GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (Jefferson) Rusty Blackbird (Jefferson) Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (Huerfano) Black Rosy-Finch (Huerfano) White-winged Crossbill (Larimer) To skip this recording to leave a message, press the star key at any time. Please leave your name, phone number, detailed directions including the county and dates for all sightings. It would be helpful if you would spell your last name. Adams County: --Blackburn reported that at least one Long-tailed Duck (female) continues near 88th and the S. Platte. It was on West Gravel Pond on March 11. Boulder County: --An ad Thayer's Gull was reported by Blackburn at Erie Reservoir on March 8. --A m Barrow's Goldeneye was reported by Lamoureux at Cottonwood Marsh in Boulder on March 15. Delta County: --7 Barrow's Goldeneyes were reported by Garrison at Confluence Park in Delta on March 17. Denver County: --A pair of Barrow's Goldeneyes was reported by Henwood along the S. Platte River just north of the bridge on W. Evans Ave on December 14. On March 17, Thornton-Kolbe reported that the male Barrow's Goldeneye was north of the Florida Bridge. Douglas County: --3 American Three-toed Woodpeckers (2f, 1m) were reported by Huffstater west of Sedalia on Hwy 67 just east of Rampart Range Road on March 9. Huerfano County: --All 3 species of Rosy-Finches were reported by Jensen coming to her feeders in La Veta on February 26 and continue at least through March 11. If you want to try to see them contact Beverly Jensen at 719-989-1398. Jefferson County: --A f Rusty Blackbird was reported by Keithler on February 23 on the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt west of Youngfield. On the morning of March 16, Smith reported seeing the Rusty Blackbird in a tree along the bike path west of I-70. There is a parking lot off of Youngfield between 38th and 44th Ave. Walk west on the bike path under I-70 and start looking for the orange cone. Thanks to Dick Schottler and Glenn Walbek for the parking information. --A Juniper Titmouse was reported at the Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch on March 6 by Luper and Clark. The Titmouse was seen again on March 13 by many birders as reported by Severs. --On the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt a Barrow's Goldeneye has been reported: by King on the west end of Tabor Lake on March 7; by Henwood on Prospect Lake on March 8; by Deininger on a small pond east of West Lake on March 14. --A juv GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW was reported by Brown behind the Trading Post at Red Rocks on December 19. Henwood reported that the sparrow continues at least through March 15. Larimer County: --A pair of White-winged Crossbills was reported by Leatherman in Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins on November 22. Leatherman reported on March 8 the White-winged Crossbill pair were observed mating. On March 16, Leatherman reported that the pair continue their nesting activity in the SE corner of the cemetery. Mesa County: An EURASIAN WIGEON was reported by Stigen at Connected Lakes SP, on the Audubon Trail on March 14. On March 15, Bradley reported a male EURASIAN WIGEON on the Colorado River about 100 yards upstream from the Blue Heron Section Parking lot. --2 Tundra Swans were reported by Arnold at Highline State Park on March 17. Moffat County: --30 Barrow's Goldeneyes were reported by Luke south of Craig on the Yampa River on March 10. The DFO Field Trip for Saturday, March 20 will be Birding by Snowshoe: Boulder's High Country led by Bill Schmoker bill.schmoker AT gmail.com. Meet the Leader at the Brainard Lake Trailhead above Ward (http://tinyurl.com/Brainard) at 0800. Be prepared to showshoe up the fairly steep approach to Lefthand Reservoir and the Krummholz above (Approx 2 miles, gaining nearly 1000 feet) looking for mountain birds along the way. Once above treeline we will search for White-tailed Ptarmigan. Snowshoes required, poles highly recommended. For showshoe rental check out local retailers such as REI (in Boulder). Dress warmly in layers; warm boots, gloves, hat, a suitable daypack, lunch and water required. RSVP to Bill by email so that you can be contacted if weather or snow condition necessitate changes in the plan. The DFO Field Trip for Sunday, March 21 will be to the Pueblo Area led by Paul Slingsby (303-422-3728, paslingsby AT comcast.net). Meet the Leader at 0600 at Yosemite St at C-470: from I-25 exit County Line Rd, go west to Yosemite. Follow Yosemite south as it curves around to the last right-hand turn before C-470. Park in the SE corner of the lot there. Full-day trip with easy hiking; bring lunch, water, scope, and two-way radio if you have them. Register with Leader beforehand. The next monthly meeting of Denver Field Ornithologist will be on Monday, March 22 at 7:30 pm in the Ricketson Auditorium of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The program will be Birding 2.0 -- Using Technology to Become a Better Birder by Ted Floyd, Bill Schmoker, and Nathan Pieplow. Good Birding, Joyce Takamine Boulder, Co -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: State of the Birds USA 2010 Report on Climate Change From: SeEtta Moss <seettam AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:36:40 -0600 (This post is really from me, unlike the one distributed earlier this week from a spammer who hijacked my old email address) Last week Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar releasedthe State of the Birds USA 2010 Report on Climate Change which was produced by a highly prestigious multi-organizational partnership under the auspices of the U.S. NABCI Committee (Committee). Built on the 2009 State of the Birds Report that was led by the National Audubon Society, this year’s report is built around a climate change vulnerability analysis of all the Nation’s birds. The lead agency this year is the U.S.Fish & Wildlife Service with the following partners: American Bird Conservancy, Assoc. of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Klamath Bird Observatory, *National Audubon Society, *The National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, U.S.D.A Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the U. S. Geological Survey. This Report plus information on the methodology utilized is available at http://stateofthebirds.org Following are highlights from the report that are specific to Colorado birds. ”Birds in every terrestrial and aquatic habitat will be affected by climate change, although individual species in each habitat are likely to respond differently.” So they rate groups of species by their level of vulnerability. They found, not surprisingly, that those species that are already considered as 'species of concern' are at higher vulnerability from climate change and that finding was true for species in all habitats not just those habitats that are themselves most vulnerable. --Alpine and Arctic species are highly vulnerable to climate change. As the climate warms, trees and vegetation will narrow or eliminate alpine breeding habitat for White-tailed Ptarmigan. I have read that there are some studies that have already found negative impacts from climate change on this species which can go no further up the mountain peaks as trees are slowly climbing higher up where they have never been found before. Sharing that high alpine habitat and vulnerability are Brown-capped Rosy-Finches, a species many who live in mountain locations have coming to their feeders. --Wetland breeding species--”A third of the 165 wetland breeding species in the United States show medium or high vulnerability to climate change.” Sadly so many of our historic wetlands have been degraded or destroyed so there is already a serious reduction in healthy wetland habitat. Wetland bird species known to breed in our area include Western and Clark's Grebes, Northern Harrier, Virginia and Sora Rail. --Grassland species—Though not listed as having species at high vulnerability to climate change, well over half are thought to be at medium vulnerability. Species such as Greater/Gunnison Sage-Grouse and Lesser Prairie-Chicken are already in serious trouble and climate change will only add to the risks for these species. --”Forest birds show greater resilience than birds in most habitats”--but many at medium vulnerability. SeEtta Moss Canon City http://BirdsAndNature.blogspot.com -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Spring migration notes 3/17 From: rostrhamus <scottesevers AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:25:17 -0700 (PDT) Had a dusk flight of two dozen Sandhill Cranes over Boulder Res tonight, a killdeer, two plastic owls guarding water treatment ponds (fooled me), plus a fun observation of a big brown bat methodically searching for flying bugs at Tom Watson Park. Plus a fair number of gulls pushing north too. Best, Scott Scott Severs Longmont, CO Colorado Odes: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/co_odes/ -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: id help From: john polo <a.flammeus AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:08:01 -0600 Greetings Coloradoans. I'm visiting from Oklahoma and still relatively new to birding. The reason for my post came during a visit to Colorado Springs on 16 March, in a park called Ute Valley, I think. It's at the corner of Centennial and Vindicator. I was at the top of the ridge of Ute Valley and was able to get a few shots of this hawk. I think it's a Goshawk, but I'd like someone to confirm for me. http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn125/trailwind/hawk.jpg http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn125/trailwind/hawk2.jpg On 17 March, I visited Great Sand Dunes National Park and heard a song I don't know. Never saw the songster. To describe it, it was close to 20 or 30 seconds long and complex. I haven't birded long enough to think of too many other birds to compare it to, so my best attempt at comparison is Bobolink or House Finch, but not the buzzy sound you hear in a House Finch's song. If someone has an idea as to what this bird was, that would be great. We saw a Pinyon Jay and Clark's Nutcracker while we were there. Good birding, John Polo Stillwater, OK -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Re: owl attacks eagle, Broomfield County From: "pygmyowl" <pygmyowl AT frii.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:09:25 -0700 Hi Carol, Yes definitely, the owl could have, and probably did, hit the eagle. Great Horned Owls can be very protective around their nests and won't hesitate to attack anything that they think may be a threat to their young. Scott Rashid Estes Park ----- Original Message ----- From: R Carol Cushman To: cobirds Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2010 4:48 PM Subject: [cobirds] owl attacks eagle, Broomfield County This afternoon just south of the Stearn's Lake on Cradleboard Trail (Broomfield County) a great horned owl attacked an adult bald eagle that had landed in the owl's nest tree where another owl sat on a nest. The eagle flew to ground near a fence & stayed there for over an hour looking properly chastised. We think the owl might have actually hit the eagle. Is that likely? As we were watching this, my FOS Mourning cloak floated by. Later we watched a N. harrier patrol the perimeter of Josh's pond, coming very close to us. Carol Cushman East Boulder County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Bald Eagles - Highland Lake, Weld Co From: "Polly S" <hollyhockfarms AT q.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:52:49 -0600 I saw one of the mature bald eagles take down a Canada goose in mid flight today. I just happened to look up at the right time while walking around Highland Lake. I've been treated to several days of watching the eagles fish, but this is the first time I have seen them actually go after a goose. Oh yes, they are still eyeballing my hens as well. Poor things, I have to keep them locked up - they are not happy. Pauli Smith Highlandlake/Mead, Weld Co. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Re: Barr Lake From: Pamela Norris <pnorris5253 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:16:08 -0700 (PDT) Watch the news.The lake could become contaminated as a result of a sewage spill at DIA. Pam norris Englewood, Co. 80113 ________________________________ From: Dave Cameron To: Colorado Birds Sent: Wed, March 17, 2010 5:10:41 PM Subject: [cobirds] Barr Lake Not the birdiest day today at Barr, but a few things-- the GB Herons have begun nest-building in earnest. Cormorants are also filling the rookery trees. One Cinnamon Teal, one Virginia Rail (heard only), the Bald Eagle pair are expecting again, as they're now sitting the nest. One nice flyover by one of the eagles. Several common merganser, one hooded, many shovelers, coots, etc. Dave Cameron Denver -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: owl attacks eagle, Broomfield County From: R Carol Cushman <R.Cushman AT Colorado.EDU> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:48:06 -0600 This afternoon just south of the Stearn's Lake on Cradleboard Trail (Broomfield County) a great horned owl attacked an adult bald eagle that had landed in the owl’s nest tree where another owl sat on a nest. The eagle flew to ground near a fence & stayed there for over an hour looking properly chastised. We think the owl might have actually hit the eagle. Is that likely? As we were watching this, my FOS Mourning cloak floated by. Later we watched a N. harrier patrol the perimeter of Josh's pond, coming very close to us. Carol Cushman East Boulder County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Barr Lake From: Dave Cameron <davednvr7 AT msn.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:10:41 -0700 (PDT) Not the birdiest day today at Barr, but a few things-- the GB Herons have begun nest-building in earnest. Cormorants are also filling the rookery trees. One Cinnamon Teal, one Virginia Rail (heard only), the Bald Eagle pair are expecting again, as they're now sitting the nest. One nice flyover by one of the eagles. Several common merganser, one hooded, many shovelers, coots, etc. Dave Cameron Denver -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: White Ranch Open Space, Jefferson Co - MOBL From: "Kayleen A Niyo" <kay AT kayniyo.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:43:40 -0600 I should have listened to John Drummond who said there weren't many migrants at Chico Basin Ranch! A friend and I this morning at 10 went up to lower and upper White Ranch Open Space on Hwy 93 across from N Table Mt and found practically zilch! Lower WROS had a pair Mountain Bluebirds and Upper WROS had resident Pygmy Nuthatch, Mt Chickadee, Steller's Jay, and Raven! Another couple weeks maybe. Kay Kayleen A. Niyo, Ph.D. Niyo Scientific Communications Kay Niyo Photography Kay AT KayNiyo.com www.KayNiyo.com ______________________________ 5651 Garnet Street Golden, CO 80403 Phone: (303) 679-6646 Fax: (866) 849-8013 -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: March 2010 D.F.O. Fieldtrips -- Join Us! From: CorvidColo AT aol.com Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:54:47 EDT Denver Field Ornithologists March 2010 Field Trips Saturday, March 20 Birding by Snowshoe: Boulder's High Country Leader: Bill Schmoker, mailto: bill.schmoker AT gmail.com. Meet leader at the Brainard Lake Trailhead above Ward (http://tinyurl.com/Brainard) at 0800. Be prepared to snowshoe up the fairly steep approach to Lefthand Reservoir and the Krummholz above (approx. 