Observation start time: 07:45:00
Observation end time: 12:30:00
Total observation time: 4.75 hours
Official Counter: Ajit Antony
Observers: Karolyn Chan, Liza Antony
Visitors:
Karolyn Chan helped us for two hours. A woman overheard us talking to
Karolyn about migration and she wanted to know whether the raptors were
migrating along I-70. I explained hat they were flying south for the
winter, and told her that SW fly as far south as Argentina. She wanted to
know how far North they come from, and I showed her the range map on the
Merlin app. I also showed her two distant TV through my scope, not visible
to the naked eye, which she appreciated.
Weather:
The prediction today was for light winds from the NE with cloud cover
beginning at 55%, however at the watch there was 95% cloud cover which
gradually dropped to 60%. Humidity was 46 to 66%. Temperature between 23
and 17 degrees Celsius, visibility was initially reduced to 15 km but later
rose to 24 km.
Earth.nullschool.net predicted 18 km/hr winds aloft at the level raptors
would fly, coming down from the NW.
10 minutes before the end of the second hour in 15 minutes after the hour
there was a drizzle which cleared up.
Between 11:47 AM and 12:10 PM my My Lightning app showed 5 lighting strikes
at Idaho Springs 19 miles to the West. At 1:30 PM there was repeated
thunder heard with rain coming down to the West, so we decided to end the
watch.
Raptor Observations:
Exploratory fall count 2025. See
https://groups.google.com/g/cobirds/c/Oznn4uc6MBk The first migrant at 9:36 AM MDT was a Prairie Falcon that flew a slightly
below eye level in the valley to the West, going South. It had a uniformly
sandy upperwing and tail, and I was surprised to be able to see the dark
armpits as it was flying at eye level away from me! Then there was a lull
for an hour and a half, and we were wondering whether the raptors were
drenched by the rain last night and would take a while for them to dry out
in order to be able to fly, but an SW did show up then over the western
ridge, where we found all of the raptors, the last 4 being high, over 2
binocular fields over the ridge. There was a small kettle of 3 SW at 1:04
p.m., and the SW before that had a molting primary indicating an adult.
Non migrating Raptors RT 5, TV 9.
Non-raptor Observations:
Violet-green Swallow 6, House Finch 1, Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay 4, Common
Raven 1, Downy Woodpecker 1. Karolyn had her Merlin Bird ID on, and it
identified Red Crossbill flying overhead!
Predictions:
Sunny, with a high near 77 degrees Fahrenheit, light winds from the NNW at
9:00 AM, changing to NNE the next hour, thereafter NE, with minimal cloud
cover, and for the first time in weeks, no prediction of afternoon
thunderstorms. Perhaps this is the beginning of the end of the DCVZ, the
cause of daily afternoon thunderstorms in Denver.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Convergence_Vorticity_Zone ========================================================================
Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>)
Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at:
www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description:
Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is
the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk
watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent
site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk,
Swainson’s hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk.
Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier,
Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned
Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is
uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock
Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift,
American White Pelican, and Dusky Grouse. Birders of any skill level are
always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk
Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site:
From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take
left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs
from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike
starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a
trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the
ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge.
(Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<01010198fd62fd45-26647337-2b45-4407-bbab-d46a9417039f-000000...>
Date: 8/30/25 4:31 pm From: meredith <meredithmcburney...> Subject: [cobirds] Bird Conservancy of the Rockies - Barr Banding Report 8/30/25
Up a bit today (got to double digits!), but waayyy below normal, including
below last year at this temporary location. Thanks to our many interested
and interesting Saturday visitors, who helped make the day fun.
Here are today's new birds:
Dusky Flycatcher 1
Northern House Wren 1
Orange-crowned Warbler 1
Yellow Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 1
Wilson's Warbler 7
Meredith McBurney
Bander - Barr Lake Banding Station
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<1f1d3ded-9f00-497e-bbb7-400db341d0ben...>
Date: 8/30/25 1:44 pm From: Chicobander <jshieldcastle...> Subject: [cobirds] Chico Basin Ranch- Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Today was the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new educational building at Chico. The Architectural students from University of Colorado Denver developed and built the building for use by the banding team and serving educational groups. The students came back from graduating for the ceremony. They did a terrific job from the ground up! The birds were there to thank them. Fifty-nine new birds were banded including 18 species.
First of the season were Yellow Warbler, American Redstart, Western Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Orchard Oriole, White-breasted Nuthatch, Gray Catbird, and Blue Grosbeak. These past two days equaled the first 2.5 weeks of the bird numbers for spring. It is nice to see the birds are around. Hoping Barr Lake gets the right winds to bring birds to their station.
*59 New Banded Birds* Wilson's Warbler- 10 American Redstart- 1 Yellow Warbler- 1 Western Wood-pewee- 7 Western Flycatcher- 4 Willow Flycatcher- 1 Olive-sided Flycatcher- 1 Northern House Wren- 3 Lesser Goldfinch- 2 American Goldfinch- (which has a different Alpha code AGOL- because of American Goshawk)- 6 Orchard Oriole- 2 Western Tanager- 8 White-breasted Nuthatch- 1 Blue Grosbeak- 2 Gray Catbird- 2 Common Grackle- woohoo- 4 Brown Thrasher- 1 American Robin- 3
*1 Recapture- Wilson's Warbler*
The banding station will be closed tomorrow and reopen at sunrise on Monday. Birding is available on the ranch tomorrow morning by signing up on the Aiken Audubon website *www.aikenaudubon.com*. Stop by the banding station and share you sightings next week.
Have a good weekend, Julie Shieldcastle Chico Basin Ranch Bird Bander Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<1e885582-bac5-4696-8fa8-47e7f490b71an...>
Date: 8/29/25 4:20 pm From: Jared Del Rosso <jared.delrosso...> Subject: [cobirds] Flying ants & nighthawks - Arapahoe
Just now -- while slowly wandering my yard in Centennial, CO -- I stumbled upon several anthills with winged ants emerging. I assumed they'd bring Common Nighthawks and, as a rain started, came two.
- Jared Del Rosso Centennial, CO
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<75d75b84-a166-4530-ba0c-b814e2877c21n...>
Date: 8/29/25 4:10 pm From: meredith <meredithmcburney...> Subject: [cobirds] Bird Conservancy of the Rockies - Barr Banding Report 8/29/25
It seemed early on that we might actually have a somewhat normal early fall
day - We quickly caught 3 Common Yellowthroats and 3 Wilson's Warblers
while we replaced 2 nets and repaired a 3rd that were damaged by our
resident herd of deer, harangued the raccoon until he lumbered off away
from the nets, and enjoyed our visitors - a DFO group led by Charlie
Chase. But that was about it for the morning, and we ended with just 9 new
birds (plus 3 others banded earlier this season, not listed below):
Meredith McBurney
Bander - Barr Lake Banding Station
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<fcfca446-1889-4dcc-bde2-b2766c4a58f9n...>
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 12:00:00
Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Ajit Antony
Observers: Liza Antony
Visitors:
One hiker asked how the count was going.
Weather:
Weather.gov predicted 30% cloud cover, but at the watch it was 60% and
increasing to 90% earth.nullschool.net showed streaming winds from the WNW
from California and Utah. The National Weather Service's Soaring forecast
(surprising in view of the heavily overcast skies) was excellent with 4.9
m/sec lift with the maximum height of thermals predicted at 8776 feet above
ground level! Perhaps they were calculating it based on a 30% cloud cover.
Humidity was high at 41% dropping to 32%, winds were light from the SW>ENE,
temperature 21>26° Celsius, excellent visibility at 24 km with no
haziness.
Raptor Observations:
Exploratory fall count 2025. See
https://groups.google.com/g/cobirds/c/Oznn4uc6MBk All migrant raptors were very high and far to the West, so it fit with the
soaring forecast. The first migrant was an RT over the western ridge at
9:23 AM MDT. We had 2 more RT, 2 SW, and an adult GE which posed a
diagnostic challenge as it was really very high, completely tucked in in a
strong glide, it did not flap even once, but the wide wings and a more
prominent head clinched the ID.
Birds of the day: We heard an odd call at 11:35 a.m. that we didn't know,
coming downslope west of us, but we couldn't see any birds there. Liza had
put on Merlin for the sound ID, and she said that it identified peregrines!
This was a call we hadn't heard before. She then found two of them flying
moderately close, easily visible with the naked eye. One was larger, a
female, was molting a left 8th primary and a few secondaries, the other was
smaller and likely a male. They flew together gaining height. At one point
they faced each other presenting talons, without locking them. I followed
one and Liza followed the other, and one of them flew to the SE, eventually
just gliding. We couldn't remember which was the one that migrated, but at
11:51 AM when an immature RT flow low over the watch to the east we saw the
female PG high overhead, and later at noon we saw it patrolling further
South, so we realized that it was escorting migrants out of its territory.
Presenting talons appears to be its territorial defense.
Non-migrant raptors: 2 Adult GE to the NW flew North, RT 2, TV 8.
The last 1.5 hours yielded no migrants, so we thought the flight was over
for the day, and left.
Non-raptor Observations:
White-throated Swift 1, Barn Swallow 3, White-breasted Nuthatch interior
West subspecies heard, House Finch 1, Downy Woodpecker 1.
1 paraglider who seemed to have lift only up to the height of the tallest
antenna over Lookout Mountain.
Predictions:
Light winds Starting at 9:00 AM from the NNE changing to NE, a 32% chance
of rain all morning increasing to a likely 55% by noon, with the usual
chance of lightning at 12 noon becoming more likely by 3:00 PM.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>)
Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at:
www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description:
Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is
the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk
watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent
site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk,
Swainson’s hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk.
Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier,
Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned
Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is
uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock
Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift,
American White Pelican, and Dusky Grouse. Birders of any skill level are
always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk
Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site:
From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take
left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs
from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike
starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a
trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the
ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge.
(Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<01010198f8157997-e6c9a116-b2bd-476a-bf34-4e6f825c3bef-000000...>
Date: 8/29/25 2:50 pm From: Chicobander <jshieldcastle...> Subject: [cobirds] Chico Basin Ranch- Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Today the crew cleared net lanes and set-up nets. We operated the nets for about 3 hours and caught 35 new birds. My favorite birds were captured in the net- Common Grackles! At least I had help with the big birds- They are not yellow- (Big Bird is yellow). :) Anyhow, the highlights for the day besides COGRs was an Olive-sided Flycatcher- such a large bill and it was great to compare size with the Western Wood-Pewee. A male MacGillivray's Warbler and a Northern Waterthrush graced us with their presence. An Ash-throated Flycatcher that was banded this spring is still hanging around the banding station.
*35 New Banded Birds* Western Wood-pewee-5 Dusky Flycatcher-1 Olive-sided Flycatcher-1 Wilson's Warbler-10 MacGillivray's Warbler-1 Northern Waterthrush-1 Northern House Wren-2 American Goldfinch-1 Lesser Goldfinch-1 Swainson's Thrush-1 Western Tanager-1 Brewer's Sparrow-1 Lazuli Bunting-1 Brown Thrasher-2 Common Grackle-6
*1 Return* Ash-throated Flycatcher
The station will be open tomorrow around sunrise until noonish and closed on Sundays. If you wish to visit the banding station or bird the ranch you need to sign up on the Aiken Audubon website *www.aikenaudubon.com* . Note: I was told that after banding each day the goats from the ranch will have free run of the banding station. I imagine it won't interfere as it most likely will be after 1 PM when folks are to be off the ranch.
Have a good day and hope to see you out at the banding station.
Julie Shieldcastle Chico Basin Ranch Bird Bander Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<fa2ff0ed-c9cd-41bd-970c-ecd2039e592cn...>
Date: 8/29/25 12:41 pm From: Peter Burke <peterburke...> Subject: [cobirds] Support COBC teams!
COBirders, The fifth annual Colorado Birding Challenge takes place on Sept. 6, a week from tomorrow!
As of today, there are 29 teams registered spanning 20 counties! It's not too late to register your team and take part in the fun!
You can help to make this year's COBC the best ever by supporting one or more teams with a donation or pledging an amount per species. CFO maintains the list of COBC teams on *the COBC webpage* <https://cobirds.org/cobc/>. Simply click the team you want to support and follow a few simple steps. Your contribution will support CFO and our Conservation Programs!
Good birding,
Peter Burke CFO Board of Directors
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CACjv0Ga825MW7N-qmtXfQvUPnner79HU7Ed3Zt%2B%<3D5-0KRbZj6w...>
Date: 8/28/25 9:53 pm From: Peter Williams <ptrwllms98...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Shorebirds at Blanca Wetlands
Hi John,
Thank you for sharing your list of spectacular birds.
It’s a shame that there appears to be no eBird reviewer for Alamosa County. I saw Snowy Plovers there on July 21 and posted lots of pics. https://ebird.org/checklist/S261799783
Nothing seen there in 2025 has been reviewed and approved. I know being a reviewer is a lot of work. I hope someone can fill in at some point.