2 miles, gaining nearly 1000 feet) looking for montane birds along the way. Once above treeline we will search for White-tailed Ptarmigan in their winter plumage. Snowshoes required, poles highly suggested. For snowshoe rental check out local retailers such as REI (in Boulder, www.rei.com/stores/44). Dress warmly in layers for the high-altitude winter environment; warm boots, gloves, hat, a suitable daypack, lunch and water required. RSVP to Bill by email (above) so you can be contacted if weather or snow conditions necessitate changes in the plan. Sunday, March 21 Pueblo Area Leader: Paul Slingsby, (303) 422-3728 mailto:paslingsby AT comcast.net. Meet leader at 0600 at Yosemite St. at C-470: from I-25 exit County Line Road, go west to Yosemite. Follow Yosemite south as it curves around to the last right-hand turn before C-470. Park in the SE corner of the lot there. Full-day trip with easy hiking; bring lunch, water, and a scope and two-way radio if you have them. Please be sure to register with leader beforehand. Saturday, March 27 Bear Creek Lake Park Leader: Mike Henwood, (303) 716-8551. Meet at 0800 at the entrance to the Park (SE corner of C-470 at Morrison Road). We should see some early migrants such as Tree Swallow and Bluebirds (all 3 species were seen on this trip in 2009) plus nesting owls, hawks, and a good variety of waterfowl. This is a half-day trip with easy hiking on some uneven trails. Bring water, snacks, and dress for the unpredictable Spring foothills weather. Sunday, March 28 Fountain Creek Regional Park Leader: Sue Schulman, (303) 773-3540. Meet leader at 0800 at the Park Visitors' Center: from I-25 take exit 132 east to Hwy. 85 and follow it around to the entrance at CCattail Marsh. We'll check the creek and feeders, then walk the trails looking for early migrants and waterfowl. After lunch we'll wend our way northward to Big Johnson Reservoir for gulls, grebes, and more waterfowl. Full day trip, well-suited to beginning birders. Bring lunch, water, and a scope and radio if you have them. Please call Sue to register and to arrange carpools. The DFO board is requesting more volunteers to support the field trip scheduling task. Call Chuck Thornton-Kolbe at 303.777.7588 if you can help with the phone calling. Scheduled by Meredith Anderson Don't forget to renew your Colorado State Parks Pass and Habitat Stamp for 2010. The Habitat Stamp is no longer required for birders in Colorado.  However, the money does go toward protecting wildlife habitat in the state, and having the Stamp includes coverage from the Colorado Search and Rescue Fund. http://wildlife.state.co.us/ShopDOW/AppsAndLicenses/HabitatStamp Submitted by Chris A. Blakeslee - DFO Board Member Centennial, Colorado CorvidColo AT aol.com -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Bald Eagles - Highland Lake, Weld Co From: "Polly S" <hollyhockfarms AT q.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:55:23 -0600 We have between 3 and 4 pairs of mature bald eagles, as well as at least 6 juveniles on the lake. They have been here for at least two weeks, which is very unusual for us. Usually we see only one or two pairs in the spring, and they only hang around for a few hours. They are catching fish as they come out from under the ice. At least one pair and a juvenile are hanging out in the cottonwood tree near my chicken house. Do I need to be concerned for my hens? They keep circling the hen house. I've flushed them from the tree several times in the past couple of days (not deliberately, just by going to check on the hens). Haven't lost a hen from them yet, but then it has been a bad year for losing hens to raptors. The lake is about 70% free of ice now. There are also lots of gulls and at least two kinds of geese on the lake. I haven't see much of anything else yet, but most of the action is near the northwest and northern shores which are difficult to get to. Pauli - Highlandlake/Mead, Weld County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Union Reservoir opening up From: ROSSGULL AT aol.com Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:43:54 EDT Union Reservoir in Weld County east of Longmont is slowly opening up. Bald Eagles (up to 14) and gulls (lots of Ring-billed and Herring) are finding lots of fish snacks. The first Pelican of the year and a large group of Common Mergansers in a hole in the middle of the ice pack. Jim Hamm pond is free of ice and has a good variety of ducks: Canvasback, Redhead, Ring-necked, Bufflehead, Lesser Scaup, Pintail, Mallard. A non-birder that went to Union to see the eagles reported a Red-headed or Red-bellied Woodpecker in the trees on the southwest side. Bill and Inez Prather, Longmont -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Bald Eagles Weld County north of Greeley From: "Norma Erickson" <normaj AT what-wire.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:23:42 -0600 11 Bald Eagles near by Bald Eagles are on the move. Five sitting in the trees and flying out and back at Neff Lake along HWy 392 and WCR 31. At Carbody Lake (west of Seeley Lake) three on the ice. Comical to see them land on the thin ice, it does not hold and they move around gingerly. Seeley Lake two on the ice and immature in the air. Norma Erickson -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Crane Festival Results From: "John Rawinski" <cougar AT gojade.org> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:07:17 -0600 Hi all: Well the Monte Vista Crane Festival is completed. Attendance was normal to perhaps slightly below normal. When I gave the welcome to the Friday evening program I surveyed the 110 attendees at that session as to where they came from. The majority of folks had traveled more than a 100 miles and were from mostly the front range with some from out of state like Arizona and NM. To all who attended, thank you for visiting and joining us for this springtime tradition. There were an estimated 20,000 cranes on hand for viewing. This represents about 80 percent of the Rocky Mountain flock. The weather was good until Sunday when the snow blew in, and hope you all made it back safely. Some other birds seen during the weekend were Cackling, Canada and Snow Geese, Redheads, Common Mergansers, Brown Creeper, Belted Kingfisher and numerous Bald Eagles. For those who participated, let me know what things went well for you. Also, we are always looking for ways to improve so any helpful suggestions are also appreciated. See you next year and let no dust gather on your birding binoculars! John Rawinski Crane Committee volunteer -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: March 17, 2010, Rare Bird Alert for Colorado From: JOYCE TAKAMINE <jabiru55 AT msn.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:37:57 -0600 Date: March 17, 2010 e-Mail: rba AT cfo-link.org phone: 303-659-8750 compiler: Joyce Takamine This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 5 am sponsored by Denver Field Ornithologists and the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. Highlight species include (*Denotes that there is new information for this species in this report) EURASIAN WIGEON (Mesa) Barrow's Goldeneye (Boulder, Denver, Jefferson, Moffiat) Thayer's Gull (Boulder) American Three-toed Woodpecker (Douglas) Juniper Titmouse (Jefferson) Harris's Sparrow (Adams) GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (Jefferson) Rusty Blackbird (*Jefferson) Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (Huerfano) Black Rosy-Finch (Huerfano) White-winged Crossbill (*Larimer) To skip this recording to leave a message, press the star key at any time. Please leave your name, phone number, detailed directions including the county and dates for all sightings. It would be helpful if you would spell your last name. Adams County: --The juv Harris's Sparrow continues at least through 7 March at the feeders at Rocky Mountain Arsenal as reported by Huffstater. --Blackburn reported that at least one Long-tailed Duck (female) continues near 88th and the S. Platte. It was on West Gravel Pond on March 11. Boulder County: --An ad Thayer's Gull was reported by Blackburn at Erie Reservoir on March 8. --A m Barrow's Goldeneye was reported by Lamoureux at Cottonwood Marsh in Boulder on March 15. Denver County: --A pair of Barrow's Goldeneyes was reported by Henwood along the S. Platte River just north of the bridge on W. Evans Ave on December 14. On March 11, Thornton-Kolbe reported that the male Barrow's Goldeneye was north of the Florida Bridge. Douglas County: --3 American Three-toed Woodpeckers (2f, 1m) were reported by Huffstater west of Sedalia on Hwy 67 just east of Rampart Range Road on March 9. Huerfano County: --All 3 species of Rosy-Finches were reported by Jensen coming to her feeders in La Veta on February 26 and continue at least through March 11. If you want to try to see them contact Beverly Jensen at 719-989-1398. Jefferson County: --A f Rusty Blackbird was reported by Keithler on February 23 on the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt west of Youngfield. On the morning of March 16, Smith reported seeing the Rusty Blackbird in a tree along the bike path west of I-70. There is a parking lot off of Youngfield between 38th and 44th Ave. Walk west on the bike path under I-70 and start looking for the orange cone. Thanks to Dick Schottler and Glenn Walbek for the parking information. --A Juniper Titmouse was reported at the Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch on March 6 by Luper and Clark. The Titmouse was seen again on March 13 by many birders as reported by Severs. --On the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt a Barrow's Goldeneye has been reported: by King on the west end of Tabor Lake on March 7; by Henwood on Prospect Lake on March 8; by Deininger on a small pond east of West Lake on March 14. --A juv GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW was reported by Brown behind the Trading Post at Red Rocks on December 19. Henwood reported that the sparrow continues at least through March 15. Larimer County: --A pair of White-winged Crossbills was reported by Leatherman in Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins on November 22. Leatherman reported on March 8 the White-winged Crossbill pair were observed mating. On March 16, Leatherman reported that the pair continue their nesting activity in the SE corner of the cemetery. Mesa County: An EURASIAN WIGEON was reported by Stigen at Connected Lakes SP, on the Audubon Trail on March 14. On March 15, Bradley reported a male EURASIAN WIGEON on the Colorado River about 100 yards upstream from the Blue Heron Section Parking lot. Moffat County: --30 Barrow's Goldeneyes were reported by Luke south of Craig on the Yampa River on March 10. The DFO Field Trip for Saturday, March 20 will be Birding by Snowshoe: Boulder's High Country led by Bill Schmoker bill.schmoker AT gmail.com. Meet the Leader at the Brainard Lake Trailhead above Ward (http://tinyurl.com/Brainard) at 0800. Be prepared to showshoe up the fairly steep approach to Lefthand Reservoir and the Krummholz above (Approx 2 miles, gaining nearly 1000 feet) looking for mountain birds along the way. Once above treeline we will search for White-tailed Ptarmigan. Snowshoes required, poles highly recommended. For showshoe rental check out local retailers such as REI (in Boulder). Dress warmly in layers; warm boots, gloves, hat, a suitable daypack, lunch and water required. RSVP to Bill by email so that you can be contacted if weather or snow condition necessitate changes in the plan. The DFO Field Trip for Sunday, March 21 will be to the Pueblo Area led by Paul Slingsby (303-422-3728, paslingsby AT comcast.net). Meet the Leader at 0600 at Yosemite St at C-470: from I-25 exit County Line Rd, go west to Yosemite. Follow Yosemite south as it curves around to the last right-hand turn before C-470. Park in the SE corner of the lot there. Full-day trip with easy hiking; bring lunch, water, scope, and two-way radio if you have them. Register with Leader beforehand. The next monthly meeting of Denver Field Ornithologist will be on Monday, March 22 at 7:30 pm in the Ricketson Auidotrium of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The program will be Birding 2.0 -- Using Technology to Become a Better Birder by Ted Floyd, Bill Schmoker, and Nathan Pieplow. Good Birding, Joyce Takamine Boulder, Co -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Sorry guys!!! From: "Jessica J. Oberbeck " <jjoberbeck AT msn.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:01:56 +0000 I only sent that email once, I don't know why it has come through 5 times so far... Jessi Oberbeck -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Chico , signs of Spring From: Jxdrummo AT aol.com Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:39:36 EDT CO birders : I visited Chico today ( fee area ) with Jeannie M and enjoyed the fine weather and a few early returning migrants. Highlights : El Paso county : Scaled Quail ( group 12 ) , Loggerhead Shrike ( pair , male courtship ) , Cedar Waxwings ( 50 + ) , Long -eared Owl , Golden Eagle ( adult , immature ) . Pueblo County : Say's Phoebe ( FOS ) , Great-tailed Grackle , Sage Thrasher ( FOS ) , 10 species of waterfowl including Cinnamon Teal ( FOS ). John Drummond Monument -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Forwarding this to the group From: "Jessica J. Oberbeck" <jjoberbeck AT msn.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:42:03 -0600 Hello all, I am posting the following message for a man coming into Colo in a few weeks. He contacted me on Birdingpal but I will be in Texas when he is here. Any help would be awesome! ***** I will be visiting friends in Boulder from March 26 - April 2. While there, I intend to do some birding, especially in the mountains west of Boulder. Some of my targets are Ptarmigan, Sage Grouse, Rosy Finches, 3 Toed Woodpecker and Pinyon Jay. If you would be willing to provide me with current information about best places to go in order to see my targets I would very much appreciate it. Please respond to me privately. Dave Cook Seattle, WA dcook AT seattleschools.org -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Rusty Blackbird- Jefferson Co Map From: "Margaret Smith" <margaret AT theabogroup.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:43:35 -0600 -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Rusty Blackbird-- Jefferson County From: "Margaret Smith" <margaret AT theabogroup.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:33:21 -0600 Dear Joyce-I saw male and female together. I didn't see an orange cone. I drove north from 32nd on Zinnia Street which is the western frontage road to 1-70, parked in the Animal Shelter parking lot, walked north 200 feet parallel to I-70 on the bike path to where it joined the bike trail along Clear Creek, and the birds were just 100 feet west of the junction on the Clear Creek bike trail. I peeked under I-70 & didn't see an orange cone to the east, nor did I see one to the west. I was on my way to work so I didn't explore further. Will a map stick to the e-mail? I'll try separately.