Best regards, Peter Williams
-----------
Peter Williams (he/him)
Buddhist Meditation Teacher
Emotional Wellness Consultant
Ecodharma Center Founder, Ward CO
303-476-0726
<ptrwllms98...>
http://www.truehomewithin.net/ -----------
> On Aug 28, 2025, at 7:39 PM, John Rawinski <johnrawinski0...> wrote:
>
> Wife Lisa and I birded the area today and found 15 species of shorebirds including 4 plovers (Snowy, Semi-pal, Black-bellied and killdeer). Others species were Pectoral and Stilt Sandpipers, Least, Bairds and Western. Surprisingly we missed Spotted!
>
> A bonus was a juvenile Sabine's Gull.
>
> For those interested ponds 114 and North Mallard area had the best assortment. The area can be walked behind the closed gates.
>
> John Rawinski
> Monte Vista, CO
>
> --
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds > * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> <mailto:cobirds+<unsubscribe...>.
> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<0be1d7a9-7576-42bc-ab13-99cda3d88368n...> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<0be1d7a9-7576-42bc-ab13-99cda3d88368n...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>.
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<54E59106-92E6-4465-95B2-593756339E1F...>
Date: 8/28/25 6:39 pm From: John Rawinski <johnrawinski0...> Subject: [cobirds] Shorebirds at Blanca Wetlands
Wife Lisa and I birded the area today and found 15 species of shorebirds including 4 plovers (Snowy, Semi-pal, Black-bellied and killdeer). Others species were Pectoral and Stilt Sandpipers, Least, Bairds and Western. Surprisingly we missed Spotted!
A bonus was a juvenile Sabine's Gull.
For those interested ponds 114 and North Mallard area had the best assortment. The area can be walked behind the closed gates.
John Rawinski Monte Vista, CO
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<0be1d7a9-7576-42bc-ab13-99cda3d88368n...>
Observation start time: 09:00:00
Observation end time: 11:15:00
Total observation time: 2.25 hours
Official Counter: Liza Antony
Observers:
Visitors:
2 women were wondering what I was doing, I explained that I was counting
migrating raptors. They were hiking.
Weather:
At the start of the observation. Temperature was 21°C with level two winds
from the north east. Cloud cover was 50% mostly in the west and north of
the watch. At the end of the observation period cloud cover was 70% and it
started drizzling. Humidity was fairly high at 55, 63 and 47%.. Visibility
was excellent at 24.km.
Raptor Observations:
Only two migratingSwanson Hawks noted migrating at 9:30 MST over the
Western Ridge going south. I tried to find the birds with my scope, but was
not able to see the birds in my scope to age the birds.
Non-migrant raptors:
1 UB noted at 9:27 MST over Lookout mtn; TV-2; RT-2
Non-raptor Observations:
Exploratory fall count 2025. See
https://groups.google.com/g/cobirds/c/Oznn4uc6MBk Northern Flicker 1, BTHU 2, Violet – green swallow 3, Canyon wren 1 heard
the call note 1st and subsequently saw the bird on a snag,
Woodhouse's Scrub Jay 3
Predictions:
40 % cloud cover at 9 AM with winds from NW, changing to NE. Rain
expected around 1 PM
========================================================================
Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>)
Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at:
www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description:
Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is
the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk
watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent
site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk,
Swainson’s hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk.
Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier,
Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned
Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is
uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock
Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift,
American White Pelican, and Dusky Grouse. Birders of any skill level are
always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk
Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site:
From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take
left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs
from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike
starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a
trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the
ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge.
(Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<01010198f32b88fc-49c58523-131c-4647-85e6-6a3df5e5df7d-000000...>
Date: 8/28/25 3:48 pm From: meredith <meredithmcburney...> Subject: [cobirds] Bird Conservancy of the Rockies - Barr Banding Report 8/28/25
Welcome back, Tony! Your name came up today at the banding station, as it
does from time to time when we are discussing banding station
history.........which we tend to do when there are no birds to occupy our
time........
There was only a bit of fog this morning, but still very few birds around.
Again, only 6 birds - 4 Wilson's Warblers, 1 Yellow Warbler, and 1 House
Wren.
Meredith McBurney
Bander - Barr Lake Banding Station
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<3fc096f4-3914-4b01-998b-7c532c881a2en...>
Date: 8/28/25 3:42 pm From: <charles......> <charlesachase3...> Subject: [cobirds] Denver Fall Bird Counts 12-15 September 2025
Please join us for the 46th Denver Fall Bird Count over the second weekend of September. As part of this long-term citizen science monitoring program, we will count all the birds we can find in each of 7 areas. If you would like to be part of this effort, please contact the leader for an area you would like to participate in for the count.
Cherry Creek State Park Fri 12 Sept Cynthia Madsen <cmadsen08...> Barr Lake State Park Fri 12 Sept Charlie Chase <charlesachase3...> Chatfield State Park Sat 13 Sept Joey Kellner <vireo1...> Castlewood Canyon SP Sun 14 Sept Dave Hill <davidhill2357...> Rocky Mountain Arsenal Sun 14 Sept Charlie Chase (group full) Audubon Nature Center and Roxborough Road Sun 14 Sept Julia Quinn
<jgwinn53...> Bear Creek Lake Park Mon 15 Sept Mary Geder <mfg5000...>
other questions please contact Charlie Chase <charlesachase3...>
Charlie Chase Denver
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<f2abdacb-cdf5-4b65-ba05-e1ef2e9175bcn...>
After a very long hiatus from Cobirds, I have signed up again. Not being afraid of controversy, I thought I'd start my new tenure here right!
Thanks at least partly to a Muscovy Duck on the "wrong" side of the Rio Grande many, many moons ago, the American Birding Association (ABA) put its foot down and promulgated specific rules about the listing game as played by ABA and its members. Related to my conversation's topic, ABA's first rule is (taken from ABA Recording Rules & Interpretations - American Birding Association <https://www.aba.org/aba-recording-rules-and-interpretations/>):
(1) The bird must have been within the prescribed area when encountered, and the encounter must have occurred within the prescribed time period.
To be frank, that means that no matter where the birder is standing, sitting, riding, flying, etc., the important aspect of location is where the bird is. In fact, it is the ONLY consideration.
Of course, eBird doesn't care from where birds are reported, at least at small scales. It created its social aspect of the website to generate friendly competition, despite knowing that competition makes some people go a bit crazy, all for the lure of the list and names in lights on whatever geographic region's Top Ten. As I said, eBird doesn't care about some of the particulars; it wants only more and more data, and if their lack of care generates two checklists rather than just one for the same bird at the same place, that's simply delightful.
Enjoy,
Tony Leukering
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<a8aa9516-450a-434c-87e2-9ab79a477354n...>
Observation start time: 09:15:00
Observation end time: 12:45:00
Total observation time: 3.5 hours
Official Counter: Ajit Antony
Observers: Liza Antony
Visitors:
A young man, a hiker wanted to know what we were looking at. I explained
that we were counting migrating hawks and eagles, and he was quite
surprised that birds migrated! I explained that in spring and fall there
are millions of birds which fly at night over his home, and most lay people
are totally unaware of this migration.
Weather:
Weather.gov predicted light NE winds with 84% cloud cover dropping by 11:00
AM to 67% and increasing to 77% in the afternoon. The winds aloft the
according to earth.nullschool.net were from the NNW At 13 km per hour. At
the watch there was 80% cloud cover which dropped to 40%, then 55%, then
60% with plenty of sunshine. Humidity was fairly high at 49, 60, 53, 51%.
Visibility was excellent at 24 km. At 1:45 PM MDT there was a persistent
drizzle, so I ended the watch.
Raptor Observations:
Exploratory fall count 2025. See
https://groups.google.com/g/cobirds/c/Oznn4uc6MBk The first Swainson's Hawk was an adult at 10:28 AM MDT seen over the
Western Ridge, but it needed my scope to identify it as to age, as with 4
other SW. While following an SW, it overtook another one which had a
molting left outer primary, so I got two for the price of one. While I was
looking at a distant raptor to the NW over Lookout Mountain 4 miles away
(it was a TV flying North) I saw another raptor in the field of view of my
scope which was an SW gliding rapidly South - lucky. We had 4 SW that we
could not age, even with a 20-60x scope.
Non-raptor Observations:
I got to the watch late as there was a truck on I-70 just beyond the exit
for Rte. 93 which had spilled hazardous material in the westbound lane, so
the highway was closed. It took me one hour 15 minutes to travel the 1.3
miles from the entrance to Rte 470 to my exit, it having taken me 1 hour 45
minutes from home where normally takes it between 30 and 45 minutes. We had
a great look from the watch, where we saw 6 men with hazardous suits
spraying some foamy stuff on the road. It took till 12:30 PM until the
eastbound lanes were open, and when I left the westbound lanes were still
closed.
White-breasted Nuthatch interior subspecies heard, Northern Flicker heard,
Violet-green Swallow 8, Common Raven 3.
Predictions:
Light winds starting from the north at 9:00 AM changing to NE, With only
46% cloud cover increasing in the afternoon, with the usual chance of rain
and thunderstorms by 11:00 AM, likely risk by 3:00 PM.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>)
Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at:
www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description:
Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is
the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk
watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent
site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk,
Swainson’s hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk.
Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier,
Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned
Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is
uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock
Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift,
American White Pelican, and Dusky Grouse. Birders of any skill level are
always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk
Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site:
From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take
left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs
from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike
starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a
trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the
ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge.
(Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<01010198edeedb90-97dc08ba-de94-462e-9d67-0337466de759-000000...>
Date: 8/27/25 3:52 pm From: meredith <meredithmcburney...> Subject: [cobirds] Bird Conservancy of the Rockies - Barr Banding Report 8/27/25
A dense, soupy fog covered Barr Lake and the surrounding area when we
arrived this morning; it took several hours for it to burn off.......I
think the sun started to come out about 10 a.m. We opened most nets late,
and even in a good season would probably not have caught many birds. As it
is........only 6 new birds today:
Willow Flycatcher 1
Western Flycatcher 1
Yellow Warbler 3
Common Yellowthroat 1
Meredith McBurney
Bander - Barr Lake Banding Station
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<97828dae-a22e-47f6-b30c-b340a68f767fn...>
Meredith McBurney
Bander - Barr Lake Banding Station
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<a23792c0-b592-49a9-8ffb-3531e61b26aen...>
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 11:15:00
Total observation time: 3.25 hours
Official Counter: Ajit Antony
Observers:
Weather:
weather.gov for Golden predicted 70% cloud cover so Liza stayed home, as
last week with a similar prediction the actual cloud cover at the watch was
90% with few migrants. I went to the watch to see if this was a consistent
phenomenon, and at the watch there was only about 45% cloud cover, high
cirrus clouds with filtered sunlight. I wondered whether this would be
enough to create adequate thermals or not. I checked earth.nullschool.net
which showed that the winds aloft were light and from the south, which may
explain why there were very few migrant raptors.
Near the end of the watch, when the ridges to the South became very dark,
and because of the risk of lightning, my My Lightning app showed 50+
lightning strikes to the West only 15 miles away near Aspen Park. Every
Denverite knows of the daily afternoon thunderstorms in summer.
Raptor Observations:
Only one migrant today, a Swainson's Hawk at 11:45 AM MDT seen to the SW
initially, which flew SE initially, then circled gaining height. I was
binocular scanning between North and SW every 1-2 minutes, including higher
up, later in the morning.
Non migrant Raptors: TV 4, RT 2.
Non-raptor Observations:
Rock Wren 1, Barn Swallow 1, Violet-green Swallow 6, Red-breasted Nuthatch
heard twice, Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay 6, Common Raven 7.
A paraglider at 11:00 AM did not seem to have much lift, 5 more at 11:45
a.m. who got only a little higher than the antennae on Lookout Mountain,
and who in my opinion were foolhardy as there were lightning strikes
already to the West a scant 15 miles away. You can be struck by lightning
from more than 10 miles away, and even up to 25 miles away, even without
hearing thunder. Yes, paragliders can be struck by lightning. A Chinese man
was killed paragliding in Australia in 2006, while a German woman was
sucked up by the same storm, rising a potentially lethal 9144 feet, and
survived.
Predictions:
Patchy fog before 9:00 AM, increasing chance of rain and lightning after
2:00 PM, with winds from the SE>E>NE, so I will count in the morning.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>)
Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at:
www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description:
Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is
the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk
watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent
site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk,
Swainson’s hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk.
Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier,
Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned
Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is
uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock
Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift,
American White Pelican, and Dusky Grouse. Birders of any skill level are
always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk
Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site:
From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take
left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs
from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike
starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a
trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the
ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge.
(Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<01010198e864f910-aad3a0f4-1beb-4130-9a12-1ab643409506-000000...>
Date: 8/26/25 10:51 am From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian...> Subject: [cobirds] BIRD BOMBS Habitat Blast: Prairie View now available for viewing
Hi Birders,
View the video of the latest DFO *BIRD BOMBS Habitat Blast: Prairie View* here on YouTube <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAM6mpZzYGU> or from the DFO webpage <https://dfobirds.org/Programs/BirdBombs.aspx>. Following an introduction to prairie grassland and agricultural bird habitats, enjoy a focused discussion of ID of longspurs, *Spizella* sparrows and four "playa peeps."
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CAGj6Room1ViAhCRQmc9e4w2MyHDG-y7gMiNrkFBFytW9d1XkLw...>
Date: 8/26/25 8:47 am From: Peter Burke <peterburke...> Subject: [cobirds] COBC is coming up fast! Here's how you can join the action!