--Margaret -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: March DFO Meeting -- Birding 2.0 -- Using Technology to Become a Better Birder From: CorvidColo AT aol.com Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:27:03 EDT March DFO Meeting The 4th Monday of March, NOT the last Monday of March! * * * * * * * * * * * Birding 2.0 -- Using Technology to Become a Better Birder by Ted Floyd, Bill Schmoker, and Nathan Pieplow Monday, March 22, 2010 I’m sure almost every DFO birder has experimented with technological aids of one type or another; from websites to GPS to IPods singing out bird calls in the field. Ted, Bill, and Nathan will amaze you with their INTERACTIVE presentation. They will showcase a wide variety of the latest technological resources available in the market today for the tech- savvy birder. They will demonstrate such things as: • Birding software • Bird and birding websites • Handheld electronic gadgets • Innovative electronic bird finding guides such as the Colorado County Birding website • Bird identification and vocalization sites and aids: Macaulay, Xeno-Canto, Raven Lite • eBird, COBIRDS • Citizen science • Navigation (GoogleMaps) and weather info. • and more... Ted Floyd is the editor of Birding, the flagship publication of the American Birding Association. He is the author of numerous articles and three recent books, including The Smithsonian Field Guide to the Birds of North America (HarperCollins). Ted is a frequent speaker at bird festivals and other birding events, and he is an instructor with the ABA’s Institute for Field Ornithology. His last two appearances before the DFO audience were “The Most Excellent Birds in the World” (Oct. 2007), and “Birding at Night: The Ultimate Frontier ” (March 2009) about the mid to late summer molt migration of Colorado chipping sparrows. Bill Schmoker’s greatest professional accomplishment is being a dedicated middle school science teacher in Longmont where he lives with this wife and son. He is the past president of Colorado Field Ornithologists and in his spare time he is an accomplished nature photographer whose work has appeared in magazines, field guides, newspapers, interpretive signage, advertisements, corporate logos, websites, and other venues. He is also a busy blogger, columnist, instructor, speaker, and tour leader for ABA and other organizations, and he is a Nikon Birding ProStaffer. Bill thrilled us with his photos in his recent program “To the Sea and Shore” (Jan. 2010), and prior to that with “A Birder’s New Year’s Resolutions for 2006 (Jan. 2006).” Visit Bill at http://schmoker.org or http://brdpics.blogspot.com. Nathan Pieplow teaches writing at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and is the distinguished editor of CFO’s quarterly journal Colorado Birds . Nathan has been a key figure in the development and implementation of the online Colorado County Birding website, an innovative electronic birdfinding guide, and of the Colorado Birding Trail, with its unique emphasis on creating partnerships between private ranchers and the state's birding community. Nathan is a contributing author to Birding and an instructor with the ABA’s Institute for Field Ornithology. He is also an active natural-sounds recordist and he blogs at Earbirding.com. All persons in attendance on March 22nd will receive a FREE copy of "Let's Go Birding!", a new beginner's guide by Ted Floyd and Bill Schmoker, published by the American Birding Association. Thanks to the ABA for this special offer. Whether you love your computer, Blackberry, and IPod or hate them, join us for an entertaining and informative presentation by three of Colorado’s top birders and leaders in the use of technology in the pursuit of our feathered friends. April 26, 2010 Nathan Pieplow -- Spring Migrant Refresher Course on Calls and Songs May through July - No DFO meetings The Denver Field Ornithologists monthly meetings are held in Ricketson Auditorium at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in City Park. These meetings are free and open to the public and occur on the 4th Monday of each month August through April (except December). Park on the north side of the Museum and walk around and enter through the Museum's west door. Plan to arrive by 7:15 p.m.; DOORS OPEN BY 7:00 AND ARE LOCKED AT 7:30 P.M. If late, you can enter through the security/volunteer door, but this does create problems for our hosts at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Submitted by Chris A. Blakeslee - DFO Board Member Centennial, Colorado CorvidColo AT aol.com -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Re: Rusty Blackbird, Jefferson Co From: Joyce <jabiru55 AT msn.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:22:09 -0700 (PDT) Hi Margaret, Was it the male or female? Was it east or west of the orange cone? Joyce On Mar 16, 9:03 am, "Margaret Smith" wrote: > I saw the Rusty Blackbird this morning (03-16) in a tree next to the bike > path just west of 1-70 on Clear Creek.-Margaret Smith > > Margaret > >  image001.jpg > 10KViewDownload -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Rusty Blackbird, Jefferson Co From: "Margaret Smith" <margaret AT theabogroup.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:03:35 -0600 I saw the Rusty Blackbird this morning (03-16) in a tree next to the bike path just west of 1-70 on Clear Creek.-Margaret Smith Margaret -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Goosing, Weld From: Eric DeFonso <bay.wren AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:11:40 -0600 Hi all, In the late afternoon I headed over to County Rd 48 near Lower Latham Reservoir in Weld County to check out the scene. The reservoir is opening up nicely and lots of waterfowl and gulls are hanging out there. In particular, amid a sea of Canada and Cackling Geese I spotted a pair of Greater White-fronted Geese at the customary shorebird spot just south of the road and a quarter mile or so west of Cty Rd 47. Further down road 48 and in an ag field north of it was a group of a dozen or so Snow Geese, including a few "Blue" morphs, as well as one ROSS'S GOOSE. For me it's always a treat to get 5 species of Goose in one area. Also seen of note were numerous Red-winged Blackbirds, a couple Great-tailed Grackles, a Short-eared Owl, a Great Horned Owl, and a pair of Red-tailed Hawks, one with an enormous bulging crop. -- Eric DeFonso Fort Collins, CO -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: March 16, 2010, Rare Bird Alert for Colorado From: JOYCE TAKAMINE <jabiru55 AT msn.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:40:23 -0600 Date: March 16, 2010 e-Mail: rba AT cfo-link.org phone: 303-659-8750 compiler: Joyce Takamine This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 5 am sponsored by Denver Field Ornithologists and the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. Highlight species include (*Denotes that there is new information for this species in this report) EURASIAN WIGEON (*Mesa) Barrow's Goldeneye (*Boulder, Denver, *Jefferson, Moffiat) Thayer's Gull (Boulder) American Three-toed Woodpecker (Douglas) Juniper Titmouse (Jefferson) Harris's Sparrow (Adams) GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (*Jefferson) Rusty Blackbird (Jefferson) Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (Huerfano) Black Rosy-Finch (Huerfano) White-winged Crossbill (*Larimer) To skip this recording to leave a message, press the star key at any time. Please leave your name, phone number, detailed directions including the county and dates for all sightings. It would be helpful if you would spell your last name. Adams County: --The juv Harris's Sparrow continues at least through 7 March at the feeders at Rocky Mountain Arsenal as reported by Huffstater. --Blackburn reported that at least one Long-tailed Duck (female) continues near 88th and the S. Platte. It was on West Gravel Pond on March 11. Boulder County: --An ad Thayer's Gull was reported by Blackburn at Erie Reservoir on March 8. --A m Barrow's Goldeneye was reported by Lamoureux at Cottonwood Marsh in Boulder on March 15. Denver County: --A pair of Barrow's Goldeneyes was reported by Henwood along the S. Platte River just north of the bridge on W. Evans Ave on December 14. On March 11, Thornton-Kolbe reported that the male Barrow's Goldeneye was north of the Florida Bridge. Douglas County: --3 American Three-toed Woodpeckers (2f, 1m) were reported by Huffstater west of Sedalia on Hwy 67 just east of Rampart Range Road on March 9. Huerfano County: --All 3 species of Rosy-Finches were reported by Jensen coming to her feeders in La Veta on February 26 and continue at least through March 11. If you want to try to see them contact Beverly Jensen at 719-989-1398. Jefferson County: --A f Rusty Blackbird was reported by Keithler on February 23 on the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt west of Youngfield. On the morning of March 12, Nelson reported seeing the male Rusty Blackbird closer to the parking lot than the orange cone. There is a parking lot off of Youngfield between 38th and 44th Ave. Walk west on the bike path under I-70 and start looking for the orange cone. Thanks to Dick Schottler and Glenn Walbek for the parking information. --A Juniper Titmouse was reported at the Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch on March 6 by Luper and Clark. The Titmouse was seen again on March 13 by many birders as reported by Severs. --On the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt a Barrow's Goldeneye has been reported: by King on the west end of Tabor Lake on March 7; by Henwood on Prospect Lake on March 8; by Deininger on a small pond east of West Lake on March 14. --A juv GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW was reported by Brown behind the Trading Post at Red Rocks on December 19. Henwood reported that the sparrow continues at least through March 15. Larimer County: --A pair of White-winged Crossbills was reported by Leatherman in Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins on November 22. Leatherman reported on March 8 the White-winged Crossbill pair were observed mating. On March 15, Leatherman reported that the pair continue their nesting activity in the SE corner of the cemetery. Mesa County: An EURASIAN WIGEON was reported by Stigen at Connected Lakes SP, on the Audubon Trail on March 14. On March 15, Bradley reported a male EURASIAN WIGEON on the Colorado River about 100 yards upstream from the Blue Heron Section Parking lot. Moffat County: --30 Barrow's Goldeneyes were reported by Luke south of Craig on the Yampa River on March 10. The DFO Field Trip for Saturday, March 20 will be Birding by Snowshoe: Boulder's High Country led by Bill Schmoker bill.schmoker AT gmail.com. Meet the Leader at the Brainard Lake Trailhead above Ward )http://tinyurl.com/Brainard) at 0800. Be prepared to showshoe up the fairly steep approach to Lefthand Reservoir and the Krummholz above (Approx 2 miles, gaining nearly 1000 feet) looking for mountain birds along the way. Once above treeline we will search for White-tailed Ptarmigan. Snowshoes required, poles highly recommended. For showshoe rental check out local retailers such as REI (in Boulder). Dress warmly in layers; warm boots, gloves, hat, a suitable daypack, lunch and water required. RSVP to Bill by email so that you can be contacted if weather or snow condition necessitate changes in the plan. The DFO Field Trip for Sunday, March 21 will be to the Pueblo Area led by Paul Slingsby (303-422-3728, paslingsby AT comcast.net). Meet the Leader at 0600 at Yosemite St at C-470: from I-25 exit County Line Rd, go west to Yosemite. Follow Yosemite south as it curves around to the last right-hand turn before C-470. Park in the SE corner of the lot there. Full-day trip with easy hiking; bring lunch, water, scope, and two-way radio if you have them. Register with Leader beforehand. Good Birding, Joyce Takamine Boulder, Co -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Prospect Lake, Colorado Springs From: sk8inginfo AT aol.com Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:51:21 -0400 Hi, COBirders~ A walk around Prospect Lake in Memorial Park, Colorado Springs today had a nice array: Canada Goose Mallard Gadwall American Wigeon Northern Shoveler Canvasback Redhead Ring-necked Duck Lesser Scaup Bufflehead Eared Grebe American Coot No Common Mergansers or Common Goldeneye today, but the Canvasback and the Redhead were new. Tamie Bulow Colorado Springs, CO -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Crossbill Update, Grandview Cemetery, 15March From: "Dave Leatherman" <daleatherman AT msn.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:25:56 -0600 The White-winged Crossbills continue their nesting at Grandview Cemetery, west end of Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, Larimer County, CO. Today marks the 114th day of their visit. If Joe Mammoser and I were right about when egg-laying began (March 12), today would be the 4th egg. A normal clutch is reported to be "3-4", so maybe she is done with her production. She was on the nest almost the entire day, as far as I could tell. I was gone in mid-afternoon, but got there about 8:30 (my body said it was still 7:30)am and left at about 6pm. We saw the male come to the ground at least 4 times today (last trip earthward was at 5:15), and her at least 2 times, almost exclusively to eat dirty snow from the ever-shrinking pile or drink snowmelt. Soon there will be no water available to them in the immediate vicinity of the nest, but there are a few large snow patches within 100 yards. It would be nice if we got some decent snows in the next couple weeks that require plowing. If so, I think the plowed piles would help them a lot. With fledging anticipated for around April 15-25, the snow will not likely last until the ditch water commences (May?). Probably somebody out there is thinking we should intercede and place water near the nest tree. This pair has already shown a remarkable ability in many respects to make-do at a site foreign to their experience or instincts. So, my request would be that we just let this play out and see what happens. And, although the thought to do overwise has occurred to me, that includes leaving the local squirrel population at full density. I mention this water business because it is so important to them. Per day, crossbills drink 22% of their body weight of 0.91 ounces. If I drank the same amount, it'd be 6+ gallons of water/day. For a human, this amount would cause water toxicity, according to what I can find on-line. One site said our bodies (kidneys), for a healthy adult, can handle up to 15 liters (almost 4 gallons) per day IF taken in moderate amounts over a whole day. As little as 3 quarts taken all at once could, and has, killed humans. I calculate since they arrived in late November of last year, each crossbill has consumed about 23 ounces of water (for me that would be over 7500 Fat Tires in the same time period (i.e., I'd be in detox or under a headstone nearby)). I used to think I wanted to be a White-throated Swift when I come back, but ................. She seemed to do some egg-turning today, rearranged herself atop the eggs often, and was visited about every 30-90 minutes by the male with a regurgitated seed bolus. Usually, after busily collecting seeds out there somewhere, he called upon arriving near the nest, she called, and then he went in with the delivery. She quivers quite noticeably when he is making the transfer. He often came to the ground for a drink immediately after delivering a load of food. He also chased somewhat forcefully several (or the same poor individual) male House Finches that had the audacity to hang out on or near the crossbill nest tree. Today also marks the day the Great Horned Owl eggs should have begun to hatch in the center of the cemetery, although when I checked her, she was facing west (not her normal direction of north) and it was tough to gauge her height in the elm crotch. Usually when the babies hatch in this historical nest, she is noticeably higher in the crotch. Julie Luckasen, a frequent owl checker, said she thought the female looked higher on the nest yesterday. Siskin noise is much reduced these days over last week (lots of females beginning to finalize nests and/or sit?). Starling and House Finch noise is way up as they prepare for nesting cycles. Dave Leatherman Fort Collins -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Open Water/Northern Colorado From: "The \"Nunn Guy\"" <lefkogt AT coloradobirder.info> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:09:30 -0700 (PDT) Visited Lafarge Ponds (40% open I25/Harmony); Timnath Reservoir (5% open); Windsor Reservoir (5% open); Drake Lake (50% open); Crom Lake (100% open)and Wellington SWA (40% open) on my commute today. Species: Swan - 0 Canada Goose - "zillions" (Windsor Reservoir) Snow Goose - 3 (Windsor Reservoir) Northern Pintail American Wigeon Green-winged Teal Mallard Gadwall Northern Shoveler Common Merganser Redhead Canvasback Lesser Scaup Ring-necked Duck Common Goldeneye Hooded Merganser Common Merganser Bufflehead Thanks Gary Lefko/Nunn http://coloradobirder.ning.com/ -- Home of the "Nunn Guy" -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco From: mike <Hawkhen AT aol.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:27:19 -0600 With a couple of inches of snow on the ground this morning, I decided to check on the Golden-crowned Sparrow at the feeders at the Red Rocks Trading Post. Threw out some seed around 8:00 a.m., then went and did some birding in the park. Returned to the feeders around 9:30 a.m. and the Golden-crowned Sparrow showed up under the apple tree with some juncos and House Finches about 9:45 a.m. Drove the roads in BCLP to look for bluebirds. Had a FOS large flock (40 -50) of Mountain Bluebirds in the area below the dam along the road north of Mountain View Picnic Area. Mike Henwood Morrison - Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Re: R-T Hawk predates a Cooper's From: "Ira Sanders" <greatauk AT msn.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:20:13 -0600 North of Austin at Round Rock, Texas, Tammy and I saw a RT and a Swainson's catching bats on the wing as they came out from under a bridge. The RT was better at it but with that many bats, both birds caught their fill. Ira Sanders Golden, CO ----- Original Message ----- From: migrant44 AT aol.com To: urraca2 AT comcast.net ; cobirds AT googlegroups.com Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 10:31 PM Subject: Re: [cobirds] R-T Hawk predates a Cooper's I can't speak to the issue from personal experience, but there is a show called Raptor Force which has run on PBS several times, which features lots of footage of raptors as well as comparisons with the technology of jet fighters. In this show there is footage of red-tails in Texas catching bats on the wing. That has to display a fair degree of aerial agility! Norm Lewis -----Original Message----- From: Leon Bright > To: COBIRDS > Sent: Sun, Mar 14, 2010 9:22 pm Subject: [cobirds] R-T Hawk predates a Cooper's COBirders, Skot Latona’s photo of a red-taildining on a Cooper’s Hawk with the possibility that the red-tail killedit, runs counter to my understanding that Cooper’s are too agile to becaught by red-tails, under normal conditions. Have I been mistaken inholding that concept, or are some large buteos quick enough to grab amedium-sized accipiter? Leon -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Barrow's Goldeneye, Cottonwood Marsh, Boulder From: "Mailjpl AT aol.com" <Mailjpl@aol.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:07:12 -0700 (PDT) Stopped by Cottonwood Marsh at Walden Ponds today. One male Barrow's Goldeneye was present along with several Common Goldeneyes. Also present were: American Wigeon, Redhead, Bufflehead, Canvasback (only 2), Gadwall, Mallard, Ring-Necked Duck, one Song Sparrow off the boardwalk and a female Northern Harrier soaring overhead. James Lamoureux -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Re: R-T Hawk predates a Cooper's From: Skot <skotlato AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:43:45 -0700 (PDT) Without a witness to a kill, certainly can't say for sure. We were shocked to walk out and identify the carcass after the hawk left. Its always possible that the Coopers succumbed to ANYTHING else and redtail just found the carcass first. (it was not warm/pliable when we went out 30 mins after noticing, but otherwise little to judge time of death was left). IF the RT was responsible for the kill, possible theories could be the Coopers had some injury/illness to affect its awareness? Our group in Bosque watched a crane succumb to disease, going from normal-looking bird to struggling to legs-in-the-air- feeding-ravens in under 5 minutes). Another scenario we considered: The Coopers and sharp-shinned hawks often approach this feeder (or at least nearby shelter to ambush the feeder) across several hundred feet of open grassland in a straight glide, low to the ground. Cooper could have been flying in focused on prey, with redtail ambushing from the nearby roof or aerial position. Cooper could have even seen the redtail and not considered it a threat, however, as we'd witnessed over the past weeks, this redtail has been seen taking a blackbird off the feeder so perhaps has developed a unique skill? Nice excitement for a snowy afternoon! Skot On Mar 14, 9:22 pm, "Leon Bright" wrote: > COBirders, > > Skot Latona's photo of a red-tail dining on a Cooper's Hawk with the > possibility that the red-tail killed it, runs counter to my understanding > that Cooper's are too agile to be caught by red-tails, under normal > conditions.  Have I been mistaken in holding that concept, or are some large > buteos quick enough to grab a medium-sized accipiter? > > Leon -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Aiken Auduboon Society in Colorado Spring to host Paul Bannick, "The Owl and the Woodpecker" From: birdingspacepig AT aol.com Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:39:40 -0400 Aiken Audubon Society is pleased to host Paul Bannick, photographer and author of The Owl and The Woodpecker. When: Tuesday, March 16 (not our usual Wednesday meeting) Time: 6:30 p.m. (doors open); 7:00 p.m. (program begins) Where: Colorado Division of Wildlife, 4255 Sinton Road,Colorado Springs Award-winning photographer Paul Bannick will take you on a visual journey of 11 key North American habitats through the needs of specific owl and woodpecker species. This stunning photographic study will be accompanied by field stories, and rich natural history derived from thousands of hours in the field. His talk will look at the way owls and woodpeckers define and enrich their habitat and how their life-histories are intertwined. Paul’s work has appeared in Audubon magazine, Sunset magazine, Pacific Northwest magazine, the National Wildlife Federation Guide to North American Birds, Smithsonian Guide to North American Birds and in many other books, magazines, parks, refuges and other places in North America and Europe. Paul works full-time as a director for Conservation Northwest, a conservation organization dedicated to protecting and connecting wild areas from the Pacific Coast to the Canadian Rockies. Visit our website for additional information: www.aikenaudubon.com Thank you and we hope to see you tomorrow evening! Christine A. Bucher Aiken Audubon Society, Secretary & Publicity -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Re: New Yard-bird in La Veta, Huerfano County From: kickback <bill_kosar AT msn.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:20:59 -0700 (PDT) Hi Beverly, I have been seeing Meadowlarks reappear for the last few weekends in the fields around Colorado Springs. I have never seen them at the feeders in our yard like you are seeing. I did see three goldfinches yesterday who are coming into their spring plumage and looking very good. Have fun! Bill Kosar bill_kosar AT msn.com On Mar 15, 10:05 am, Beverly wrote: > We got around 8" of snow last night...and of course the Rosies were > back in full force that afternoon, as it got started.  Watching > hundreds of them swing through the air (avoiding all the Red-winged > Blackbirds) is such a treat.  I love it when they visit all day. > > And I've discovered birds don't do Daylight Savings Time.  LOL   They > were not here at 6 AM this morning, but were johnny-on-the-spot at > seven o'clock this morning.  And they're still coming.  Yes, Brown- > capped, Blacks and Gray-crowned, including some coastal Hepburn's. > > In addition to all the regulars, I still see the Lewis's Woodpecker, > 3-4 times per week, many Evening Grosbeaks, some Cassin's Finches and > a Song Sparrow or two.  Oddly, I've yet to see a White-crowned Sparrow > this year. > > The most surprising birds I saw yesterday, which were a first for my > yard...were Meadowlarks!  Isn't it sort of early for them?  I know > they are around, in the fields around town, but I've never heard of > them being in a yard.  Perhaps the Red-wings brought them in?  There > were two; pictures are here: > > http://www.ruralchatter.blogspot.com/ > > Beverly Jensen, 719-989-1398 > La Veta, Huerfano County Colorado -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: New Yard-bird in La Veta, Huerfano County From: Beverly <goldiloucks AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:05:26 -0700 (PDT) We got around 8" of snow last night...and of course the Rosies were back in full force that afternoon, as it got started. Watching hundreds of them swing through the air (avoiding all the Red-winged Blackbirds) is such a treat. I love it when they visit all day. And I've discovered birds don't do Daylight Savings Time. LOL They were not here at 6 AM this morning, but were johnny-on-the-spot at seven o'clock this morning. And they're still coming. Yes, Brown- capped, Blacks and Gray-crowned, including some coastal Hepburn's. In addition to all the regulars, I still see the Lewis's Woodpecker, 3-4 times per week, many Evening Grosbeaks, some Cassin's Finches and a Song Sparrow or two. Oddly, I've yet to see a White-crowned Sparrow this year. The most surprising birds I saw yesterday, which were a first for my yard...were Meadowlarks! Isn't it sort of early for them? I know they are around, in the fields around town, but I've never heard of them being in a yard. Perhaps the Red-wings brought them in? There were two; pictures are here: http://www.ruralchatter.blogspot.com/ Beverly Jensen, 719-989-1398 La Veta, Huerfano County Colorado -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Wheatridge Greenbelte Sunday 3/14 From: blueskyhkd AT comcast.net Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:01:57 +0000 (UTC) Probably to late for Chip, but I saw no Rusty Blackbirds yesterday morning.  I did find the previos reported   Barrow's Goldeneye on the small pond east of West Lake and a possible Greater Scaup   among the Lesser Scaup on Prospect Lake.  (Bad weather and optics didn't allow me to positively id the bird.)  Two large rafts on Northern Shovelers were on tabor Lake.  Almost all lakes held Common Goldeneye and West Lake had a raft of Redheads.  Clear Creek had a pair of Wood Ducks by the car park off of Youngfield. (pointed out to me by a pair of British birders.  Also on the creek were Am. Wigeon, Mallards, and Green-winged Teal.  An American Dipper was signing under I-70.  song Sparrows were also singing. Todd Deininger Longmont, CO "Only the muddy fox lives" -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Re: R-T Hawk predates a Cooper's From: blueskyhkd AT comcast.net Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:51:35 +0000 (UTC) I have witnessed the Red-tail Hawk at Bracken Cave in TX catching a Mexican Free-tailed Bat.  Also, I have read accounts of Golden Eagles catching Peregrine Falcons. Todd Deininger Longmont, CO "Only the muddy fox lives" -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: RMBO Seeks Award Nominations From: Jason Beason <aeronautes.saxatalis AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:41:26 -0600 Dear Colorado Birders, This is posted with permission from the administrator. *RMBO Seeks Award Nominations* * * The Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory (RMBO) is seeking nominations for its annual Rich Levad Award. The award honors the memory of Rich, who made outstanding contributions to Colorado ornithology throughout his career as a teacher and as a staff member of the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. Rich passed away in February of 2008. The award recognizes persons who, like Rich in his incredibly productive lifetime, have provided distinguished service to the ornithological community, made scholarly contributions to the field of ornithology and/or have enthused others about conserving birds and their habitats through sharing their personal knowledge and experience. Award nomination forms can be found at www.rmbo.org. The deadline for submission of all nominations is June 30. The award will be presented at the RMBO annual membership picnic in Brighton, CO on August 28. Nominations can be made by anyone and should highlight a nominee’s contributions to ornithology, conservation, and/or their success in sharing their knowledge of birds with others. Rich Levad taught English for more than 30 years at Central High School in Grand Junction and started working for RMBO after he retired from that position. He was a key player in starting RMBO’s Monitoring Colorado’s Birds program, which helped identify new breeding sites for such species as the Black Swift and Purple Martin, and he started Project Colony Watch, a volunteer-driven effort to gather data on 15 of Colorado’s colonial waterbird species. His book on the Black Swift is due to be published in the near future. Rich was the first recipient of the award in his name, in 2006, after he had been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Here are other recipients: 2007 – Nelda Gamble (Former RMBO staff member) 2008 – Kim Potter (U.S. Forest Service biologist) 2009 – Mike Carter (Founder of the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory) Thank you and good birding, -- Jason Beason Special Monitoring Projects Coordinator Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: A few Saturday birds, Larimer From: Eric DeFonso <bay.wren AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:46:29 -0600 Hi everyone, Sorry about the late report. I just seem to have forgotten to post anything earlier! Anyway, while doing some scouting around for a raptor field trip I'm leading next Saturday (and also eagerly checking to see if the ice is finally giving way on area lakes), I refound the Harlan's Hawk that has been overwintering near the I-25 weigh station near Fort Collins. I've now seen it at least a half-dozen times this season in that same general area. Fossil Creek is still pretty iced over, but should be opening up in the next couple days of warm sun. Same goes for Timnath Reservoir. Although Timnath is still pretty icy, the small roadside ponds where last summer's Neotropic Cormorant are now a popular midday hangout for geese. The lake at the intersection of Larimer Cty Rd 44 and 3 - the gazetteer calls it Deadman Lake, and it usually is quite 'dead' in my experience - is bustling with bird activity with lots of nice waterfowl, gulls, and Red-tailed Hawks in love. Amid the usual Canadas and Cackling Geese were 2 Snow Geese, and amid the usual Ring-billed Gulls were a couple Herring Gulls including one first-spring Herring Gull and one gorgeous first-spring THAYER'S GULL. I also went looking for the Red-shouldered Hawk at Kodak SWA, but no luck. I'd had a report that he was seen as recently as a couple weeks ago, so it's probably still worth checking. -- Eric DeFonso Fort Collins, CO -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: March 15, 2010, Rare Bird Alert for Colorado From: JOYCE TAKAMINE <jabiru55 AT msn.