COBirders, It's time to get serious about the 2025 Colorado Birding Challenge! September 6 is just a week from Saturday -- there's still time to *register* <https://cobirds.org/cobc/> and participate in one of the four categories.
Not sure what the COBC is all about? CFO launched this innovative program five years ago to provide a fun way for birders to get out and see birds while raising funds for CFO programs. There's a competitive aspect, as teams want to see how many species they can find in one Colorado county in 24 hours. There's also a scientific aspect, by generating so many eBird checklists for often underbirded counties, we are contributing to a more detailed understanding of the status and distribution of birds in Colorado. And this year there are prizes for the winning teams in each of the three competitive categories thanks to *Front Range Birding and Optics* <https://frontrangebirding.com/>!
Maybe you're busy that day. You can still take part by supporting one or more teams with either a donation or a pledge for each species that team finds. There are currently 26 teams registered covering an impressive 20 counties. You can visit the *COBC Webpage <https://cobirds.org/cobc/>* to see the full list and select which team(s) you would like to support.
Good birding,
Peter Burke CFO Board of Directors COBC Committee Chair
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CACjv0GYn-RzL5Kyr4UmLnnaJifPSbFCVL%<3DWbn1BbqEywTUu3mw...>
Date: 8/25/25 2:46 pm From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian...> Subject: [cobirds] Fwd: DFO Presents Peter Kaestner: 10,000 Birds and (Still) Counting, Aug 25 at 7 pm
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian...>
Date: Mon, Aug 18, 2025 at 7:24 AM
Subject: DFO Presents Peter Kaestner: 10,000 Birds and (Still) Counting,
Aug 25 at 7 pm
To: Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
Register now
<https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nWKVyVHsTWmcoxEeIaNFrA#/registration> for
DFO's first program of our fall-winter 2025 series. World birder *Peter
Kaestner*, a retired career US diplomat whose far-flung work travels
helped him achieve this milestone, will recount his decades-long
quest in “*10,000
Birds and (Still) Counting: One Man’s Global Checklist*,” scheduled for
next *Monday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m.* MDT via Zoom webinar.
Kaestner reached the 10K species milestone on Feb. 9, 2024, when he spotted
an Orange-tufted Spiderhunter <https://ebird.org/species/ortspi1>in its
native Philippines. He reached his 10,000th species only hours ahead of a
rival lister. Kaestner has birded 190 countries and territories and lived
in a dozen of them, from India and Afghanistan to Colombia, New Guinea
and Namibia. In 2019, he became a part-time guide for Rockjumper, the
birding outfitter service, which touts him as “the world’s #1 birder.” He
also serves as a brand ambassador for the American Bird Conservancy.
David Suddjian, DFO
Littleton, CO
[image: 07A - 2025-03 - Fall Program Previews_Peter Kaestner in Philippines
the day in 2024 he checklisted his 10,000th bird species_no credit.jpg]
Peter Kaestner present Aug 25
[image: DFO Logo 90th square.jpeg]
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAGj6Ror2eHPFZG1vpXn5MBQ_eHogcy%3DHfFdVjxhjaHBo%<2BXjSzg...>
Date: 8/25/25 2:03 pm From: Libby Edwards <libbyeuro3...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Birding with Bad Company: RMA NWR, Adams Co., Aug. 24; and a few thoughts on eBird
Date: 8/25/25 1:11 pm From: Patrick O'Driscoll <patodrisk...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Birding with Bad Company: RMA NWR, Adams Co., Aug. 24; and a few thoughts on eBird
Hear, hear, Ted! Great report.
And I second your observation about young Archer's preternatural birding
skills, with which he runs circles around me in our shared Denver City Park
home patch.
Thanks especially for suggestion No. 3 -- except I'd say don't "consider"
adding field notes. Just do it (whether wearing Nikes or not).
To me, few things are sadder in eBird than checklists of species, their
number (or worse, the lazy "X") . . . and nothing else.
It's probably because I'm a retired journalist and so writing comes easily
to me, but still:
The first-draft-of-natural-history value of written comments in eBird
canNOT be overstated.
I try to find something to say on my checklists about as many species
encounters as possible. We all should.
And when birders take 10 seconds to note WHERE in the hotspot they
encountered this bird or that, they're encouraging others to come find and
enjoy the bird(s), too -- whether rare, uncommon, or just a damned fine
example of a year-round resident, an empty nest, a mini-hotspot, weather,
behavior, etc.
Thanks again for a thoroughly entertaining and informative report.
Patrick O'Driscoll
Denver
On Mon, Aug 25, 2025 at 1:33 PM Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...> wrote:
> Hey, all.
>
> I enjoyed a wonderful day yesterday, Sun., Aug. 24, 2025, at Rocky
> Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Adams County, with "Bad
> Company": Bill Schmoker, Archer Silverman, and ringleader Peter Burke.
> Peter and Bill and I were supposed to get Archer at 0-dark-30, but we got
> lost deep in the heart of Denver; however, we found Archer eventually, or
> he found us, and we still somehow got to The Arsenal before sunrise, in
> time for a bit of nocturnal migration. At the entrance gate, we heard a
> latish *upland sandpiper,* plus a few sparrows going over, and we saw a
> couple of *great horned owls;* and then it was time to get at the back of
> the long queue of fisherman waiting impatiently to get into The Arsenal
> proper.
>
> The morning started off with lovely, low-lying fog, hazy sunshine, and
> delectably non-Euclidean crepuscular rays:
>
> [image: Little Havana.jpg]
>
> Then the skies quickly clouded over as a cold front came through. One
> little micro hotspot was super-birdy (more on that presently), but other
> than that, the pace of birding was "slow and steady wins the race" the
> whole time we were out there: five *wood ducks,* a *hooded merganser,
> black-chinned* & *broad-tailed hummingbirds, Virginia rail* & *Sora,
> solitary sandpiper, lesser* & *greater yellowlegses, Baird sandpipers,
> Forster tern,* a magnus *ferruginous hawk* terrorizing the black-tailed
> prairie dogs, *Cynomys ludovicianus*, a *willow flycatcher,* a ho-hum 78 *western
> kingbirds,* an unidentified warbling-vireo, *loggerhead shrikes* in
> double digits (okay, *barely* in double digits, we saw 10—but, still,
> that's cool), two small groups of *American bushtits,* four *sage
> thrashers,* a flyover *eastern bluebird,* two *clay-colored sparrows* and
> six *Brewer sparrows,* 20 *lark buntings,* a beautiful *orestera* *orange-crowned
> warbler,* a *black-headed grosbeak,* and a nice showing by *blue
> grosbeaks* and *lazuli buntings.*
>
> I alluded to a micro hotspot. It was where that dinky little canal cuts
> through the New Mexico locusts, *Robinia neomexicana*, and crosses the
> trail down to Big Havana Pond. That stretch is consistently excellent. In
> just a tiny little patch in there, we saw: two black-chinned hummingbirds,
> an unidentified *Selasphorus* hummingbird, *downy* & *hairy woodpeckers,*
> a *western wood-pewee, *a willow flycatcher, American bushtits, a *cheddar
> waxwing,* a *spotted towhee* (uncommon at The Arsenal), a *Bullock
> oriole,* orange-crowned, *Wilson,* and *yellow warblers; common
> yellowthroats;* a black-headed grosbeak; and five blue grosbeaks and four
> lazuli buntings. Dang.
>
> The Forster tern whipping around Lower Derby in the swirling clouds and
> north wind was a treat. Not a rarity or anything, but just such a beautiful
> bird, white as a ghost and with that black "bandit's mask." We all agreed
> that white-tern, the hapless new name for the magnificent fairyterns of
> tropical oceans, would apply just as well to the nonbreeding Forster's
> tern. But I digress...
>
> Oh, and the true highlight, the *pièce de résistance*, of our visit to
> The Arsenal, was a transcendently beatific big sand tiger beetle, C*icindela
> formosa*, on the trail into the Upper Derby woods:
>
> [image: C formosa.jpg]
>
> After The Arsenal proper, we shamelessly tarried in urban Commerce City to
> add ticks to our list (hello, *house sparrow *and collared-dove!) and
> then Archer and I tricked Comandante Burke into driving us down to Fairfax
> Liquors (Bill helpfully inquired whether Archer was dropping off a job
> application...) in Denver. Where we saw the belovèd *Mississippi kites*
> of Park Hill! Two already nearly full-grown juveniles were perched out on a
> snag in the big silver maple, *Acer saccharinum*, catty-corner from
> Fairfax Liquors. One was calling constantly, audible even from our turret
> gun–equipped armored vehicle jeep as we were still on final approach to
> the stakeout, its loud and petulant whistle
> <https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/640796917> out-decibeling all the
> other noises of the city: barking dogs, kids on hoverboards, surround-sound
> construction, and patrons coming and going at the booze shop. Speaking of
> which, Peter got the last laugh in: He emerged from Fairfax Liquors with a
> four-pack of celebratory ice cold ginger ales in 1970s-era green cans, and
> we toasted another year's successful brood of kites, a great day of birding
> at The Arsenal & environs, and the baddest of Bad Company in Colorado or
> anywhere else in the West.
>
> We got Archer back home, about five hours after he'd told his
> longsuffering parents he'd be home. And, once again, the nominally grown-up
> representatives of Colorado Field Ornithologists succeeded in corrupting
> the minds of birding youth everywhere. It's okay, Archer will be doing
> likewise in no time at all, and he's already a better birder than any of
> the rest of us.
>
> ————————————————————————————
>
> That's all I got. In the remote chance that you're still with me, I have a
> few thoughts about how to manage it all, eBird-wise, when birding legendary
> birding hotspots with a great many stops and patches within, as well as
> along the periphery thereof. Basically, the "mother & daughter" problem, as
> we call it. The problem had become essentially unmanageable until eBird
> came out with trip reports, which are brilliant for handling birding
> experiences like our visit yesterday to The Arsenal & environs. Here are a
> few suggestions, if I may:
>
> 1. Have a designated tick-man, as we say. That was Archer. Recent
> enhancements to eBird, centered mostly around tracking *exactly* where
> you are and when you went there (wait till I. C. E. gets their hands on
> this...), really burn down your phone's battery, and we had to recharge
> Archer's phone several times. So keep that in mind. Don't let being the
> tick-man be a thankless task; we plied Archer with oranges, potato chips,
> and the aforementioned ginger ale, and I made him carry my scope only
> *part* of the time.
>
> 2. Make a quick "establishing shot" (scenic/landscape photo) for each
> hotspot visited. This is a superb new feature at eBird. Just take a quick
> photo with your smartphone, upload it under "habitat/soundscape," and then
> designate it as the "featured image." Kudos to the propellerheads at
> Macaulay for making this so easy. I think a featured image of this sort has
> the potential to make eBird even more valuable than it already is. And,
> please, I beg you: horizontal (landscape) photos, not vertical (portrait).
> Look, vertical/portrait is great if you're Leonardo da Vinci or Annie
> Leibovitz, but the rest of us shouldn't be doing it. Ask me what I
> *really* think about Instagram... 😈
>
> 3. Consider adding at least brief comments to each checklist. Don't worry
> about typos, grammar, and syntax. I don't. There's a saying, "Journalism is
> the first rough draft of history," and Kimball Garrett, one of the greatest
> birders of all time, says that "Field notes are the first rough draft of
> natural history." Just write something, anything. Weather...water
> level...phenology... When someone looks at your checklist 50 years from
> now, or, heck, five days from now, those checklist comments are supremely
> valuable.
>
> Here's our trip report from yesterday:
>
> ebird.org/tripreport/405557
>
> Look, it's not perfect. You'll find a typo in probably every one of my
> entries; my cellphone "establishing shots" aren't perfectly straightened
> and otherwise digitally airbrushed; and it's conceivable that Archer missed
> a *rock pigeon* or* barn swallow* or two. (Although it was pretty
> impressive that he attempted 1x1 counts of the rock pigeon flocks going
> over, and endeavored to get "American" barn swallow, subspecies
> *erythrogaster*, on as many individuals as possible.) But it's all there,
> and anybody can figure out basically what we did, where we went, what we
> saw, and what the conditions & access were like.
>
> Good birding to you all, Peace, —Ted Floyd, Lafayette, Boulder Co.
>
> --
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds > * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include
> bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAGk944f91p%<2B6UKiAOrEvnMzR7GkG0nfOr5XQcUKKQYb4eKat8Q...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAGk944f91p%<2B6UKiAOrEvnMzR7GkG0nfOr5XQcUKKQYb4eKat8Q...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAMNEzJMAft7Tw7r07fATjkW-%<2BqkE9zw85vqWbxVXrxmzP00VAQ...>
Date: 8/25/25 12:34 pm From: Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...> Subject: [cobirds] Birding with Bad Company: RMA NWR, Adams Co., Aug. 24; and a few thoughts on eBird
Hey, all.