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:43:40 -0600 Date: March 15, 2010 e-Mail: rba AT cfo-link.org phone: 303-659-8750 compiler: Joyce Takamine This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Monday, March 15, 2010 at 5 am sponsored by Denver Field Ornithologists and the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. Highlight species include (*Denotes that there is new information for this species in this report) EURASIAN WIGEON (*Mesa) Barrow's Goldeneye (Denver, Moffiat) Thayer's Gull (Boulder) American Three-toed Woodpecker (Douglas) Juniper Titmouse (Jefferson) Harris's Sparrow (Adams) Rusty Blackbird (Jefferson) Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (Huerfano) Black Rosy-Finch (Huerfano) White-winged Crossbill (Larimer) To skip this recording to leave a message, press the star key at any time. Please leave your name, phone number, detailed directions including the county and dates for all sightings. It would be helpful if you would spell your last name. Adams County: --The juv Harris's Sparrow continues at least through 7 March at the feeders at Rocky Mountain Arsenal as reported by Huffstater. --Blackburn reported that at least one Long-tailed Duck (female) continues near 88th and the S. Platte. It was on West Gravel Pond on March 11. Boulder County: --An ad Thayer's Gull was reported by Blackburn at Erie Reservoir on March 8. Denver County: --A pair of Barrow's Goldeneyes was reported by Henwood along the S. Platte River just north of the bridge on W. Evans Ave on December 14. On March 11, Thornton-Kolbe reported that the male Barrow's Goldeneye was north of the Florida Bridge. Douglas County: --3 American Three-toed Woodpeckers (2f, 1m) were reported by Huffstater west of Sedalia on Hwy 67 just east of Rampart Range Road on March 9. Huerfano County: --All 3 species of Rosy-Finches were reported by Jensen coming to her feeders in La Veta on February 26 and continue at least through March 11. If you want to try to see them contact Beverly Jensen at 719-989-1398. Jefferson County: --A f Rusty Blackbird was reported by Keithler on February 23 on the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt west of Youngfield. On the morning of March 12, Nelson reported seeing the male Rusty Blackbird closer to the parking lot than the orange cone. There is a parking lot off of Youngfield between 38th and 44th Ave. Walk west on the bike path under I-70 and start looking for the orange cone. Thanks to Dick Schottler and Glenn Walbek for the parking information. --A Juniper Titmouse was reported at the Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch on March 6 by Luper and Clark. The Titmouse was seen again on March 13 by many birders as reported by Severs. Larimer County: --A pair of White-winged Crossbills was reported by Leatherman in Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins on November 22. Leatherman reported on March 8 the White-winged Crossbill pair were observed mating. On March 12, Henwood reported that the pair continue to be present in the SE corner of the cemetery. Mesa County: An EURASIAN WIGEON was reported by Stigen at Connected Lakes SP, on the Audubon Trail on March 14. Moffat County: --30 Barrow's Goldeneyes were reported by Luke south of Craig on the Yampa River on March 10. The DFO Field Trip for Saturday, March 20 will be Birding by Snowshoe: Boulder's High Country led by Bill Schmoker bill.schmoker AT gmail.com. Meet the Leader at the Brainard Lake Trailhead above Ward )http://tinyurl.com/Brainard) at 0800. Be prepared to showshoe up the fairly steep approach to Leafhand Reservoir and the Krummholz above (Approx 2 miles, gaining nearly 1000 feet) looking for mountain birds along the way. Once above treeline we will search for White-tailed Ptarmigan. Snowshoes required, poles highly recommended. For showshoe rental check out local retailers such as REI (in Boulder). Dress warmly in layers; warm boots, gloves, hat, a suitable daypack, lunch and water required. RSVP to Bill by email so that you can be contacted if weather or snow condition necessitate changes in the plan. The DFO Field Trip for Sunday, March 21 will be to the Pueblo Area led by Paul Slingsby (303-422-3728, paslingsby AT comcast.net). Meet the Leader at 0600 at Yosemite St at C-470: from I-25 exit County Line Rd, go west to Yosemite. Follow Yosemite south as it curves around to the last right-hand turn before C-470. Park in the SE corner of the lot there. Full-day trip with easy hiking; bring lunch, water, scope, and two-way radio if you have them. Register with Leader beforehand. Good Birding, Joyce Takamine Boulder, Co -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Re: R-T Hawk predates a Cooper's From: migrant44 AT aol.com Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:31:38 -0400 I can't speak to the issue from personal experience, but there is a show called Raptor Force which has run on PBS several times, which features lots of footage of raptors as well as comparisons with the technology of jet fighters. In this show there is footage of red-tails in Texas catching bats on the wing. That has to display a fair degree of aerial agility! Norm Lewis -----Original Message----- From: Leon Bright To: COBIRDS Sent: Sun, Mar 14, 2010 9:22 pm Subject: [cobirds] R-T Hawk predates a Cooper's COBirders, Skot Latona’s photo of a red-taildining on a Cooper’s Hawk with the possibility that the red-tail killedit, runs counter to my understanding that Cooper’s are too agile to becaught by red-tails, under normal conditions.  Have I been mistaken inholding that concept, or are some large buteos quick enough to grab amedium-sized accipiter?  Leon -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en   Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Rusty Blackbird RFI From: Chip Clouse <chip.clouse AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:15:52 -0400 Hi CoBirders, I've been out of state for a couple weeks and wondering if the blackbirds are still around. Any help before tomorrow morning 6 am would be appreciated. Thanks, Chip Clouse CO Springs -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: R-T Hawk predates a Cooper's From: "Leon Bright" <urraca2 AT comcast.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:22:16 -0600 COBirders, Skot Latona's photo of a red-tail dining on a Cooper's Hawk with the possibility that the red-tail killed it, runs counter to my understanding that Cooper's are too agile to be caught by red-tails, under normal conditions. Have I been mistaken in holding that concept, or are some large buteos quick enough to grab a medium-sized accipiter? Leon -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Bluebirds on the move From: "Leon Bright" <urraca2 AT comcast.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:04:08 -0600 COBirders, Scott Severs mentioned seeing a “seasonal push” of Mountain Bluebirds while at the RMBO hawkwatch today. I took a trip to western Custer County yesterday to check on our cabin in the Sangre De Cristo range and saw not only that bluebird species, but several Western Bluebirds which are not very common there. There is a good snow cover, requiring me to snowshoe in about ¾ mile to the cabin, so the bluebirds probably aren’t finding many insects to munch on yet. Leon Bright Pueblo -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Red-tail specializing in hunting birds; also, lake names From: Skot Latona <skotlato AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:07:52 -0600 One of the redtails that has been playing house on the nest near the Carson Nature Center seems to be a bird-specialist. It has been seen pursuing small birds on several occassions and recently snatched a red-winged blackbird off the platform bird-feeder. Today, it was seen feeding on a Cooper's Hawk carcass less than 30 feet from the Nature Center deck. (photo at www.facebook.com/southplattepark) No one saw a kill take place, so can't officially make that claim, but the Cooper's hawk is nowhere near possible window, powerline, or car kill-threats, and the carass was only damaged by the red-tail feeding from the back, so can't imagine it would have been caught or carried there by a ground predator . . . In reference to recent hooded-merganser sightings on our lakes: After 40 years of their gravel-mine references, the Park and City took steps to give these lakes (restored pits) proper names. Community submitted names, a committee selected them, and USGS approved them last year. Over time, they should filter through the various atlas software. Lake 1 - Blackrock Lake Lake 2 - Eaglewatch Lake Lake 3 - Redtail Lake Lake 4 - Ladybug Lake Lake 5 - Bufflehead Lake Cooley Lake and the new South Platte Reservoir round out the official names. As of this morning, all Lakes were finally ice-free for the first time since November. Monthly free hikes to Cooley Lake have moved to the second SATURDAY of each month after almost 20 years of being on Sundays (to participate, call 303-730-1022 to book spaces - hikes are free but group size is limited each month). Skot Latona Littleton _________________________________________________________________ The New Busy is not the old busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID27925::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:032010_3 -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Greater White-fronted Goose/Greeley From: "The \"Nunn Guy\"" <lefkogt AT coloradobirder.info> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:06:07 -0700 (PDT) While driving around Weld county looking for/marking raptor nests I eventually made it to Greeley where the gravel pits have thawed. 35th Ave east pond is 100% open and full of usual spring ducks. Fst pond was 70% frozen and covered with geese including the Greater White- fronted. Unfortunately north of Grover a lot of small oil rigs are now dotting the landscape--what a shame. Thanks Gary Lefko/Nunn http://coloradobirder.ning.com/ -- Home of the "Nunn Guy" -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Bushtit, Gunbarrel From: Walter M Szeliga <Walter.Szeliga AT Colorado.EDU> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:48:36 -0600 Dear Cobirds, Cold NE winds have brought one singing Bushtit to my yard in Gunbarrel. I usually have a hard time tracking this species down in Boulder County, so it's nice to have found one so soon in the year! Cheers, Walter Szeliga Boulder, CO -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Swan sp., Larimer County (I25 & Harmony Rd.) From: William Schmoker <bill.schmoker AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 09:10:23 -0600 Folks- Nick Komar just called me to say he saw a swan as he was driving to the airport on I25. It was on the pond along the west side of I25, just south of the Harmony Exit on the S. side of Ft. Collins. Access is via County Rd. 7 heading south of Harmony Rd. Enjoy- Bill Schmoker, Longmont ______________________ • Bill Schmoker • ______________________ http://schmoker.org http://brdpics.blogspot.com bill.schmoker AT gmail.com 720/201-5749 ______________________ -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: March 14, 2010, Rare Bird Alert for Colorado From: JOYCE TAKAMINE <jabiru55 AT msn.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 04:46:20 -0600 Date: March 14, 2010 e-Mail: rba AT cfo-link.org phone: 303-659-8750 compiler: Joyce Takamine This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 5 am sponsored by Denver Field Ornithologists and the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. Highlight species include (*Denotes that there is new information for this species in this report) Tundra Swan (Pueblo) Barrow's Goldeneye (Denver, Jefferson, Larimer, Moffiat, Pueblo) Thayer's Gull (Boulder) American Three-toed Woodpecker (Douglas) Juniper Titmouse (*Jefferson) PINE WARBLER (Pueblo) Harris's Sparrow (Adams) Rusty Blackbird (*Jefferson) Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (Huerfano) Black Rosy-Finch (Huerfano) White-winged Crossbill (*Larimer) To skip this recording to leave a message, press the star key at any time. Please leave your name, phone number, detailed directions including the county and dates for all sightings. It would be helpful if you would spell your last name. Adams County: --The juv Harris's Sparrow continues at least through 7 March at the feeders at Rocky Mountain Arsenal as reported by Huffstater. --Blackburn reported that at least one Long-tailed Duck (female) continues near 88th and the S. Platte. It was on West Gravel Pond on March 11. Boulder County: --An ad Thayer's Gull was reported by Blackburn at Erie Reservoir on March 8. Denver County: --A pair of Barrow's Goldeneyes was reported by Henwood along the S. Platte River just north of the bridge on W. Evans Ave on December 14. On March 11, Thornton-Kolbe reported that the male Barrow's Goldeneye was north of the Florida Bridge. Douglas County: --3 American Three-toed Woodpeckers (2f, 1m) were reported by Huffstater west of Sedalia on Hwy 67 just east of Rampart Range Road on March 9. Huerfano County: --All 3 species of Rosy-Finches were reported by Jensen coming to her feeders in La Veta on February 26 and continue at least through March 11. If you want to try to see them contact Beverly Jensen at 719-989-1398. Jefferson County: --A f Rusty Blackbird was reported by Keithler on February 23 on the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt west of Youngfield. On the morning of March 12, Nelson reported seeing the male Rusty Blackbird closer to the parking lot than the orange cone. There is a parking lot off of Youngfield between 38th and 44th Ave. Walk west on the bike path under I-70 and start looking for the orange cone. Thanks to Dick Schottler and Glenn Walbek for the parking information. --A male Barrow's Goldeneye was reported by King on the west end of Tabor Lake in the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt on March 7. --A male Barrow's Goldeneye was reported by Henwood on Prospect Lake in the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt on March 8. --A Juniper Titmouse was reported at the Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch on March 6 by Luper and Clark. The Titmouse was seen again on March 13 by many birders as reported by Severs. Larimer County: --A pair of White-winged Crossbills was reported by Leatherman in Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins on November 22. Leatherman reported on March 8 the White-winged Crossbill pair were observed mating. On March 12, Henwood reported that the pair continue to be present in the SE corner of the cemetery. --3 Barrow's Goldeneyes (1m, 2f) were reported by Bruening on the Lafarge plant ponds in Fort Collins off of Zeigler Road on March 7. On March 8, DeFonso found the 3 Barrow's Goldeneyes at the Environmental Learning Center. Moffat County: --30 Barrow's Goldeneyes were reported by Luke south of Craig on the Yampa River on March 10. Pueblo County: --A 1st year f PINE WARBLER was reported by Percival at Pueblo City Park on January 18 and was still present on March 6 as reported by Percival. --At Chico Basin Ranch (fee), Bill Maynard reported 2 Tundra Swans on HQ pond and they flew to Rose Pond and a male Barrow's Goldeneye on HQ pond on March 6. The DFO Field Trip for Sunday, March 14 will be to Barr Lake State Park led by Tim Smart smrr AT juno.com. Meet the leader at 0830 at the Visitor's Center. Bring lunch, water, a scope, and 2-way radio if you have them. Remember Sunday is the start of daylight savings time. State Parks Pass required. The DFO Field Trip for Saturday, March 20 will be Birding by Snowshoe: Boulder's High Country led by Bill Schmoker bill.schmoker AT gmail.com. Meet the Leader at the Brainard Lake Trailhead above Ward )http://tinyurl.com/Brainard) at 0800. Be prepared to showshoe up the fairly steep approach to Leafhand Reservoir and the Krummholz above (Approx 2 miles, gaining nearly 1000 feet) looking for mountain birds along the way. Once above treeline we will search for White-tailed Ptarmigan. Snowshoes required, poles highly recommended. For showshoe rental check out local retailers such as REI (in Boulder). Dress warmly in layers; warm boots, gloves, hat, a suitable daypack, lunch and water required. RSVP to Bill by email so that you can be contacted if weather or snow condition necessitate changes in the plan. The DFO Field Trip for Sunday, March 21 will be to the Pueblo Area led by Paul Slingsby (303-422-3728, paslingsby AT comcast.net). Meet the Leader at 0600 at Yosemite St at C-470: from I-25 exit County Line Rd, go west to Yosemite. Follow Yosemite south as it curves around to the last right-hand turn before C-470. Park in the SE corner of the lot there. Full-day trip with easy hiking; bring lunch, water, scope, and two-way radio if you have them. Register with Leader beforehand. Good Birding, Joyce Takamine Boulder, Co -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch - 3/13/10 From: rostrhamus <scottesevers AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:18:19 -0800 (PST) Roger Rouch and I manned the hawk watch today for the RMBO volunteer crew, very slow, with only eight migrant raptors (3 species) observed. Best sightings of the day were near eye-level views of a male American Kestrel, using a tailwind to slip north along the ridge with nary a flap, and a Red-tailed Hawk stooped on by a local Red-tail. The Juniper Titmouse was active, sighted by several birders and it called and sang frequently near the watch. The seasonal push of Mountain Bluebirds was active with 41 zipping by. We finished the day with a migrant Ferruginous Hawk. Thanks for the help and excellent company from all the observers! -Scott Severs Longmont Colorado Odes: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/co_odes/ _________________________________________________ Location: Dinosaur Ridge and hawkwatch site Observation date: 3/13/10 Notes: Additional Observers: Bruce Cyganowski, Jonelle Balais, Bill & Jim Schmoker. Number of species: 23 Red-tailed Hawk 11 (6 local) Ferruginous Hawk 1 Golden Eagle 1 (local) American Kestrel 1 Prairie Falcon 1 Northern Flicker 2 Western Scrub-Jay 2 Black-billed Magpie 2 American Crow 21 Common Raven 14 Black-capped Chickadee 1 Mountain Chickadee 2 Juniper Titmouse 1 active along ridgetop Bushtit 16 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 Canyon Wren 2 Mountain Bluebird 41 Townsend's Solitaire 4 American Robin 24 European Starling 3 Spotted Towhee 1 Dark-eyed Junco 5 House Finch 1 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Convention Field Trips From: Mark Peterson <mpeterson33 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:56:00 -0800 (PST) COBirders, I just wanted to remind everyone that convention field trips are first come first serve and most are limited to just 20 participants.  