I enjoyed a wonderful day yesterday, Sun., Aug. 24, 2025, at Rocky Mountain
Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Adams County, with "Bad Company": Bill
Schmoker, Archer Silverman, and ringleader Peter Burke. Peter and Bill and
I were supposed to get Archer at 0-dark-30, but we got lost deep in the
heart of Denver; however, we found Archer eventually, or he found us, and
we still somehow got to The Arsenal before sunrise, in time for a bit of
nocturnal migration. At the entrance gate, we heard a latish *upland
sandpiper,* plus a few sparrows going over, and we saw a couple of *great
horned owls;* and then it was time to get at the back of the long queue of
fisherman waiting impatiently to get into The Arsenal proper.
The morning started off with lovely, low-lying fog, hazy sunshine, and
delectably non-Euclidean crepuscular rays:
[image: Little Havana.jpg]
Then the skies quickly clouded over as a cold front came through. One
little micro hotspot was super-birdy (more on that presently), but other
than that, the pace of birding was "slow and steady wins the race" the
whole time we were out there: five *wood ducks,* a *hooded merganser,
black-chinned* & *broad-tailed hummingbirds, Virginia rail* & *Sora,
solitary sandpiper, lesser* & *greater yellowlegses, Baird sandpipers,
Forster tern,* a magnus *ferruginous hawk* terrorizing the black-tailed
prairie dogs, *Cynomys ludovicianus*, a *willow flycatcher,* a ho-hum
78 *western
kingbirds,* an unidentified warbling-vireo, *loggerhead shrikes* in double
digits (okay, *barely* in double digits, we saw 10—but, still, that's
cool), two small groups of *American bushtits,* four *sage thrashers,* a
flyover *eastern bluebird,* two *clay-colored sparrows* and six *Brewer
sparrows,* 20 *lark buntings,* a beautiful *orestera* *orange-crowned
warbler,* a *black-headed grosbeak,* and a nice showing by *blue grosbeaks*
and *lazuli buntings.*
I alluded to a micro hotspot. It was where that dinky little canal cuts
through the New Mexico locusts, *Robinia neomexicana*, and crosses the
trail down to Big Havana Pond. That stretch is consistently excellent. In
just a tiny little patch in there, we saw: two black-chinned hummingbirds,
an unidentified *Selasphorus* hummingbird, *downy* & *hairy
woodpeckers,* a *western
wood-pewee, *a willow flycatcher, American bushtits, a *cheddar
waxwing,* a *spotted
towhee* (uncommon at The Arsenal), a *Bullock oriole,* orange-crowned,
*Wilson,* and *yellow warblers; common yellowthroats;* a black-headed
grosbeak; and five blue grosbeaks and four lazuli buntings. Dang.
The Forster tern whipping around Lower Derby in the swirling clouds and
north wind was a treat. Not a rarity or anything, but just such a beautiful
bird, white as a ghost and with that black "bandit's mask." We all agreed
that white-tern, the hapless new name for the magnificent fairyterns of
tropical oceans, would apply just as well to the nonbreeding Forster's
tern. But I digress...
Oh, and the true highlight, the *pièce de résistance*, of our visit to The
Arsenal, was a transcendently beatific big sand tiger beetle, C*icindela
formosa*, on the trail into the Upper Derby woods:
[image: C formosa.jpg]
After The Arsenal proper, we shamelessly tarried in urban Commerce City to
add ticks to our list (hello, *house sparrow *and collared-dove!) and then
Archer and I tricked Comandante Burke into driving us down to Fairfax
Liquors (Bill helpfully inquired whether Archer was dropping off a job
application...) in Denver. Where we saw the belovèd *Mississippi kites* of
Park Hill! Two already nearly full-grown juveniles were perched out on a
snag in the big silver maple, *Acer saccharinum*, catty-corner from Fairfax
Liquors. One was calling constantly, audible even from our turret
gun–equipped armored vehicle jeep as we were still on final approach to the
stakeout, its loud and petulant whistle
<https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/640796917> out-decibeling all the other
noises of the city: barking dogs, kids on hoverboards, surround-sound
construction, and patrons coming and going at the booze shop. Speaking of
which, Peter got the last laugh in: He emerged from Fairfax Liquors with a
four-pack of celebratory ice cold ginger ales in 1970s-era green cans, and
we toasted another year's successful brood of kites, a great day of birding
at The Arsenal & environs, and the baddest of Bad Company in Colorado or
anywhere else in the West.
We got Archer back home, about five hours after he'd told his longsuffering
parents he'd be home. And, once again, the nominally grown-up
representatives of Colorado Field Ornithologists succeeded in corrupting
the minds of birding youth everywhere. It's okay, Archer will be doing
likewise in no time at all, and he's already a better birder than any of
the rest of us.
————————————————————————————
That's all I got. In the remote chance that you're still with me, I have a
few thoughts about how to manage it all, eBird-wise, when birding legendary
birding hotspots with a great many stops and patches within, as well as
along the periphery thereof. Basically, the "mother & daughter" problem, as
we call it. The problem had become essentially unmanageable until eBird
came out with trip reports, which are brilliant for handling birding
experiences like our visit yesterday to The Arsenal & environs. Here are a
few suggestions, if I may:
1. Have a designated tick-man, as we say. That was Archer. Recent
enhancements to eBird, centered mostly around tracking *exactly* where you
are and when you went there (wait till I. C. E. gets their hands on
this...), really burn down your phone's battery, and we had to recharge
Archer's phone several times. So keep that in mind. Don't let being the
tick-man be a thankless task; we plied Archer with oranges, potato chips,
and the aforementioned ginger ale, and I made him carry my scope only *part*
of the time.
2. Make a quick "establishing shot" (scenic/landscape photo) for each
hotspot visited. This is a superb new feature at eBird. Just take a quick
photo with your smartphone, upload it under "habitat/soundscape," and then
designate it as the "featured image." Kudos to the propellerheads at
Macaulay for making this so easy. I think a featured image of this sort has
the potential to make eBird even more valuable than it already is. And,
please, I beg you: horizontal (landscape) photos, not vertical (portrait).
Look, vertical/portrait is great if you're Leonardo da Vinci or Annie
Leibovitz, but the rest of us shouldn't be doing it. Ask me what I *really*
think about Instagram... 😈
3. Consider adding at least brief comments to each checklist. Don't worry
about typos, grammar, and syntax. I don't. There's a saying, "Journalism is
the first rough draft of history," and Kimball Garrett, one of the greatest
birders of all time, says that "Field notes are the first rough draft of
natural history." Just write something, anything. Weather...water
level...phenology... When someone looks at your checklist 50 years from
now, or, heck, five days from now, those checklist comments are supremely
valuable.
Here's our trip report from yesterday:
ebird.org/tripreport/405557
Look, it's not perfect. You'll find a typo in probably every one of my
entries; my cellphone "establishing shots" aren't perfectly straightened
and otherwise digitally airbrushed; and it's conceivable that Archer missed
a *rock pigeon* or* barn swallow* or two. (Although it was pretty
impressive that he attempted 1x1 counts of the rock pigeon flocks going
over, and endeavored to get "American" barn swallow, subspecies
*erythrogaster*, on as many individuals as possible.) But it's all there,
and anybody can figure out basically what we did, where we went, what we
saw, and what the conditions & access were like.
Good birding to you all, Peace, —Ted Floyd, Lafayette, Boulder Co.
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAGk944f91p%<2B6UKiAOrEvnMzR7GkG0nfOr5XQcUKKQYb4eKat8Q...>
Date: 8/25/25 11:40 am From: John Rawinski <johnrawinski0...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: LONG-TAILED JAEGER Chatfield - Douglas
Thanks Joey. Been waiting to hear of jaeger reports on the other side of
the hill. Will be looking in the San Luis Valley as well.
John Rawinski
Monte Vista, CO
On Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 7:35:27 AM UTC-6 Joey Kellner wrote:
> An adult plumage Long-tail Jaegerr is currently being seen at Chatfield
> between the handicapped fishing access peninsula (next to the marina) and
> the dam, much closer to the dam and is swimming East.
> Joey.
>
> Joey Kellner
> Littleton, Colorado
> _
> ( ' <
> // )
> / ""
>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<9bc4a85f-df21-4f9e-b770-1e9a601373b6n...>
I am wondering if anyone has checked the playas in northern Morgan COunty.
My expectation from my last visit is that they are dry.
Norm Erthal
Arvada CO
On Monday, August 25, 2025 at 8:19:03 AM UTC-6 Diane Roberts wrote:
> Hey All,
>
> I would like to add Loloff Reservoir in Weld County as another dry lake
> bed. Seems the canal next to it is quite full.
>
> Diane Roberts
> Highlands Ranch, Colorado
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Aug 25, 2025, at 8:11 AM, Norm Erthal <norman......> wrote:
>
> Schafer Reservoir in Lincoln county is dry. There are a good number of
> shorebirds at Karval but nothing unusual.
> Norm Erthal
> Arvada CO
>
> --
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To post to this group, send email to <cob......>
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds > * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include
> bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to cobirds+<u......>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<d050445d-626a-4dd2-8af4-112b29dfc413n...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<d050445d-626a-4dd2-8af4-112b29dfc413n...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<0ef8db89-f6aa-4433-b93d-e1350d9fec73n...>
Schafer Reservoir in Lincoln county is dry. There are a good number of shorebirds at Karval but nothing unusual. Norm Erthal Arvada CO
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<d050445d-626a-4dd2-8af4-112b29dfc413n...>
Observation start time: 07:45:00
Observation end time: 11:00:00
Total observation time: 3.25 hours
Official Counter: Ajit Antony
Observers: Liza Antony
Weather:
The forecast was for 50% cloud cover predicted to rise to 85% in the
afternoon, with rain likely by noon with lightning, with light winds from
the NE, but at the watch there was 70% cloud cover. When faced with this we
looked up the Soaring Forecast of the National Weather Service and it was
poor with lift at only 0.2 meters per second, and the height of the
thermals was predicted to be only 3265 feet above ground level, which boded
poorly for a good migration of buteos. There was watery sunlight which
perhaps would not create good thermals, I felt. The sun came out from
behind the clouds in the 9-10 hour MDT for a longish time. In the last hour
we had low dark clouds coming in rapidly from the north. I kept my eye on
My Lightning app, and there were none until to the West of Rifle 142 miles
away. When Genesee Mountain was extremely hazy and all the mountains north
of Lookout Mountain were the same, we decided to stop. 10 minutes of
driving on the way home there was some rain, and 1.5 hours later there was
lightning strikes SW of the watch site near Evergreen.
Raptor Observations:
The first raptor was a CH which was lost in front of Mount Morrison, not
counted as a migrant because we could not see it further to the South. The
first migrant was an adult SW at 8 9:49 AM over the Western Ridge which
needed a scope to identify it as an adult with its two-toned underwing. At
11:09 AM a small kettle of 3 SW were seen circling then streaming fast,
just south of Mount Morrison, through the scope I could see their pointed
wingtips and dihedral.
Non-migrant Raptors: Osprey 2, TV 3, RT 4.
Non-raptor Observations:
Violet-green Swallow 2, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 1, Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay 6
American Robin 1, Black-capped Chickadee 1, House Finch 2, Northern Flicker
heard, Common Raven 2, American Crow 1.
A paraglider at 9:21 who could not get much lift, in fact he was below the
height he took off from. At 10:30 AM we could see 5 paragliders with
moderate lift.
Predictions:
Is 62% risk of rain in the morning, with a chance of lightning by 11:00 AM,
and likely by 3:00 PM, so I will skip counting tomorrow. On Wednesday there
may be a small window before thunderstorms are predicted to start by noon.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>)
Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at:
www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description:
Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is
the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk
watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent
site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk,
Swainson’s hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk.
Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier,
Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned
Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is
uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock
Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift,
American White Pelican, and Dusky Grouse. Birders of any skill level are
always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk
Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site:
From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take
left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs
from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike
starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a
trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the
ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge.
(Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<01010198df2fd202-c5e0e7c7-8af3-4d55-8021-1f11dc432054-000000...>
There have been some changes at the banding station area, including a new
structure. Also, the grasses and sunflowers on the south side of the
Russian olive grove are quite high and a bit difficult to navigate. We
suggest you wear pants and ask for your patience.
On a positive note, we are working with the State Land Board and Bird
Conservancy of the Rockies to possibly extend the access period.
Thank you,
Aiken Audubon
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<db641e3d-5dca-41fb-8c80-e207377ea70an...>
Date: 8/24/25 6:01 pm From: meredith <meredithmcburney...> Subject: [cobirds] Bird Conservancy of the Rockies - Barr Banding Report 8/24/25
Another very slow day at and around the banding station. The wind picked
up about mid-morning (at which point we closed about half the station), but
even before that it was very quiet. We caught just 4 new birds - 1
Mourning Dove, 2 Yellow Warblers, 1 Northern House Wren - plus recaptured 2
birds banded yesterday or the day before. There are not a lot of birds
around.
A rare time when I'm really happy that tomorrow is our day off! We will be
back out, hoping for some migration activity, on Tuesday.
Meredith McBurney
Bander - Barr Lake Banding Station
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<c511218d-8d0b-4107-b621-666905fea1d0n...>
Date: 8/24/25 12:28 pm From: Gary Brower <grb4914...> Subject: [cobirds] Cherry Creek Reservoir -- September 1!
Co-birders . . ..