We have one trip that is FULL, and at least two others that are almost FULL. So, the sooner you register the better chance you will have of getting your first choice field trips. ----- Mark Peterson Colorado Springs -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Golden Eagles - Highland Lake, Weld County From: "Polly S" <hollyhockfarms AT q.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:37:13 -0700 We have five Golden Eagles sitting out on the ice on Highland Lake. Earlier the ice and the little open water was filled with hundreds of gulls and Canada Geese. They all took off in one massive wave, and then the eagles came in. They have been there for about two hours, but I wasn't near a computer to post until now. Beautiful! Pauli Smith - Highlandlake near Mead. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Hybrid Hooded Merganser x Common Goldeneye, Chatfield SP, Jeffco From: blueskyhkd AT comcast.net Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:41:22 +0000 (UTC) After searching and not finding the Juniper Titmouse this morning on Dinosaur Ridge I headed south to Chatfield to look for teal. On the pond in the SW corner of Chatfield SP I found what looks like a Hooded Merganser x Common Goldeneye hybrid. I have some not so great digi-scoped and cropped photos. The duck had a head similar to a HOME, but it was all back. The eye looked exactly like the male HOME swimming in the same pond. The bill was long and thin and the head profile from the front was narrow. It had yellow legs. I displayed by flapping and coming off the water like the COGO, but it did not throw its head all the way back like a COGO. Its scapulars remind me of a COGO, but not a lot of white and its sides looked similar to the HOME, but not the same colors. Photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/blueskyhapkido/HydridDuck# Map: http://tinyurl.com/yj6svuw Todd Deininger Longmont, CO "Only the muddy fox lives" -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: White-winged Crossbills - Larimer From: mike <Hawkhen AT aol.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:37:12 -0700 Michael Kiessig and I drove to Fort Collins this morning to look for the White-winged Crossbills in Grandview Cemetery. We found them in the SE corner in a snowbank. We watched them for a number of minutes from about 20 yards away as they moved up and down from the snowbank to a split rail fence. Finally they flew up into the tree branches and then flew into the nest tree with the female leading the way. It was around 9:15 a.m. when we spotted them. Thanks to Dave Leatherman for keeping the birding community informed. Mike Henwood Morrison _ Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Fashion Show to Support Birds of Prey Foundation-TONIGHT @ Prana From: Julia Bond <jebond333 AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:41:14 -0700 It's time for a Spring Fashion Show at Prana in Boulder on Friday, March 12 from 6 to 8 pm. There will be food, drinks, music and fun!! AND the best part - Birds of Prey Foundation has been chosen as one of the charities they will donate the proceeds to. They are raffling off items, including a seven day trip to Taiwan. Now wouldn't that be a nice vacation and the raffle donations would benefit the Birds of Prey Foundation. Sorry for the short notice but we just found out about this yesterday. A big thanks to Jennifer Bohn for bringing this to our attention. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: CFO Convention online registration is available From: Maggie Boswell <picab AT qwest.net> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:05:11 -0700 Registration for the May Ft Collins convention is now available online: http://www.cfo-link.org/convention/index.php Membership is per household, so if you are a member, your spouse/ significant other can register for the convention as a member. If you are planning to attend the convention and are not a member, joining costs $25/year and will save you $20 in registration fees. Our quarterly publication Colorado Birds is worth the price in itself. Cobirds is a service of CFO. Note for those registering by mail: please be sure to sign the waiver on the back of the form. See you in Ft Collins! Maggie Boswell Treasurer -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Hooded Mergansers on South Platte From: UParkBirder <rholmesanderson AT earthlink.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:47:51 -0800 (PST) Monday, March 8 there was a pair of hooded mergansers on the little pond at the park just north of Florida on the east side of the river -- sorry don't know the name of that pocket park and I've lived in this area for nearly 40 years! There was also a pair on the river a bit upstream toward Evans. I also saw a pair on the pond in the South Platte Park south of Mineral. I know the pond as Pond #5, but see it listed differently by the Carson Center. It is the pond with the blind. Richard Anderson -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: March 12, 2010, Rare Bird Alert for Colorado From: JOYCE TAKAMINE <jabiru55 AT msn.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:39:28 -0700 Date: March 12, 2010 e-Mail: rba AT cfo-link.org phone: 303-659-8750 compiler: Joyce Takamine This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Friday, March 12, 2010 at 5 am sponsored by Denver Field Ornithologists and the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. Highlight species include (*Denotes that there is new information for this species in this report) Tundra Swan (Pueblo) Long-tailed Duck (*Adams, El Paso, Pueblo) Barrow's Goldeneye (*Denver, Eagle, Garfield, Jefferson, Larimer, *Moffiat, Pueblo) Broad-winged Hawk (Larimer) GYRFALCON (Jefferson) Thayer's Gull (*Boulder) White-winged Dove (Logan) American Three-toed Woodpecker (Douglas) Juniper Titmouse (Jefferson) PINE WARBLER (Pueblo) Harris's Sparrow (Adams) Rusty Blackbird (*Jefferson) Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (*Huerfano, Pitkin) Black Rosy-Finch (*Huerfano) White-winged Crossbill (*Larimer) To skip this recording to leave a message, press the star key at any time. Please leave your name, phone number, detailed directions including the county and dates for all sightings. It would be helpful if you would spell your last name. Adams County: --The juv Harris's Sparrow continues at least through 7 March at the feeders at Rocky Mountain Arsenal as reported by Huffstater. --Blackburn reported that at least one Long-tailed Duck (female) continues near 88th and the S. Platte. It was on West Gravel Pond on March 11. Boulder County: --An ad Thayer's Gull was reported by Blackburn at Erie Reservoir on March 8. Denver County: --A pair of Barrow's Goldeneyes was reported by Henwood along the S. Platte River just north of the bridge on W. Evans Ave on Decenber 14. On March 11, Thornton-Kolbe reported that the male Barrow's Goldeneye was north of the Florida Bridge. Douglas County: --3 American Three-toed Woodpeckers (2f, 1m) were reported by Huffstater west of Sedalia on Hwy 67 just east of Rampart Range Road on March 9. Eagle County: --4 Barrow's Goldeneyes (1 ad m) were reported by Filby on the Frying Pan River 5 miles east of Basalt on March 5. El Paso County: --A Long-tailed Duck was reported by Chartier at Big Johnson Reservoir on March 6. A scope would be useful. Garfield County: --35 Barrow's Goldeneyes were reported by Filby on the Roaring Fork River upstream of Aspen Glen and below Coryell Ranch as viewed from CR 109 on March 5. Huerfano County: --All 3 species of Rosy-Finches were reported by Jensen coming to her feeders in La Veta on February 26 and continue at least through March 11. If you want to try to see them contact Beverly Jensen at 719-989-1398. Jefferson County: --A f Rusty Blackbird was reported by Keithler on February 23 on the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt west of Youngfield. On the afternoon of March 11, Finch reported hearing the pair of Rusty Blackbird and saw them fly downstream. There is a parking lot off of Youngfield between 38th and 44th Ave. Walk west on the bike path under I-70 and start looking for the orange cone. Thanks to Dick Schottler and Glenn Walbek for the parking information. --A light phase GYRFALCON was reported by Sanders on the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt west of I-70 on March 5. On March 6, Daniel Maynard reported a light phase GYRFALCON on North Table Mountain in Golden. Other GYRFALCON reports have been on February 25 on Simms Road toward Hwy 128 near the JeffCO airport and on November 28 on Pikes Peak. --A male Barrow's Goldeneye was reported by King on the west end of Tabor Lake in the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt on March 7. --A male Barrow's Goldeneye was reported by Henwood on Prospect Lake in the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt on March 8. --A Juniper Titmouse was reported at the Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch on March 6 by Luper and Clark. The Titmouse was seen again on March 10 by Henwood. Larimer County: --A pair of White-winged Crossbills was reported by Leatherman in Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins on November 22. Leatherman reported on March 8 the White-winged Crossbill pair were observed mating. On March 11, Chavez reported that the pair continue to be present in the SE corner of the cemetery. --A Broad-winged Hawk was reported by Sparks in Lee Martinez Park on March 5. --3 Barrow's Goldeneyes (1m, 2f) were reported by Bruening on the Lafarge plant ponds in Fort Collins off of Zeigler Road on March 7. On March 8, DeFonso found the 3 Barrow's Goldeneyes at the Environmental Learning Center. Logan County: --A White-winged Dove was reported by Bosley at the corner of 10th Ave & Delmar in Sterling on March 4. Moffat County: --30 Barrow's Goldeneyes were reported by Luke south of Craig on the Yampa River on March 10. Pitkin County: --A few Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches including Hepburns were reported by Filby at the Snowmass Ski Area on March 3. The Rosy-Finches are banded on Wednesdays, but there will not be banding on St. Patrick's Day. Pueblo County: --The male Long-tailed Duck (Santangelo, January 23) was still present at Pueblo Reservoir on March 6 as reported by Percival. --A 1st year f PINE WARBLER was reported by Percival at Pueblo City Park on January 18 and was still present on March 6 as reported by Percival. --At Chico Basin Ranch (fee), Bill Maynard reported 2 Tundra Swans on HQ pond and they flew to Rose Pond and a male Barrow's Goldeneye on HQ pond on March 6. The DFO Field Trip for Saturday, March 13 will be to Golden Gate State Park led by Mike Serruto (303-337-9870). Meet the leader at 0800 at the Ward Road Park n' Ride off of I-70 for carpooling up to the Park. Another option is to go to Mt Galbraith Park on Golden Gate Canyon Road about a mile up from Hwy 93 where we will stop at about 8:30. 3/4 day trip with moderate hiking. Bring lunch, water, a 2-way radio if you have one, dress for changeable weather. Please notifiy Leader if you plan to attend. State parks pass needed. The DFO Field Trip for Sunday, March 14 will be to Barr Lake State Park led by Tim Smart smrr AT juno.com. Meet the leader at 0830 at the Visitor's Center. Bring lunch, water, a scope, and 2-way radio if you have them. Remember Sunday is the start of daylight savings time. State Parks Pass required. Good Birding, Joyce Takamine Boulder, Co -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Long-tailed Ducks 88th and South Platte, Denver 3/11/10, RFI, a few odds and ends From: William Blackburn <william.blackburn AT colorado.edu> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:23:06 -0800 (PST) Hannah Espy and I headed down to Denver to see the Long-tailed Ducks reported previously. An adult female was still present in West Gravel Lake and there were two more possible, distant Long-tails further to the south. Unfortunately, the only Goldeneyes that we could find were of the Common variety. Its possible we didn't see everything there was due to the setting sun and our late arrival, but here is our species list: Eared Grebe (molting into breeding plumage) 1 Horned Grebe 10 American Coot 4 Canada Goose 8 Cackling Goose 2 Mallard lots Gadwall lots American Widgeon 1 Northern Shoveler lots Green-wing Teal lots Lesser Scaup 30-40 Redhead 2 Common Goldeneye 15 Bufflehead 1 Red-breasted Merganser 1 Hooded Merganser 5 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Bald Eagle 1 American Kestrel 2 American Robin 2 Rock Pigeon 1 Eurasian Collared-Dove 1 Black-billed Magpie 2 Eurasian Starling 15 We also had a very interesting duck that I was hoping someone could help identify. Unfortunately, we don't have a picture but I'll describe the duck as best I can. Size: Just a tad larger than the female Northern Shoveler it was swimming next to. Shape: Almost identical to online pictures of a White-cheeked Pintail Sex: The duck appeared the be a breeding male Coloration: The duck had the while cheek and neck of a white-cheeked pintail but had Mallard green above instead of brown. The back, breast and sides were a rich, brown color. The bill was large (almost rivaling a northern shoveler) and black. It had the silvery tertials and black coverts of a Gadwall but with a small white vertical line between the black coverts and the brown sides. Very pretty, but I'm stumped. Can't seem to find anything online that matches this duck. I'm assuming it is an escaped bird, but has anyone else seen it or know what it might be? Thanks. If it helps it was on the river, not in the ponds. I also had a Peregine Falcon at Red Rocks over the amphitheater on the 9th and an Adult Thayers Gull at Erie Res in Boulder County on the 8th Bill Blackburn Boulder, Co -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Admin Message/Please Read From: "Rachel Hopper" <r-hopper AT comcast.