It’s that time gain (although this note is going out a bit late): Time to bird around Cherry Creek Reservoir —the sixth annual Labor Day Circum-Lake-Ation at Cherry Creek State Park. Given the lake level this year, it will be very interesting to see what changes there have been in bird-life. (I’m hoping the Stilt Sandpiper is still around, and the Long-tailed Jaeger comes back!)
The day begins at Tower Loop at 6:30am, and heads clockwise around the lake. Folks can go the whole route, or check-out as they need. The whole walk is about 11 miles, so come prepared with food and water (and sunscreen). We usually end about 1pm.
We’ve often had a “shuttle” from the 12-mile Picnic Area back to Tower Loop. My hope is that we’ll be able to do something similar this year.
This is not any kind of “official” outing. I started it during COVID as something to do on Labor Day. Now it’s habit! But, over the five years we’ve done the walk, we’ve tallied over 100 species (thanks to QP for keeping track!)!
If you’re interested in joining me, have questions, etc., send me an email at this address. Or my cell is 303-501-6659.
Bird on!
Gary Brower
Arapahoe County
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<382EC54D-18ED-479A-BFFC-6699E24F2DFA...>
Date: 8/24/25 6:35 am From: 'Joey Kellner' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] LONG-TAILED JAEGER Chatfield - Douglas
An adult plumage Long-tail Jaegerr is currently being seen at Chatfield between the handicapped fishing access peninsula (next to the marina) and the dam, much closer to the dam and is swimming East.
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<1D9C3B2A-338E-49DA-80A8-552047F9C275...>
Date: 8/23/25 4:39 pm From: meredith <meredithmcburney...> Subject: [cobirds] Bird Conservancy of the Rockies - Barr Banding Report 8/23/25
The lake area was hopping with shore birds today, but the "woods" were very
quiet - we caught a grand total of 7 birds - 1 Willow Flycatcher, 1 Lazuli
Bunting, and 5 Northern House Wrens. All were hatch year birds, and the
Lazuli and the Wrens were very young.
Many thanks to our visitors, who took the lack of songbirds in stride! We
showed off the few birds we had and then grabbed a scope and went around to
the other side of the walkway and checked out the shore birds!
Meredith McBurney
Bander - Barr Lake Banding Station
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<3265f431-bd0b-474f-b627-ddccf2c59e32n...>
Notice: If you or anyone you know is going to look at the Wood Stork at Alexx and Michael's pond in Broomfield.
1) DO NOT park on Zuni Street! It is illegal and DANGEROUS. Cops are now going to ticket or tow anyone parking on Zuni.
2) As mentioned before - Park on 132nd Ave or any of the small side streets adjoining 132nd. There is plenty of parking there, and you are a very short walk to the Pond.
3) Neighbors are complaining that people are driving recklessly - making U-Turns into oncoming traffic, not stopping for pedestrians, and generally not watching where they are going. There are bicyclists, small children, and dog walkers in this neighborhood. Drive like you are taking your driver's test in high school!
4) Birding Etiquette: many photographers are starting to "press" the birds - that is getting too close and cause the wood stork and other birds to spook and fly off. *Stay on the sidewalk! *Do not go into the marsh, or the woods, or the sandflats. This will only stress the birds, making them more difficult for others to see. It may even drive the wood stork away. Use common sense and be a responsible birder.
Please pass this message on to other birders you know coming to see the stork.
John T (Tumasonis) Broomfield CO
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<7fbc42e8-d98e-4cd6-afed-2ce1a10384e7n...>
Observation start time: 07:30:00
Observation end time: 12:00:00
Total observation time: 4.5 hours
Official Counter: Ajit Antony
Observers: Karolyn Chan, Liza Antony
Visitors:
A young woman came to the watch with binoculars and a camera with a long
lens. Karolyn Chan has moved to Colorado only 2 weeks ago, having been a
birder only for a few months, she was told by an experienced birder in NJ
to visit the Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch! I was extremely gratified to hear
that, that our daily reports on Hawkcount.org were being read from as far
away as New Jersey. We strongly recommended DFO and the Bald Eagle Watch of
the Bird Conservation of the Rockies, told her that she could watch
Meredith McBurney banding birds at Barr Lake, and she said she would go
there tomorrow. She scanned the sky assiduously and found us three distant
TV which were not migrants. I told her that Liza and I were leading a DFO
trip to the Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch combining raptor watching with a
discussion of the geology and paleontology of the area on Saturday August
30th and that she or anyone else could sign up for it at Dfobirds.org.
Weather:
Level 3 (8-12 mph) becoming level 5 winds (19 mph) from the NE which should
have been favorable to southbound migrants in fall, but the predicted cloud
cover of 30% was actually 90% at the watch, and this would result in very
poor thermal formation resulting in a poor migration of buteos; visibility
was excellent. Nullschool.earth.net had streaming winds coming down from
Canada favorable to migrants, but alas it was trumped perhaps by the lack
of strong thermals. See https://tinyurl.com/2s49z2ew where the green circle
is roughly where Dinosaur Ridge is located.
Raptor Observations:
Exploratory fall count 2025. See
https://groups.google.com/g/cobirds/c/Oznn4uc6MBk Not a single migrant found today.
Non migrant raptors: Osprey 2, carrying a fish, flying North, another one
seen over the Western Ridge 39 mins. later flying West; TV 4, RT 4.
Non-raptor Observations:
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1, Downy Woodpecker 1, N. House Wren 1, Woodhouse's
Scrub-Jay 1, hummingwood species, Black-capped Chickadee 1, Common Raven 1.
Predictions:
A 50% chance of rain, so unless the forecast changes we will be counting on
Sunday when we will have a small window to observe, with NE winds, before
rain and lightning are predicted by noon.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>)
Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at:
www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description:
Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is
the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk
watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent
site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk,
Swainson’s hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk.
Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier,
Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned
Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is
uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock
Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift,
American White Pelican, and Dusky Grouse. Birders of any skill level are
always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk
Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site:
From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take
left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs
from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike
starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a
trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the
ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge.
(Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<01010198d43da7fd-3135a164-9fc1-4c72-9149-edd4bd4a3752-000000...>
Date: 8/22/25 3:28 pm From: meredith <meredithmcburney...> Subject: [cobirds] Bird Conservancy of the Rockies - Barr Banding Report 8/22/25
This was "dress rehearsal" day at the Barr banding station - a chance to
check nets and other equipment, consulting Pyle (the "Bander's Bible") to
make sure we could remember all the details about our commonly caught
species, etc. before our first visitors come tomorrow. We are looking
forward to sharing birds "up close and personal" with many of you this
season!
The 23 birds caught today included a pretty normal species mix for August
22:
Western Wood-Pewee 1
Willow Flycatcher 1
Warbling Vireo 1
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Northern House Wren 5
Orange-crowned Warbler 1
Yellow Warbler 7
Common Yellowthroat 2
Wilson's Warbler 2
Song Sparrow 1
Meredith McBurney
Bander - Barr Lake Banding Station
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<756d3843-017e-4932-9987-bc64c250f6een...>
Date: 8/21/25 3:30 pm From: Ira Sanders <zroadrunner14...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Wood Stork in Broomfield continues...
The Wood Stork was there at 1:45 but had moved to the north end of the pond
making it difficult to see, at least from the west side. Don't know about
the east side.
Ira Sanders
Golden
On Thu, Aug 21, 2025 at 3:53 PM W vv <wwillem...> wrote:
> Thanks for the directions, John. Still there at 12:30 this
> afternoon, along with 6 Snowy egrets and 7 American pelicans, among
> other birds. Best viewed from the east side of the pond. The Catfish pond
> had 24 Snowy egrets, 2 Great egrets and 2 Great blue herons.
>
> Willem
> Boulder
>
> On Wed, Aug 20, 2025 at 8:07 PM John Tumasonis <snakemonev...>
> wrote:
>
>> All:
>> The immature *wood stork* at Alex and Michael's Pond is still
>> there as of 7 to 7:30 pm this evening (Wednesday). The bird was allowing
>> good looks from several vantage points.
>>
>> Also present were at least one Baird's Sandpiper, about 6 Spotted
>> Sandpipers, one immature Pelican, two Great Egrets, eight Snowy Egrets,
>> several killdeer, and lots of mallards. A coyote come out into the open
>> and was eyeing the wood stork (!). Yikes.
>>
>> Birders are converging from all over - Colorado Springs, Fort Collins,
>> Erie, Boulder, Denver, etc. etc. Note that best places to park near the
>> pond are 132nd Ave. west of Zuni, Alcott Place, and Bryant Drive - all of
>> which have short, sidewalk access to the pond. The sidewalk
>> circumnavigates the entire pond.
>>
>> Other birders showed me a photo of "Catfish Pond" or "Bullhead Pond" near
>> Big Dry Creek Park in Westminster - not far away from Alex and Michael's -
>> that was loaded with herons and egrets. Might be worth a look if you are
>> in the area. From Amherst Park in Westminster, you can pick up a dirt
>> track going south from 130th and North Pecos that is a short walk to
>> "Catfish Pond". Catfish Pond is not named on any maps.
>>
>> The wood stork appeared to be settling in for the night, so there's good
>> chance it may still be there tomorrow morning.
>>
>> Good luck,
>> John T (Tumasonis)
>> "I'm not a real birder. I only pretend to be one on CoBirds."
>>
>>
>> --
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "Colorado Birds" group.
>> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
>> For more options, visit this group at
>> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds >> * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city.
>> Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
>> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ >> ---
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "Colorado Birds" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
>> To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<b242d260-367e-486b-8e14-e8140cf1aaf4n...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<b242d260-367e-486b-8e14-e8140cf1aaf4n...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
>
>
> --
>
> --
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds > * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include
> bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CAPySxGbFZfLX4Y4q8CVMha5M99xUpz911vTLHZtDoCgAp6bGqw...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CAPySxGbFZfLX4Y4q8CVMha5M99xUpz911vTLHZtDoCgAp6bGqw...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
--
Ira Sanders
Golden, CO
"My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading
into a waterfall of creative alternatives."
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CABF3siEfFdBxEvu26ABC%3Da%2B77d1M-ovVVUaXQtZ-qjd4LFj%<3D1A...>
Date: 8/21/25 2:53 pm From: W vv <wwillem...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Wood Stork in Broomfield continues...
Thanks for the directions, John. Still there at 12:30 this
afternoon, along with 6 Snowy egrets and 7 American pelicans, among
other birds. Best viewed from the east side of the pond. The Catfish pond
had 24 Snowy egrets, 2 Great egrets and 2 Great blue herons.
Willem
Boulder
On Wed, Aug 20, 2025 at 8:07 PM John Tumasonis <snakemonev...> wrote:
> All:
> The immature *wood stork* at Alex and Michael's Pond is still
> there as of 7 to 7:30 pm this evening (Wednesday). The bird was allowing
> good looks from several vantage points.
>
> Also present were at least one Baird's Sandpiper, about 6 Spotted
> Sandpipers, one immature Pelican, two Great Egrets, eight Snowy Egrets,
> several killdeer, and lots of mallards. A coyote come out into the open
> and was eyeing the wood stork (!). Yikes.
>
> Birders are converging from all over - Colorado Springs, Fort Collins,
> Erie, Boulder, Denver, etc. etc. Note that best places to park near the
> pond are 132nd Ave. west of Zuni, Alcott Place, and Bryant Drive - all of
> which have short, sidewalk access to the pond. The sidewalk
> circumnavigates the entire pond.
>
> Other birders showed me a photo of "Catfish Pond" or "Bullhead Pond" near
> Big Dry Creek Park in Westminster - not far away from Alex and Michael's -
> that was loaded with herons and egrets. Might be worth a look if you are
> in the area. From Amherst Park in Westminster, you can pick up a dirt
> track going south from 130th and North Pecos that is a short walk to
> "Catfish Pond". Catfish Pond is not named on any maps.
>
> The wood stork appeared to be settling in for the night, so there's good
> chance it may still be there tomorrow morning.
>
> Good luck,
> John T (Tumasonis)
> "I'm not a real birder. I only pretend to be one on CoBirds."
>
>
> --
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds > * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include
> bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<b242d260-367e-486b-8e14-e8140cf1aaf4n...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<b242d260-367e-486b-8e14-e8140cf1aaf4n...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
--
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CAPySxGbFZfLX4Y4q8CVMha5M99xUpz911vTLHZtDoCgAp6bGqw...>
Observation start time: 07:30:00
Observation end time: 10:30:00
Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter:
Observers: Liza Antony
Weather:
Initially the winds were from the west for the first half hour ( Beaufort
scale2 ) , changing to east winds, level 2 at 8 AM MST. at 10 AM. mST the
winds increased to level 3 from the NE
Initially, the sky is back here with 0% cloud cover. The first thermals (
clouds)
When noted at 8:42 AM MST. starting humidity was 27% gradually increasing
to 30% at the end of the watch.
Raptor Observations:
Exploratory fall count 2025. See
https://groups.google.com/g/cobirds/c/Oznn4uc6MBk.
Non-migrating raptors: RT-1,GE-1 Immature, TurkeyVulture-2
Golden Eagle was binoculars only( level 4) It flew from the north but
landed on the east face of Mt. Morrison. The 3 SW were in a loose kettle
in a blue sky.