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:16:01 -0700 COBirders, I will be out of town March 12-20. Mark Peterson will be taking care of COBirds during this time so please get in touch with him if you have questions or problems: mpeterson33 AT yahoo.com Thanks. ------------------- Rachel Hopper List Manager Ft. Collins Check out the CFO Website: www.cfo-link.org -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Mergansers From: Nancy Stocker <Nancy AT PrairieWildlife.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:53:03 -0700 I've been watching hooded and common mergansers on the South Platte River in the Englewood/Denver area from Hampden Avenue to several hundred yards north of the Florida Street bridge. I recently returned from a week's trip, and it appears that all the mergansers in this area have left. Have others seen mergansers in and around Englewood and Denver in the last day or two? If so, where? Nancy Stocker -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Monte Vista NWR From: "Virginia Simmons" <vsimmons76 AT netzero.net> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:15:32 GMT Here is a mid-afternoon report for today (3/11) at MVNWR, a quiet time of day for viewing. A concentration of cranes was west of Colorado 15, back behind the work buildings. Auto tour route has more open water now with many of the birds hunkering a ways off from road, so a strong scope will help you. Plenty of Canada Geese and 1 Snow Goose with them. Quite a few Northern Pintail, small numbers of Redhead and Ring-billed Duck, a few Cinnamon Teal and American Coots. 1 porcupine in tree along Road 3 E - maybe the same one that was over by Colorado 15 in the past two weeks? Snow showers have melted off quickly, leaving mud instead. Leave your sandals at home. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Rusty Blackbirds 3/11/2010 From: Purpfinch AT aol.com Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:06:08 EST Cobirders: About 3 PM today 3/11, the pair of Rusty Blackbirds were calling loudly in the bushes below the tree in which they were reported on Sunday [short way upstream from the I-70 overpass] Before I could find them and get a good look, they flew as a pair downstream. Peaceful birding, Warren Finch -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: White-winged Crossbills--Grandview Cemetery/ Ft Collins From: markchavez AT comcast.net Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:25:44 +0000 (UTC) Late this morning, I went up to Grandview Cemetery hoping to see the White-winged Crossbills. I searched in the cold and wind for about an hour, getting quick glimpses of the male. A couple of birders came by for a short period and then left. Soon after, I turned around and saw the male and female fly low in a pine. After a few calls, they flew to a small snow bank eating snow and giving me great looks . After three minutes they wiped their beaks and disappeared. Pictures can be seen in the Rare and Uncommon gallery below. Mark Chavez Lakewood-Green Mtn http://jaeger29.smugmug.com/ -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Grandview Cemetery report for 10-11March From: "Dave Leatherman" <daleatherman AT msn.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:30:14 -0700 The nesting attempt of the White-winged Crossbills continues with activities somewhat similar to what have been going on since she was first noticed carrying nest material on 27February. Today (Day #110) when I got there at 7:22am, she was sitting tight on the nest, her eyes closed occasionally, and her mandibles quivered. Sort of like me, only my nest of late is a camping chair. But about when I was beginning to think maybe, just maybe, she had laid her first egg and was starting to incubate, for the next two hours she and the male zoomed here and there doing their whole range of activities including feeding on cones, eating snow, copulating, going to the honeysuckle bush, sitting in the spruce grove 100 feet south of the nest tree, playing troll under the footbridge (him, while I was standing ON the bridge). The wind picked up around 10am and I, frankly, got too cold to stick it out. I checked on the Great Horned Owl nest on my exit and she seemed to be sitting noticeably higher, as if perhaps one or more of her young have hatched. Yesterday when I checked on her briefly, she was standing up in the process of turning around 180 degrees. Perhaps there was a hatch yesterday. I first saw her sitting on the nest February 15. Somebody else told me they had seen her on the nest 4 or 5 February. 30 days is their shortest reported egg duration before hatch. Getting back to the crossbills, it is amazing in the last two days how many species of birds have actually been in the crossbill nest tree, the elm a few feet to the west of it, or flying directly over this pair of trees. Here's the list: Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Dark-eyed Junco, Mountain Chickadee, Black-capped Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Eurasian Collared-Dove, American Robin, Bald Eagle, Cooper's Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, House Finch, Pine Siskin, Ring-billed Gull, American Crow, Brown Creeper, Canada Goose, Cackling Goose, and Mallard. I probably need to correct something about my report of seeing her brood patch the other day. I shared my photo with experienced bander Brian Gibbons. His comments are that apparently a patch would be very hard to see on a free-flying bird, and in my highly cropped and grainy photo the location is too far forward on the undersides. While she probably has one, what I called her patch is very likely a strategically placed piece of peeled up bark. Besides dogs off-leash, the only animal (including humans, even those that whistle or run past pushing a baby stroller) I've consistently seen this crossbill pair respond to in a wary or suspicious manner is Dark-eyed Junco. Juncos are the only bird species that pushes the male crossbill around. When the crossbills are on the ground and a junco comes near, they stop what they're doing and stare at it. What is the explanation? Dave Leatherman Fort Collins -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: La Veta, Huerfano County: Rosy-Finches, Lewis's Wp, Scrub Jay, etc. From: Beverly <goldiloucks AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:18:00 -0800 (PST) I saw the first Rosies of the season on December 4th. This is the third winter they come...and the numbers continue to grow. So does my bird-seed bill! Not only do the numbers grow, but they no longer come only when it snows. For the past month or so, at least some are here every day. A friend, Cole, visited on Sunday to bird my yard while on a huge birding-loop. It wasn't snowing and hadn't in several days, and yet he counted 240 Rosies! Today, after the snows of the last couple of days...the number is again at least twice that. Yes...when it's snowing, at least 500 Rosy-finches visit; I'm sure it won't go on much longer, though. Cole helped me determine that about 10% are Black and perhaps 20-25% are Gray-crowned...including several Hepburns'. The rest, of course, are Brown-capped. The only way I can keep the Red-winged Blackbirds, whose numbers also have grown exponentially, from eating me out of house and home is to stand outside after I fill feeders and spread seed. The pink-butts will come down while I stand less than six feet from where they feed. They come and go with a huge, exhilarating 'whooshhhh'. January 21st, was the first time I saw the Lewis's Woodpecker. He continues to come to the feeder for large (acorn sized) kibble nearly every day. Yesterday I saw two Cassin's Finch, I'd assume they're the same two males I've seen every few days for weeks now. I have not seen the White-winged Dove for nearly a month now. But every time I say that, it shows up. Isn't that the way of things? The other day 50 (!) Ravens congregated in a single tree, but I couldn't find the usual hawk or owl that that might indicate. Sunday there were a pair of Great-Horned Owls calling back and forth from the high evergreens. I'm happy to say I still see the occasional Scrub Jay...and have decided I was not watching them closely enough and thought they were Blue Jays...relaxed enough to have their crests 'flat'; perhaps a few have been here all along. I have not seen what was probably a yellow-eyed Brewer's Blackbird hanging with the hoards of Red-wings in a week or so...and no grackles yet. And while they don't seem wild about having the Rosy-Finches around (why would that be), when they are not, the Evening Grosbeaks sometimes number in the 30's and once I counted just over 50 on the ground at once. Many folks are telling about such numbers of the EVGB, it appears that this bird may be bouncing back a bit? I hope so. How many know the beaks of these birds turns a beautiful teal-green during breeding season? I've noticed that every year, but seldom see it discussed in print. If you're in the area and want to visit...just call. Beverly Jensen, 719-989-1398 La Veta, Huerfano County www.RuralChatter.blogspot.com -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: March 11, 2010, Rare Bird Alert for Colorado From: JOYCE TAKAMINE <jabiru55 AT msn.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:44:04 -0700 Date: March 11, 2010 e-Mail: rba AT cfo-link.org phone: 303-659-8750 compiler: Joyce Takamine This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 5 am sponsored by Denver Field Ornithologists and the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. Highlight species include (*Denotes that there is new information for this species in this report) Tundra Swan (Pueblo) Long-tailed Duck (El Paso, Pueblo) Barrow's Goldeneye (Eagle, Garfield, Jefferson, Larimer, Pueblo) Broad-winged Hawk (Larimer) GYRFALCON (Jefferson) White-winged Dove (Huerfano, Logan) American Three-toed Woodpecker (Douglas) Juniper Titmouse (*Jefferson) PINE WARBLER (Pueblo) Harris's Sparrow (Adams) Rusty Blackbird (*Jefferson) Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (Huerfano, Pitkin) Black Rosy-Finch (Huerfano) White-winged Crossbill (*Larimer) To skip this recording to leave a message, press the star key at any time. Please leave your name, phone number, detailed directions including the county and dates for all sightings. It would be helpful if you would spell your last name. Adams County: --The juv Harris's Sparrow continues at least through 7 March at the feeders at Rocky Mountain Arsenal as reported by Huffstater. Douglas County: --3 American Three-toed Woodpeckers (2f, 1m) were reported by Huffstater west of Sedalia on Hwy 67 just east of Rampart Range Road on March 9. Eagle County: --4 Barrow's Goldeneyes (1 ad m) were reported by Filby on the Frying Pan River 5 miles east of Basalt on March 5. El Paso County: --A Long-tailed Duck was reported by Chartier at Big Johnson Reservoir on March 6. A scope would be useful. Garfield County: --35 Barrow's Goldeneyes were reported by Filby on the Roaring Fork River upstream of Aspen Glen and below Coryell Ranch as viewed from CR 109 on March 5. Huerfano County: --All 3 species of Rosy-Finches were reported by Jensen coming to her feeders in La Veta on February 26 and continue at least through March 4. Also the White-winged Dove visits occasionally. If you want to try to see them contact Beverly Jensen at 719-989-1398. Jefferson County: --A f Rusty Blackbird was reported by Keithler on February 23 on the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt west of Youngfield. On the afternoon of March 10, Boswell reported that several birders saw the Rusty Blackbirds on the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt west of I-70. There is a parking lot off of Youngfield between 38th and 44th Ave. Walk west on the bike path under I-70 and start looking for the orange cone. Thanks to Dick Schottler and Glenn Walbek for the parking information. --A light phase GYRFALCON was reported by Sanders on the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt west of I-70 on March 5. On March 6, Daniel Maynard reported a light phase GYRFALCON on North Table Mountain in Golden. Other GYRFALCON reports have been on February 25 on Simms Road toward Hwy 128 near the JeffCO airport and on November 28 on Pikes Peak. --A male Barrow's Goldeneye was reported by King on the west end of Tabor Lake in the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt on March 7. --A male Barrow's Goldeneye was reported by Henwood on Prospect Lake in the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt on March 8. --A Juniper Titmouse was reported at the Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch on March 6 by Luper and Clark. The Titmouse was seen again on March 10 by Henwood. Larimer County: --A pair of White-winged Crossbills was reported by Leatherman in Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins on November 22. Leatherman reported on March 8 the White-winged Crossbill pair were observed mating. On March 10, Leatherman reported that the pair continue to be present in the SE corner -- mainly feeding and checking on the nest. --A Broad-winged Hawk was reported by Sparks in Lee Martinez Park on March 5. --3 Barrow's Goldeneyes (1m, 2f) were reported by Bruening on the Lafarge plant ponds in Fort Collins off of Zeigler Road on March 7. On March 8, DeFonso found the 3 Barrow's Goldeneyes at the Environmental Learning Center. Logan County: --A White-winged Dove was reported by Bosley at the corner of 10th Ave & Delmar in Sterling on March 4. Pitkin County: --A few Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches including Hepburns were reported by Filby at the Snowmass Ski Area on March 3. The Rosy-Finches are banded on Wednesdays, but there will not be banding on St. Patrick's Day. Pueblo County: --The male Long-tailed Duck (Santangelo, January 23) was still present at Pueblo Reservoir on March 6 as reported by Percival. --A 1st year f PINE WARBLER was reported by Percival at Pueblo City Park on January 18 and was still present on March 6 as reported by Percival. --At Chico Basin Ranch (fee), Bill Maynard reported 2 Tundra Swans on HQ pond and they flew to Rose Pond and a male Barrow's Goldeneye on HQ pond on March 6. The DFO Field Trip for Saturday, March 13 will be to Golden Gate State Park led by Mike Serruto (303-337-9870). Meet the leader at 0800 at the Ward Road Park n' Ride off of I-70 for carpooling up to the Park. An option is to go to Mt Galbraith Park on Golden Gate Canyon Road about a mile up from Hwy 93 where we will stop at about 8:30. 