Non-raptor Observations:
Other birds noted: Western Scrub-Jay 6; Northern Flicker 2; Common Raven 1;
White- throated swift 2; Hairy Woodpecker 2;Common Nighthawk1;
House Finch 2; BTHU 2; Bushtit 6; LEGO-1
========================================================================
Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>)
Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at:
www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description:
Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is
the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk
watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent
site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk,
Swainson’s hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk.
Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier,
Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned
Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is
uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock
Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift,
American White Pelican, and Dusky Grouse. Birders of any skill level are
always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk
Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site:
From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take
left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs
from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike
starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a
trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the
ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge.
(Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<01010198ce98097a-60386aa1-b54d-431e-a953-54713a28f0de-000000...>
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CAGj6RorArjHHQWAAddSYjvF_9qKus_gtQO51TxWLXdnrzFBEiQ...>
Date: 8/20/25 8:33 pm From: Ira Sanders <zroadrunner14...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Wood Stork in Broomfield continues...
John,
Thank you for the updated posting. Very helpful.
Ira Sanders
On Wed, Aug 20, 2025 at 8:07 PM John Tumasonis <snakemonev...> wrote:
> All:
> The immature *wood stork* at Alex and Michael's Pond is still
> there as of 7 to 7:30 pm this evening (Wednesday). The bird was allowing
> good looks from several vantage points.
>
> Also present were at least one Baird's Sandpiper, about 6 Spotted
> Sandpipers, one immature Pelican, two Great Egrets, eight Snowy Egrets,
> several killdeer, and lots of mallards. A coyote come out into the open
> and was eyeing the wood stork (!). Yikes.
>
> Birders are converging from all over - Colorado Springs, Fort Collins,
> Erie, Boulder, Denver, etc. etc. Note that best places to park near the
> pond are 132nd Ave. west of Zuni, Alcott Place, and Bryant Drive - all of
> which have short, sidewalk access to the pond. The sidewalk
> circumnavigates the entire pond.
>
> Other birders showed me a photo of "Catfish Pond" or "Bullhead Pond" near
> Big Dry Creek Park in Westminster - not far away from Alex and Michael's -
> that was loaded with herons and egrets. Might be worth a look if you are
> in the area. From Amherst Park in Westminster, you can pick up a dirt
> track going south from 130th and North Pecos that is a short walk to
> "Catfish Pond". Catfish Pond is not named on any maps.
>
> The wood stork appeared to be settling in for the night, so there's good
> chance it may still be there tomorrow morning.
>
> Good luck,
> John T (Tumasonis)
> "I'm not a real birder. I only pretend to be one on CoBirds."
>
>
> --
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds > * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include
> bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<b242d260-367e-486b-8e14-e8140cf1aaf4n...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<b242d260-367e-486b-8e14-e8140cf1aaf4n...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
--
Ira Sanders
Golden, CO
"My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading
into a waterfall of creative alternatives."
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CABF3siHRxcXyGEk0fN3ELP4y7wJ8MVWbtofw1qNF0yVkAdb6ww...>
Date: 8/20/25 7:07 pm From: John Tumasonis <snakemonev...> Subject: [cobirds] Wood Stork in Broomfield continues...
All: The immature *wood stork* at Alex and Michael's Pond is still there as of 7 to 7:30 pm this evening (Wednesday). The bird was allowing good looks from several vantage points.
Also present were at least one Baird's Sandpiper, about 6 Spotted Sandpipers, one immature Pelican, two Great Egrets, eight Snowy Egrets, several killdeer, and lots of mallards. A coyote come out into the open and was eyeing the wood stork (!). Yikes.
Birders are converging from all over - Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Erie, Boulder, Denver, etc. etc. Note that best places to park near the pond are 132nd Ave. west of Zuni, Alcott Place, and Bryant Drive - all of which have short, sidewalk access to the pond. The sidewalk circumnavigates the entire pond.
Other birders showed me a photo of "Catfish Pond" or "Bullhead Pond" near Big Dry Creek Park in Westminster - not far away from Alex and Michael's - that was loaded with herons and egrets. Might be worth a look if you are in the area. From Amherst Park in Westminster, you can pick up a dirt track going south from 130th and North Pecos that is a short walk to "Catfish Pond". Catfish Pond is not named on any maps.
The wood stork appeared to be settling in for the night, so there's good chance it may still be there tomorrow morning.
Good luck, John T (Tumasonis) "I'm not a real birder. I only pretend to be one on CoBirds."
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<b242d260-367e-486b-8e14-e8140cf1aaf4n...>
Observation start time: 07:30:00
Observation end time: 10:00:00
Total observation time: 2.5 hours
Official Counter: Ajit Antony
Observers: Liza Antony
Weather:
Light winds from the east, temperature 23-24 degrees Celsius, steady
barometer, clear visibility to 24 km. by 8:30 AM MST small puffy thermals
were developing at different areas between North and SW, and by the time I
left they were a broken chain of cloud low over the western ridge, but with
no raptors within it or above it.
Raptor Observations:
The first raptor seen was a non-migrant TV at 7:32 AM MST. The first
migrant was an SW at 8:45 AM, and the only other migrant was an immature RT
6 minutes later.
Non-migrant Raptors RT 2, TV 3
Predictions:
Like today but with the winds coming from the NE, could be favorable.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>)
Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at:
www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description:
Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is
the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk
watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent
site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk,
Swainson’s hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk.
Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier,
Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned
Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is
uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock
Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift,
American White Pelican, and Dusky Grouse. Birders of any skill level are
always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk
Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site:
From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take
left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs
from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike
starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a
trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the
ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge.
(Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<01010198ca10d644-e6ffff44-2dc6-47b0-b7b7-2e691a3621e6-000000...>
Date: 8/20/25 12:35 pm From: Thomas Heinrich <teheinrich...> Subject: [cobirds] Lost sunglasses at Wood Stork site
Anyone by chance find a pair of Tifosi sunglasses this morning along the Zuni St sidewalk? In the excitement of seeing the Wood Stork, I misplaced them. Thanks!
The stork is still present in the SW corner, resting and preening.
Good birding,
Thomas Heinrich Boulder, CO <Nyctea...>
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<221AEDA7-BE4F-4DF9-92AE-975969503685...>
Currently flying around the north end of the original park. The kites seem
to be following a large flock of grackles around the area.
Evan Carlson
Pueblo
On Wed, Aug 20, 2025, 10:05 AM Nathan Pieplow <npieplow...> wrote:
> The Swallow-tailed Kite found yesterday continues in Widefield, El Paso
> County. Was circling over Widefield Community Park for 10 minutes starting
> at 9:45, with a flock of Mississippi Kites. Drifted slowly east. Several
> birders got to see it and they are heading towards Big Johnson Reservoir to
> try to refind it.
>
> Nathan Pieplow
> Boulder
>
> --
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds > * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include
> bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAFhaDVL7WXCM4mmERVKd1_6U5VG8H7bedmZK7ZtYdtkGWye%<2BiQ...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAFhaDVL7WXCM4mmERVKd1_6U5VG8H7bedmZK7ZtYdtkGWye%<2BiQ...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAGoxET_R9qYLG0U1CyjYb5y2ab%<2B-AVcDUh1m8yWJ6S3-zNvsOQ...>
The Swallow-tailed Kite found yesterday continues in Widefield, El Paso County. Was circling over Widefield Community Park for 10 minutes starting at 9:45, with a flock of Mississippi Kites. Drifted slowly east. Several birders got to see it and they are heading towards Big Johnson Reservoir to try to refind it.
Nathan Pieplow Boulder
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAFhaDVL7WXCM4mmERVKd1_6U5VG8H7bedmZK7ZtYdtkGWye%<2BiQ...>
Date: 8/20/25 7:46 am From: Matt H <birdermatt...> Subject: [cobirds] WOOD STORK - Broomfield County
Hey all, There is currently a WOOD STORK at Alexx and Micheals Pond in Broomfield County. Currently foraging along the cattails along the SW corner. Park on W 132nd Ave and walk the path south. Best viewed from here: (39.9345572, -105.0187414)
Matt Hofeditz
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAJou74zQezBSpLwyfTvBAJXF%2Bio-cJeavvaQsoJ%<2BnPnijPSZzQ...>
Date: 8/20/25 6:27 am From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] cliff swallow decline
On the theme of possible population changes, the North American Breeding
Bird Survey analysis for Colorado shows a -1.26% annual declining trend
for Cliff Swallow over the span of 1966-2022, and a significant -2.27%
trend for the more recent period of 1993-2022. (2022 is presently the
latest year given in these analyses). The data is ranked with the higher of
three credibility categories, reflecting "data with at least 14 samples in
the long term, of moderate precision, and of moderate abundance on
routes." Here is the graph they present for Colorado:
[image: Screenshot (1351).png]
David Suddjian
Littleton, CO
On Tue, Aug 19, 2025 at 11:31 PM DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...>
wrote:
> Last week Peter Ruprecht brought up the issue of Cliff Swallows not being
> at some of his historical sites locally along the Front Range. A
> mini-thread developed and I speculated swallow bugs, which are
> ectoparasites of swallows, especially nestlings, might be involved in
> forcing them to relocate. I contacted Dr. Charles Brown at the University
> of Tulsa. He is lead author of the "Birds of the World Cornell" account of
> Cliff Swallow and has a long-term study site in western Nebraska. He said
> the likely culprit for the declines we are seeing is a general decline of
> flying insects upon which they and many other birds feed. He said swallow
> bugs are probably NOT the reason for any declines we are seeing, and that
> one study demonstrated Cliff Swallows are actually coping with them better
> than they used to.
>
> To answer the question a few people asked as to why an insectivore like
> Cliff Swallows wouldn't just eat the swallow bugs, Dr. Brown reminded me
> swallow bugs and other species in the family Cimicidae (including bed bugs)
> have scent glands that render them unpalatable to everything except spiders
> and ants.
>
> Dave Leatherman
> Fort Collins
>
> --
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds > * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include
> bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<DM6PR12MB3435A85A72C957636E87B687C133A...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<DM6PR12MB3435A85A72C957636E87B687C133A...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAGj6RoptqZ6%2Bg0bWhS0a6JHupn%3DrcBiBWHzc%<2BfyJvv8LSnj2HQ...>
Date: 8/19/25 10:31 pm From: DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> Subject: [cobirds] cliff swallow decline
Last week Peter Ruprecht brought up the issue of Cliff Swallows not being at some of his historical sites locally along the Front Range. A mini-thread developed and I speculated swallow bugs, which are ectoparasites of swallows, especially nestlings, might be involved in forcing them to relocate. I contacted Dr. Charles Brown at the University of Tulsa. He is lead author of the "Birds of the World Cornell" account of Cliff Swallow and has a long-term study site in western Nebraska. He said the likely culprit for the declines we are seeing is a general decline of flying insects upon which they and many other birds feed. He said swallow bugs are probably NOT the reason for any declines we are seeing, and that one study demonstrated Cliff Swallows are actually coping with them better than they used to.
To answer the question a few people asked as to why an insectivore like Cliff Swallows wouldn't just eat the swallow bugs, Dr. Brown reminded me swallow bugs and other species in the family Cimicidae (including bed bugs) have scent glands that render them unpalatable to everything except spiders and ants.
Dave Leatherman
Fort Collins
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<DM6PR12MB3435A85A72C957636E87B687C133A...>
Date: 8/19/25 4:21 pm From: Brandon <flammowl17...> Subject: [cobirds] Swallow-tailed Kite El Paso County
Just seen east side of Chatfield Drive in the Widefield area of El Paso County.
Brandon Percival Pueblo West, CO
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CA%2BXeEuVDuuFvtgmd0xu5vhsC8qsgA8%3DG%<2BbXDK2dAdkSm3pU_QA...>
Observation start time: 08:30:00
Observation end time: 11:00:00
Total observation time: 2.5 hours
Official Counter: Ajit Antony
Observers:
Weather:
Light winds from the east temperature 25>32 Celsius, humidity decreasing 32
to 22 per cent, steady barometer, cloud cover starting at 15% fortunately
to the West, going all the way from north to SW, increasing to 55% as
clouds moved eastward.
Raptor Observations:
Exploratory fall count 2025. See
https://groups.google.com/g/cobirds/c/Oznn4uc6MBk. The first migrants were
a small kettle of 3 SW to the NW, which rapidly glided South. A good day
for SW, finding 14, compared to a total of 46 on the journey North in
spring at the same site in 2025, with a daily SW high of 12 on 4/23/25. All
the SW flew far to the NW/West, needing a scope to age them. If it were not
for the initially low cumulus clouds, I would not have been able to spot
these distant SW.
After the last 3 SW moved South in a small kettle at 10:41 AM DST, there
were no more migrants for the last 1.5 hours I stayed. It is likely that
they were flying much too high to be seen with binoculars, as the Soaring
Forecast from the National Weather Service predicted a maximum rate of lift
of 4.3 meters per second, and the maximum height of thermals of 9484 feet
above ground level. I did scan systematically high in the sky without any
raptors seen.
Non-migrant raptors: American Goshawk seen to the west with the naked eye -
buteo-sized, did not flap at all, with bulging secondaries, curved leading
edge to the wings, so head not seen in profile, banded tail with no white
terminal band, missing primary feathers bilaterally; circled, gave me good
bino and scope views and soared to the NW. 3 TV which perched on the 3
utility poles just north of the watch, all facing the same direction.
Predictions:
Light SE winds turning to the east. I'll try getting to the watch earlier,
before 8 a.m. By the time I left today it was exhaustingly hot.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>)
Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at:
www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description:
Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is
the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk
watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent
site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk,
Swainson’s hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk.
Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier,
Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned
Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is
uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock
Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift,
American White Pelican, and Dusky Grouse. Birders of any skill level are
always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk
Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site:
From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take
left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs
from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike
starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a
trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the
ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge.
(Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<01010198c4460a59-0b1d8db5-358e-4a42-8217-5c6b9399b7ba-000000...>
Date: 8/18/25 10:02 am From: Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...> Subject: [cobirds] Flint the Wood Stork
I refound the Wood Stork! At DEN. And his name is Flint.
Ted Floyd Lafayette, Boulder Co.
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAGk944cvmWxzLbzKf_dab%<2BGyQxSgHxqynLtbXwvBPvb7xXWLtA...>
Date: 8/18/25 6:25 am From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian...> Subject: [cobirds] DFO Presents Peter Kaestner: 10,000 Birds and (Still) Counting, Aug 25 at 7 pm
Register now
<https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nWKVyVHsTWmcoxEeIaNFrA#/registration> for
DFO's first program of our fall-winter 2025 series. World birder *Peter
Kaestner*, a retired career US diplomat whose far-flung work travels
helped him achieve this milestone, will recount his decades-long
quest in “*10,000
Birds and (Still) Counting: One Man’s Global Checklist*,” scheduled for
next *Monday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m.* MDT via Zoom webinar.
Kaestner reached the 10K species milestone on Feb. 9, 2024, when he spotted
an Orange-tufted Spiderhunter <https://ebird.org/species/ortspi1>in its
native Philippines. He reached his 10,000th species only hours ahead of a
rival lister. Kaestner has birded 190 countries and territories and lived
in a dozen of them, from India and Afghanistan to Colombia, New Guinea
and Namibia. In 2019, he became a part-time guide for Rockjumper, the
birding outfitter service, which touts him as “the world’s #1 birder.” He
also serves as a brand ambassador for the American Bird Conservancy.
David Suddjian, DFO
Littleton, CO
[image: 07A - 2025-03 - Fall Program Previews_Peter Kaestner in Philippines
the day in 2024 he checklisted his 10,000th bird species_no credit.jpg]
Peter Kaestner present Aug 25
[image: DFO Logo 90th square.jpeg]
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAGj6RoofHUaX%3Dw2pLHnFEJ5A57qT75k%2BEcqnX7Q%3DN%<3Dgbr5zDkg...>
Date: 8/17/25 7:17 pm From: DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> Subject: [cobirds] ID of young Loggerhead Shrikes
It happens every summer in Colorado on eBird: reports of "Northern" Shrikes. Never say never but Northern Shrikes do not show up in Colorado until November most years, and after wintering, usually leave in March-April. In summer, Loggerhead Shrike fledglings can somewhat resemble Northerns in that their mask is thinner, not dark black and they often in good close views show subdued scalloping like Northerns. The shrike "party of 7" reported at the Rocky Mt. Arsenal today was a family of Loggerheads. Easy mistake to make if one isn't looking at the calendar. Easy to correct if one IS looking at the calendar.
[cid:6e1732fc-4268-4f34-b29a-1fc2c6041fb9]
Recently fledged juvenile Loggerhead Shrike on 22 June in Weld County, CO. Note somewhat reduced extent of mask (compared to an adult) and the scalloping on the breast and crown.
[cid:c35ddf71-55ad-4acc-a9a9-8e45dee186cb]
Another recently-fledged Loggerhead Shrike on 18 June showing a rather narrow mask that is not dark black, scalloping on breast and crown, and the lower mandible is somewhat yellowish like a young Northern.
Dave Leatherman
Fort Collins
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<DM6PR12MB343521EF9D1210FCF64D336AC131A...>
Date: 8/17/25 5:00 pm From: John Salisbury <johnm.salisbury...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Re: Wood Stork over Denver City Park
Patrick, Any update?
John
John M. Salisbury
13574 Via Varra
Broomfield, Colorado 80020
720.202.7513
On Sun, Aug 17, 2025 at 11:44 AM Patrick O'Driscoll <patodrisk...>
wrote:
> Brief update:
> Not seen again in Denver City Park since first sighting overhead, but
> people are looking from there west, including at Heron Pond in
> north-central Denver.
>
> Jason Bidgood reports from the DenCo Birding WhatsApp group that a WOST
> sighting was reported in eastern Kansas nine days ago with many subsequent
> reports there through this past Thursday.
> Here's the best (least poor) shot I could get (through the windshield as I
> madly scrambled for a spot to park) this morning at City Park:
> [image: 2025 - AUG17 - CITYPARK - WOOD STORK WINDSHIELD SHOT.png]
> good birding!
>
> Patrick O'Driscoll
> Denver
>
>
>
> On Sun, Aug 17, 2025 at 9:53 AM Patrick O'Driscoll <patodrisk...>
> wrote:
>
>> Flew in from east, high overhead, about 9:40 am Sunday. Circled high
>> above Ferril Lake several times, then continued west over park. Lost sight
>> behind trees from my vantage point (rock garden turnaround loop in SE
>> corner of park). Investigating around lake now, but may have flown farther
>> west now.
>>
>> Patrick O’Driscoll
>> Denver
>>
> --
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds > * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include
> bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAMNEzJPtkWCHhvDQ%3DEMdnm5C724MVAJU%2BEf%<3Do4Hm6v58hsODPA...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAMNEzJPtkWCHhvDQ%3DEMdnm5C724MVAJU%2BEf%<3Do4Hm6v58hsODPA...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAAyUNC%<3DnGh7xcTKjiASniduKx6uDmh4R0x6wFgpsRuPKKmsnXg...>
Date: 8/17/25 10:52 am From: Eric DeFonso <bay.wren...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Re: Wood Stork over Denver City Park
BTW, the KS Wood Stork was seen again this morning at Marais des Cygnes
which is in far eastern Kansas. (I'm planning a trip to KC soon to visit
relatives, so it's been on my radar.) Clearly a different bird; this is Hot
Wood Stork Summer now.
Eric
-------
Eric DeFonso
Boulder County, CO
On Sun, Aug 17, 2025 at 11:44 AM Patrick O'Driscoll <patodrisk...>
wrote:
> Brief update:
> Not seen again in Denver City Park since first sighting overhead, but
> people are looking from there west, including at Heron Pond in
> north-central Denver.
>
> Jason Bidgood reports from the DenCo Birding WhatsApp group that a WOST
> sighting was reported in eastern Kansas nine days ago with many subsequent
> reports there through this past Thursday.
> Here's the best (least poor) shot I could get (through the windshield as I
> madly scrambled for a spot to park) this morning at City Park:
> [image: 2025 - AUG17 - CITYPARK - WOOD STORK WINDSHIELD SHOT.png]
> good birding!
>
> Patrick O'Driscoll
> Denver
>
>
>
> On Sun, Aug 17, 2025 at 9:53 AM Patrick O'Driscoll <patodrisk...>
> wrote:
>
>> Flew in from east, high overhead, about 9:40 am Sunday. Circled high
>> above Ferril Lake several times, then continued west over park. Lost sight
>> behind trees from my vantage point (rock garden turnaround loop in SE
>> corner of park). Investigating around lake now, but may have flown farther
>> west now.
>>
>> Patrick O’Driscoll
>> Denver
>>
> --
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds > * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include
> bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAMNEzJPtkWCHhvDQ%3DEMdnm5C724MVAJU%2BEf%<3Do4Hm6v58hsODPA...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAMNEzJPtkWCHhvDQ%3DEMdnm5C724MVAJU%2BEf%<3Do4Hm6v58hsODPA...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAFjVA_aKadwG0WsVjPnoSZ-8%3DUZLb00qAeapymhhtDcxLX%<2BCZw...>
Date: 8/17/25 10:44 am From: Patrick O'Driscoll <patodrisk...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Wood Stork over Denver City Park
Brief update:
Not seen again in Denver City Park since first sighting overhead, but
people are looking from there west, including at Heron Pond in
north-central Denver.
Jason Bidgood reports from the DenCo Birding WhatsApp group that a WOST
sighting was reported in eastern Kansas nine days ago with many subsequent
reports there through this past Thursday.
Here's the best (least poor) shot I could get (through the windshield as I
madly scrambled for a spot to park) this morning at City Park:
[image: 2025 - AUG17 - CITYPARK - WOOD STORK WINDSHIELD SHOT.png]
good birding!
Patrick O'Driscoll
Denver
On Sun, Aug 17, 2025 at 9:53 AM Patrick O'Driscoll <patodrisk...>
wrote:
> Flew in from east, high overhead, about 9:40 am Sunday. Circled high above
> Ferril Lake several times, then continued west over park. Lost sight behind
> trees from my vantage point (rock garden turnaround loop in SE corner of
> park). Investigating around lake now, but may have flown farther west now.
>
> Patrick O’Driscoll
> Denver
>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAMNEzJPtkWCHhvDQ%3DEMdnm5C724MVAJU%2BEf%<3Do4Hm6v58hsODPA...>
Date: 8/17/25 8:53 am From: Patrick O'Driscoll <patodrisk...> Subject: [cobirds] Wood Stork over Denver City Park
Flew in from east, high overhead, about 9:40 am Sunday. Circled high above
Ferril Lake several times, then continued west over park. Lost sight behind
trees from my vantage point (rock garden turnaround loop in SE corner of
park). Investigating around lake now, but may have flown farther west now.
Patrick O’Driscoll
Denver
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAMNEzJNNEPO-j%3DLZ4MwNSRwooDj2WTadc%<2B5RbtF8YbDoqbiQ2Q...>
Date: 8/16/25 7:50 pm From: Anne Price <raptoresse...> Subject: [cobirds] October Raptor Identification Class--Raptors of Colorado's Shortgrass Prairie
Announcing the 2025 Raptor Identification Class, presented by the Raptor Education Foundation
Co-Presented by Karen Metz and REF President Anne Price
Karen Metz began monitoring raptors for bird conservation organizations and agencies in 1988. She has trained raptor monitors in Colorado for nearly 20 years and has taught classes with REF since 2013. She will have her collection of custom-curated slides and REF will be bringing approximately 12 live raptors. We're going to focus on raptors which make the shortgrass prairie ecosystem their home, with discussions about habitat and conservation, in addition to tricks and tips for identifying the magnificent raptors of wide-open spaces.
The class will be held at the Barr Lake State Park Nature Center<https://goo.gl/maps/DR5BYjHMgQsvPbHM7> <https://goo.gl/maps/DR5BYjHMgQsvPbHM7> on Saturday, October 11th, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Coffee, tea and other morning refreshments will be provided. Complete information and tickets may be found here:
Please call (303) 680-8500 with questions. There are 40 spaces available.
Thank you,
Anne Price
Raptor Education Foundation
Brighton, Adams Co
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<BN7PR02MB5331E26A64E1B0FB8D761DD9CF36A...>
Date: 8/16/25 6:24 am From: Michael Keilly <mkeilly...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Digest for - 2 updates in 2 topics
We happened to drive past yesterday (Friday) a little bit after noon and
thought we saw it perched on one of the dead trees in the pond. Didn’t stop
but that’s what it looked like. I wonder why it decided to visit us as
well, and why it seems to be staying.
Michael Keilly, Erie
On Sat, Aug 16, 2025 at 7:13 AM <cobirds...> wrote:
> <cobirds...>
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email#!forum/cobirds/topics> Google
> Groups
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email/#!overview> [image:
> Google Groups Logo]
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email/#!overview> > Topic digest
> View all topics
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email#!forum/cobirds/topics> >
> - Yampa Valley Crane Festival, Routt Co., Aug. 28–31, 2025
> <#m_9175119020822410887_group_thread_0> - 1 Update
> - anhinga, Boulder County? <#m_9175119020822410887_group_thread_1> - 1
> Update
>
> Yampa Valley Crane Festival, Routt Co., Aug. 28–31, 2025
> <http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds/t/2e1e84199fa118b1?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email> > Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...>: Aug 15 05:12PM -0600
>
> Hey, all.
>
> I'm writing to let you know about the upcoming 14th annual Yampa Valley
> Crane Festival, Thurs.–Sun., Aug. 28–31, 2025. The festival is based out of
> Steamboat Springs and Hayden, Routt Co., at a fascinating time of year for
> birding & nature study in northwestern Colorado.
>
> Many festival offerings sold out some time ago, but I am pleased to report
> that several new ones have very recently opened up—and that a few older
> ones still have some availabilities. So check out the festival website (
> coloradocranes.org/festival), and see if you can get on some cool field
> trips; also many of the lectures, workshops, and activities are free and
> open to the public, so you can just show up. Again, check out the website
> for all the inviting details.
>
> I mentioned the fascinating late-summer birding in and around Steamboat and
> Hayden in late summer, and I'll say two things about that before signing
> off. Here goes:
>
> 1. Well, cranes. Staging on their migratory grounds on their migration
> south. Until the advent of this crane festival, I think many of us in
> Colorado didn't know about this late-summer staging phenomenon at all.