3/4 day trip with moderate hiking. Bring lunch, water, a 2-way radio if you have one, dress for changeable weather. Please notifiy Leader if you plan to attend. State parks pass needed. The DFO Field Trip for Sunday, March 14 will be to Barr Lake State Park led by Tim Smart smrr AT juno.com. Meet the leader at 0830 at the Visitor's Center. Bring lunch, water, a scope, and 2-way radio if you have them. Remember Sunday is the start of daylight savings time. State Parks Pass required. Good Birding, Joyce Takamine Boulder, Co -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Re: Article on Lesser Prairie-chicken habitat improvement weekend From: SeEtta Moss <seettam AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:06:57 -0700 On Wed, Mar 10, 2010 at 11:57 PM, Pete Janzen wrote: > I realize that this is not Colorado news but this LPC conservation is near > and dear to many of us. It certainly transcends state lines and there are > only 5 states in the mix. > This is good segway to bring to the attention of Colorado birders the serious decline in the Lesser Prairie-Chicken population in Colorado. According to CDOW surveys last year there are fewer than 300 breeding birds of this species in our state. Some of you are aware that Lesser Prairie-Chickens as well as other ground dwelling species took a big hit during the record blizzard in December, 2006. They had not been doing well prior to that and are facing increasing threats from several areas including the sale of gas leases near known leks and the lack of siting requirements for wind farms and associated transmission lines in Colorado as well as adjacent states. Eric Beck, whose blog was mentioned, is the Audubon Important Bird Area Coordinator for Oklahoma. Audubon Colorado is working with him, and the National Audubon Society staff, to organize an effort to let those in positions of authority know that it is vital that responsible siting requirements be put in place to avoid additional stress on this already highly stressed species. The Lesser Prairie-Chicken is still on the 'Candidate' list for Endangered Species designation by the USFWS and recently increased in it's priority status. Effective March 1, 2010 the Forest Service has closed the viewing area "until further notice." This was also closed in both 2008 and 2009. SeEtta Moss -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Article on Lesser Prairie-chicken habitat improvement weekend From: Pete Janzen <pete.janzen AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:57:39 -0600 A crowded calendar prevented me from attending this event last weekend although I really wanted to go. This is good boots on the ground stuff. Nice article. Gotta try and make it next year. They have the big LPC Festival coming up and I think they are going to try and mark more fence as a part of that. http://www.examiner.com/x-27505-Oklahoma-City-Outdoor-Travel-Examiner~y2010m3d10-Volunteers-gather-from-across-state-to-save-threatened-prairie-icon Note the link at the end of the article to Eric Beck's "Afield in Oklahoma" blog. I realize that this is not Colorado news but this LPC conservation is near and dear to many of us. It certainly transcends state lines and there are only 5 states in the mix. Hi to all my Colorado friends. Too long since I saw any of you. Pete Janzen Wichita, KS -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Access to Mile High Duck Club From: mike <Hawkhen AT aol.com> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:50:37 -0700 While Bob Andrews and I were birding in the Barr Lake area last week, Bob mentioned that years ago birders used to have access to the Mile High Duck Club area in the spring (after duck hunting season). If anyone has information regarding the Mile High Duck Club and possible access, would you email me privately. Bob has been out of the country for a number of years and I am a relatively newcomer to the Denver area, so we don't have a clue... Thanks in advance, Mike Henwood Morrison - Jefferson County Hawkhen AT aol.com -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Juniper Titmouse - Dinosaur Ridge Hawkwatch - Jeffco From: mike <Hawkhen AT aol.com> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:25:25 -0700 I arrived at the Dinosaur Ridge Hawkwatch station around 8:45 a.m. this morning. Spent some time at the hawkwatch station, then strolled down the trail to the south and returned to the hawkwatch station where I ran into Richard Stevens. We stayed at the station awhile, them ambled down the trail to the south where we spotted the Juniper Titmouse close to the trail and had great looks. The spot we saw the titmouse was about 100 yards down the trail south of the Hawkwatch Station. There were juniper trees on both sides of the trail and the Juniper Titmouse was on the east side of the trail in some fairly dense juniper trees. We saw the bird approximately 9:15 - 9:30 a.m. There was also a female Yellow-shafted Flicker in the same vicinity that I had observed on my earlier walk down the path. Mike Henwood Morrison - Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: March 10, 2010, Rare Bird Alert for Colorado From: JOYCE TAKAMINE <jabiru55 AT msn.com> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:37:24 -0700 Date: March 10, 2010 e-Mail: rba AT cfo-link.org phone: 303-659-8750 compiler: Joyce Takamine This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 5 am sponsored by Denver Field Ornithologists and the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. Highlight species include (*Denotes that there is new information for this species in this report) Tundra Swan (Pueblo) Long-tailed Duck (Adams, El Paso, Pueblo) Barrow's Goldeneye (Adams, Denver, Eagle, Garfield, Jefferson, Larimer, Pueblo) Broad-winged Hawk (Larimer) GYRFALCON (Jefferson) Lesser Black-backed Gull (Boulder) Glaucous Gull (Boulder) White-winged Dove (Huerfano, Logan) American Three-toed Woodpecker (Douglas) Juniper Titmouse (*Jefferson) PINE WARBLER (Pueblo) Harris's Sparrow (Adams) Rusty Blackbird (*Jefferson) Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (Huerfano, Pitkin, Summit) Black Rosy-Finch (Huerfano) White-winged Crossbill (*Larimer) To skip this recording to leave a message, press the star key at any time. Please leave your name, phone number, detailed directions including the county and dates for all sightings. It would be helpful if you would spell your last name. Adams County: --Rhodes reported that Long-tailed Ducks and 3 Barrow's Goldeneyes were on West Gravel Lake on February 21. On February 25, Modesitt reported 2 Long-tailed Ducks on the reservoir east of the river at 88th and a pair of Barrow's Goldeneyes on West Gravel Pond. On March 3, Partin reported 3 Long-tailed Ducks on the South Platte River near 88th. --The juv Harris's Sparrow continues at least through 7 March at the feeders at Rocky Mountain Arsenal as reported by Huffstater. Boulder County: --An ad Glaucous Gull and 2 ad Lesser Black-backed Gulls were reported by Nunes at the Valmont Reservoir Complex on February 26. On March 3, Nunes reported 3 ad Lesser Black-backed Gulls at the Valmont Reservoir Complex. Denver County: --A pair of Barrow's Goldeneyes was reported by Henwood along the S. Platte River just north of the bridge on W. Evans Ave on December 14. On March 1, Thornton-Kolbe reported the male Barrow's north of Florida bridge. Douglas County: --3 American Three-toed Woodpeckers (2f, 1m) were reported by Huffstater west of Sedalia on Hwy 67 just east of Rampart Range Road on March 9. Eagle County: --4 Barrow's Goldeneyes (1 ad m) were reported by Filby on the Frying Pan River 5 miles east of Basalt on March 5. El Paso County: --A Long-tailed Duck was reported by Chartier at Big Johnson Reservoir on March 6. A scope would be useful. Garfield County: --35 Barrow's Goldeneyes were reported by Filby on the Roaring Fork River upstream of Aspen Glen and below Coryell Ranch as viewed from CR 109 on March 5. Huerfano County: --All 3 species of Rosy-Finches were reported by Jensen coming to her feeders in La Veta on February 26 and continue at least through March 4. Also the White-winged Dove visits occasionally. If you want to try to see them contact Beverly Jensen at 719-989-1398. Jefferson County: --A f Rusty Blackbird was reported by Keithler on February 23 on the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt west of Youngfield. On the afternoon of March 9, Dunning reported that several birders saw the Rusty Blackbirds on the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt west of I-70. There is a parking lot off of Youngfield between 38th and 44th Ave. Walk west on the bike path under I-70 and start looking for the orange cone. Thanks to Dick Schottler and Glenn Walbek for the parking information. --A light phase GYRFALCON was reported by Sanders on the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt west of I-70 on March 5. On March 6, Daniel Maynard reported a light phase GYRFALCON on North Table Mountain in Golden. Other GYRFALCON reports have been on February 25 on Simms Road toward Hwy 128 near the JeffCO airport and on November 28 on Pikes Peak. --A male Barrow's Goldeneye was reported by King on the west end of Tabor Lake in the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt on March 7. --A male Barrow's Goldeneye was reported by Henwood on Prospect Lake in the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt on March 8. --A Juniper Titmouse was reported at the Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch on March 6 by Luper and Clark. The Titmouse was seen again on March 8 by Sanders. Larimer County: --A pair of White-winged Crossbills was reported by Leatherman in Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins on November 22. Leatherman reported on March 8 the White-winged Crossbill pair were observed mating. On March 9, there was minimal activity in the SE corner of the cemetery. --A Broad-winged Hawk was reported by Sparks in Lee Martinez Park on March 5. --3 Barrow's Goldeneyes (1m, 2f) were reported by Bruening on the Lafarge plant ponds in Fort Collins off of Zeigler Road on March 7. On March 8, DeFonso found the 3 Barrow's Goldeneyes at the Environmental Learning Center. Logan County: --A White-winged Dove was reported by Bosley at the corner of 10th Ave & Delmar in Sterling on March 4. Pitkin County: --A few Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches including Hepburns were reported by Filby at the Snowmass Ski Area on March 3. The Rosy-Finches are banded on Wednesdays, but there will not be banding on St. Patrick's Day. Pueblo County: --The male Long-tailed Duck (Santangelo, January 23) was still present at Pueblo Reservoir on March 6 as reported by Percival. --A 1st year f PINE WARBLER was reported by Percival at Pueblo City Park on January 18 and was still present on March 6 as reported by Percival. --At Chico Basin Ranch (fee), Bill Maynard reported 2 Tundra Swans on HQ pond and they flew to Rose Pond and a male Barrow's Goldeneye on HQ pond on March 6. Summit County: --A Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch was reported by Nims on Blue Ridge Road in Silverthorne on March 3. --2 Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches (1 Hepburns) were reported by Nims at Keystone Ski Area on March 3. The DFO Field Trip for Saturday, March 13 will be to Golden Gate State Park led by Mike Serruto (303-337-9870). Meet the leader at 0800 at the Ward Road Park n' Ride off of I-70 for carpooling up to the Park. An option is to go to Mt Galbraith Park on Golden Gate Canyon Road about a mile up from Hwy 93 where we will stop at about 8:30. 3/4 day trip with moderate hiking. Bring lunch, water, a 2-way radio if you have one, dress for changeable weather. Please notifiy Leader if you plan to attend. State parks pass needed. The DFO Field Trip for Sunday, March 14 will be to Barr Lake State Park led by Tim Smart smrr AT juno.com. Meet the leader at 0830 at the Visitor's Center. Bring lunch, water, a scope, and 2-way radio if you have them. Remember Sunday is the start of daylight savings time. State Parks Pass required. Good Birding, Joyce Takamine Boulder, Co -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Definitely a red winged blackbird From: kickback <bill_kosar AT msn.com> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 19:15:09 -0800 (PST) I found another picture that I had taken of this particular bird and it clearly shows the strong dark breast and belly streaks the female RWB has. The stout bill and head shape in the first picture confused me. Thanks for all of the comments, at least 25 people sent me responses. Bill Kosar bill_kosar AT msn.com On Mar 8, 7:15 pm, kickback wrote: > Yesterday I posted a picture and asked for help identifying it. 90% of > the responders have said it was a female red winged blackbird. I have > put together a collage of female red wing blackbird pictures and it is > easy to see the differences in bill and skull shape between > yesterday's post (which is in the upper left hand corner of the > collage)and three other pictures of female red wing blackbirds. > >   These differences in appearance seem  large  and I would appreciate > any comments as to how the same species could vary so much, unless the > bird in yesterdays post is a juvenile as one comment suggested. > > Thanks > > Bill Kosar > bill_ko... AT msn.com > > http://avoapples.com/birds/blackbird_collage.jpg -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Crossbill Nesting Update, Grandview Cemetery on 8-9March From: "Dave Leatherman" <daleatherman AT msn.com> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 17:59:06 -0700 I spent most of March 8 and 9 at Grandview Cemetery (extreme southeast corner, west end of Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, Larimer County), trying to document the nesting attempt of the White-winged Crossbills. To keep this short, yesterday she made a small number of runs into the nest with finishing material and they did their normal occasional trips to the ground or ditch for ice, water, or grit/dirt/cone-mulling. Most exciting was an episode in mid-afternoon where he sang from the outer crown of the nest tree but her whereabouts were initially a mystery. Then she started singing a beautiful song, almost as elaborate as his best offerings, from within the crown of a spruce 100 feet south of the nest spruce. After about 5 minutes of joint song, he came over, she hunched down on her branch, fluttered her wings, and he mounted her for about 10 seconds. After he pulled out, she kept her tail up and cloaca open for a second or two. Then they sat quietly on separate branches about 2-5 feet apart and preened and nibbled about on branches for 22 minutes. No cigarettes that I could see. They flew off and I never saw them again. Today (Tuesday), activity at the nest was very minimal and mostly during the AM hours. Mostly, I think they were just passing time within their territory while she "grows" eggs. They came to the ground and ditch a few times. They flew off at 12:58 and I never saw them again. I left at 3, the time, of late, after which I've seen no activity. I got a photo of her from below and she clearly has molted a reddish, blood-enriched brood patch. Another pic of her from the front seems to show she's putting on bulk. And I forgot to mention, a photo of her from the other day seems to show a little area of yellow skin around the gape. It gives her a juvenile appearance. Craig Benkman's BNA account indicates White-winged Crossbills can breed at 4 months. Maybe she really is pretty young. If he is also young, and/or letting her totally call the shots like I've suspected from the onset, maybe this explains the extraordinarily low elevation site selection and apparent naivite regarding Fox Squirrels. Once today I looked behind to check out some noise. A Fox Squirrel was dragging and then eating (cheese first) an entire piece of sausage pizza. Hopefully eggs and nestlings aren't among his other favorite toppings. I got pics of a squirrel, perhaps the same one, on a crossbill nest tree lower branch, that would work well on a "wanted poster". Other observations: Bald Eagle (1 adult), Ferruginous Hawk (1 adult), and some of the Silver Maple flower buds were open for the first I've seen locally this spring. Dave Leatherman Fort Collins -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org Subject: Boulder Bird Club Spring Meeting From: Charles Lowrie <lowrie2 AT mindspring.com> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 16:42:39 -0700 This Saturday, March 13 at 7 p m, the Boulder Bird Club presents distinguished bird photographer Paul Bannick’s program, The Owl and the Woodpecker, combining stunning images, powerful audio and stories from thousands of hours in the field. The program will be held in Golden West Manor, 1055 Adams Cir, Boulder. Drive W on Euclid from 30th St, park on street and use the main entrance or E from 28th St Frontage Rd to golden West parking lot and use door 4. Ring buzzer for entrance. Map: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Boulder&state=CO&address=1055+Adams +Cir&zipcode=80303-1820&country=US&latitude=40.00564&longitude=-105.2562 &geocode=ADDRESS Please bring snacks or sweets to share. Beverages will be provided. Call Chuck Lowrie at 303-455-8417 for questions. Chuck Lowrie Denver Chuck Lowrie lowrie2 AT mindspring.com -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds". To post to this group, send email to cobirds AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en Visit the CFO Website at: www.cfo-link.org