> Anyhow, it's really something to see and hear, and you don't have to freeze
> your tush off the way you do in March at Monte Vista or Kearney.
>
> 2. You're not going to believe this, but...western warbling-vireos. I am
> not joking. In recent years, we have documented insane numbers of western
> warbling-vireos staging near Hayden—like 20+ in a single small Gambel oak.
> Have you ever seen 20+ vireos of any species all crammed into the same
> tree? Well, this is your chance! And you don't even have to worry about
> eastern warbling-vireos out there...as far as we know. :-)
>
> Ted Floyd
> Lafayette, Boulder Co.
> Back to top <#m_9175119020822410887_digest_top>
> anhinga, Boulder County?
> <http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds/t/f5bbb0ddb864da72?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email> > R Carol Cushman <r.cushman...>: Aug 15 09:29PM
>
> Has anyone spotted the anhinga at the 95th street ponds in the last few
> days? Any ideas regarding where it may have gone? Or, why it came here in
> the firs place?
> Carol Cushman
> Back to top <#m_9175119020822410887_digest_top>
> You received this digest because you're subscribed to updates for this
> group. You can change your settings on the group membership page
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email#!forum/cobirds/join> > .
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it send an
> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAJgcpM0%3DTbvXSoQn%<3D7EG6Ed5cA6RFDy1dkjAbBncu8770CksFw...>
Date: 8/15/25 4:13 pm From: Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...> Subject: [cobirds] Yampa Valley Crane Festival, Routt Co., Aug. 28–31, 2025
Hey, all.
I'm writing to let you know about the upcoming 14th annual Yampa Valley
Crane Festival, Thurs.–Sun., Aug. 28–31, 2025. The festival is based out of
Steamboat Springs and Hayden, Routt Co., at a fascinating time of year for
birding & nature study in northwestern Colorado.
Many festival offerings sold out some time ago, but I am pleased to report
that several new ones have very recently opened up—and that a few older
ones still have some availabilities. So check out the festival website (
coloradocranes.org/festival), and see if you can get on some cool field
trips; also many of the lectures, workshops, and activities are free and
open to the public, so you can just show up. Again, check out the website
for all the inviting details.
I mentioned the fascinating late-summer birding in and around Steamboat and
Hayden in late summer, and I'll say two things about that before signing
off. Here goes:
1. Well, cranes. Staging on their migratory grounds on their migration
south. Until the advent of this crane festival, I think many of us in
Colorado didn't know about this late-summer staging phenomenon at all.
Anyhow, it's really something to see and hear, and you don't have to freeze
your tush off the way you do in March at Monte Vista or Kearney.
2. You're not going to believe this, but...western warbling-vireos. I am
not joking. In recent years, we have documented insane numbers of western
warbling-vireos staging near Hayden—like 20+ in a single small Gambel oak.
Have you ever seen 20+ vireos of any species all crammed into the same
tree? Well, this is your chance! And you don't even have to worry about
eastern warbling-vireos out there...as far as we know. :-)
Ted Floyd
Lafayette, Boulder Co.
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAGk944fKTu0JYkK_-UQKbu_E2%<3D0wRT7u53Se7DhiFnOnJe4YrQ...>
Date: 8/15/25 2:29 pm From: 'R Carol Cushman' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] anhinga, Boulder County?
Has anyone spotted the anhinga at the 95th street ponds in the last few days? Any ideas regarding where it may have gone? Or, why it came here in the firs place? Carol Cushman
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<97C43190-7F4D-48E5-9304-F35D568D0F3F...>
Date: 8/15/25 5:01 am From: Eric DeFonso <bay.wren...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] AOU has split Warbling Vireo
In the Fall 2023 issue of Colorado Birds, I discussed this very topic in my
column on Birding By Ear. Unfortunately we'll have to wait until next
spring before we can again practice separating the two species in the
field, but indeed we in the Front Range live in a transition zone between
them. I'm thrilled that through this split, more attention will be brought
to these lovely songsters who in some locations are remarkably abundant!
Eric
-------
Eric DeFonso
Boulder County, CO
On Thu, Aug 14, 2025 at 9:04 AM Peter Ruprecht <pruprecht...> wrote:
> Just anecdotally, I have heard both songs within 100m of each other at
> Walden Ponds in E. Boulder County. So it seems like there's some range
> overlap.
>
> I guess this situation is a reason why I should do a better job of
> documenting subspecies when they are clearly differentiable.
>
> Peter Ruprecht
> Superior
>
> On Thu, Aug 14, 2025 at 8:22 AM Brandon <flammowl17...> wrote:
>
>> We now have two species of Warbling Vireos. Eastern Warbling-Vireo and
>> Western Warbling-Vireo both breed here in Colorado. The songs are
>> different. I know the birds I have breeding up here in Custer County in
>> Aspen trees are western, what about the breeding birds at Lake Pueblo State
>> Park in Cottonwood trees? Just trying to figure out how far West the
>> eastern ones are. I am pretty sure they are all easterns that breed in
>> Otero, Bent, Prowers, along the Arkansas River in SE Colorado.
>>
>> Thanks for any info on their range in Colorado.
>>
>> Brandon Percival
>> Pueblo West, CO
>>
>> --
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "Colorado Birds" group.
>> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
>> For more options, visit this group at
>> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds >> * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city.
>> Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
>> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ >> ---
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "Colorado Birds" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
>> To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CA%<2BXeEuWPbYhvCNi1-xytgcqVLM9b-Pb-_jopiQ0bhosWULP_uA...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CA%<2BXeEuWPbYhvCNi1-xytgcqVLM9b-Pb-_jopiQ0bhosWULP_uA...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
> --
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds > * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include
> bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAHPXVBY%2B%<2BowyUPppN9Oqkp0FkdwfEoLLvixE4R1eL3CvQaRD_g...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAHPXVBY%2B%<2BowyUPppN9Oqkp0FkdwfEoLLvixE4R1eL3CvQaRD_g...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CAFjVA_Za8h84iYbksq4fOE89iR9cPY3Q0TMiiep8sTbhTyTptw...>
Thanks to everyone who shared their insights both on and off list. It seems
like swallows (including Cliff) are decreasing shockingly in some places,
while increasing in at least a few others. Based on feedback that some
colonies have been suddenly abandoned while new ones have sprung up in
other areas, it does seem that the active breeding sites move around over
time. I'm just somewhat surprised that the Cliff Swallows gave up on all
the colonies in my nearby area this year. It may well have something to do
with the blood-sucking parasites described by David L, as I did notice
several nests whose openings were literally crawling with insects earlier
this spring. It'll be interesting to see whether the birds come back in a
few years once the bugs have died off. (It's also kind of ironic that an
insectivorous bird could be driven off by a bug!)
Peter Ruprecht
On Thu, Aug 14, 2025 at 10:16 AM Nathan Pieplow <npieplow...> wrote:
> Peter et al.,
>
> This year, the canal between Twin Lakes and the Boulder Country Club
> neighborhood has multiple Cliff Swallow colonies, which it hasn't had the
> past couple of summers. Cliff Swallows are still present in their usual
> numbers at the other two regular colonies around Twin Lakes, so this
> represents a local increase in the number of Cliff Swallow colonies. It
> will be interesting to see how long these new colonies persist.
>
> Nathan Pieplow
> Boulder
>
> On Thu, Aug 14, 2025 at 10:01 AM DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...>
> wrote:
>
>> Peter,
>> One reason for some of these historical colony sites being abandoned is a
>> build-up of nest parasites called Swallow Bugs (*Oeciacus vicarius*).
>> Like their relatives the Bed Bug, they suck blood. The bugs overwinter in
>> the nests and jump on returning birds the next year. They account for
>> significant nestling mortality and I think if adult swallows have a
>> particularly bad year in terms of minimal brood fledging, they start over
>> somewhere else the next year. I have not read anything confirming this but
>> maybe warmer summers lead to more robust Swallow Bug activity, more CLSW
>> mortality, more moving new colony site start-ups. Would make for a good
>> grad student project to determine how climate change is altering this
>> relationship both in terms of whether mortality is increasing and/or if, to
>> compensate, the birds are just forced to find more and more sites which
>> they use for shorter durations before moving again.
>>
>> When I was in my chair as forest entomologist for the Colorado State
>> Forest Service, I got a few calls from humans living in the mountains in
>> buildings that had both Barn and Cliff Swallow nests on them. When the
>> swallows migrate, sometimes a portion of the Swallow Bug populations comes
>> inside and bites humans. I always told folks to tolerate swallow droppings
>> on the sidewalk, let the birds eat a bunch of mosquitoes, but then wash off
>> the nests after the birds have migrated in late summer-early fall.
>>
>> Dave Leatherman
>> Fort Collins
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>> *From:* <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of
>> Peter Ruprecht <pruprecht...>
>> *Sent:* Thursday, August 14, 2025 9:09 AM
>> *To:* Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
>> *Subject:* [cobirds] Cliff Swallows disappearing
>>
>> Hi birders,
>>
>> I live in Superior and have enjoyed watching several largish colonies of
>> Cliff Swallows (dozens of nests) around town for many years. However,
>> starting this year, several of these nesting areas are completely
>> unoccupied even though the mud nests themselves are still largely intact.
>> Has anyone else seen something like this? Any idea what might cause it?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Peter Ruprecht
>> Superior
>> --
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "Colorado Birds" group.
>> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
>> For more options, visit this group at
>> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds >> * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city.
>> Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
>> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ >> ---
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "Colorado Birds" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
>> To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAHPXVBYgSp0b1gTg%<2BBkjVhchiMm485rh4anRs--QT5ChzeXM5g...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAHPXVBYgSp0b1gTg%<2BBkjVhchiMm485rh4anRs--QT5ChzeXM5g...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
>> --
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "Colorado Birds" group.
>> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
>> For more options, visit this group at
>> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds >> * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city.
>> Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
>> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ >> ---
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "Colorado Birds" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
>> To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<DM6PR12MB3435EAF86382CC52407FF9BBC135A...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<DM6PR12MB3435EAF86382CC52407FF9BBC135A...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CAHPXVBaM77JJ8bG4awvkkcFyOgiF-Vp92qbbc852m23ABSUJ_g...>
The 66th Supplement to the AOS Check-list of North American Birds was published today in the journal Ornithology. An excellent summary of all the changes by Michael Retter is at https://www.aba.org/check-list-redux-2025/
As pointed out by Brandon Percival and Nathan Pieplow earlier today, the main change affecting birds in Colorado is the split of Warbling Vireo into Eastern and Western species. The Eastern species occurs on the eastern plains, but also reaches west of I-25 in the northern Front Range. Both can be heard in Boulder County, and an Eastern species individual was singing loudly from the west side of 95th Street when the Anhinga was first found in early June. This split will increase the Colorado state list to 522.
Another important update in this 66th Check-list is that it "catches up" with all the changes that were made to the eBird/Clements checklist in fall 2024. So, another change affecting Colorado birds is the split of Herring Gull into four species: the birds in Colorado are now American Herring Gull. eBird shows that there are two records of Vega Gull from the southeast corner of the Great Salt Lake in Utah. The CBRC has received two reports of Vega Gull in the past, but neither was accepted. However, a Vega Gull in Colorado is a possibility. If Slaty-backed Gull can get here, then so can Vega Gull !!
Other changes in this "catch up" involve bird families and latin names that I will make to the CBRC checklist in the near future.
Cheers, Peter Gent. Chairman CBRC.
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CADEFvCf%2BvNr7tLi5yJ5Jp%3DyTCbORnnXadhOV%<2BKLJUpqHqLf_zg...>
Western Warbling-Vireo is the default breeding species in the foothills and
mountains in Colorado. Their habitat is aspen and cottonwood stands
surrounded by coniferous forest. In some places, they breed along
cottonwood corridors a few miles out onto the eastern plains, but usually
not very far.
Eastern Warbling-Vireo is the default breeding species in cottonwood
corridors along the eastern plains, in many places coming right up to the
foothills.
The best way to identify the two is song. Ben Guo is working on ways to
identify them by calls, and it looks like he's having some success with
that, but ID by call is always going to be difficult. The best visual cue
is bill size, but I think there's overlap in that character; other people
can say more about the visuals.
Here's a quick county-by-county breakdown of range for Front Range birders:
In* Larimer County*, it looks like Fossil Creek Reservoir and Arapahoe Bend
have mostly Easterns, while everything west of Fort Collins is a
Western. Here's a nice Eastern from Arapahoe Bend:
https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/619886593
In *Boulder County,* Walden Ponds and Pella Crossing have mostly Eastern
Warbling-Vireos, but are near the contact zone and both species are
possible. All 18 recordings from Pella Crossing are Easterns, except
possibly for this bird (https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/101593911). But
this bird from Crane Hollow Road, basically at the western edge of the
park, appears to be a Western (https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/629682703).
At Walden Ponds, both species have been recorded, and some of the birds
there (and elsewhere) have songs that are kind of hard to classify. Eastern
is the expected breeder at White Rocks Trail and Teller Lakes and along
95th Street where the Anhinga has been. Western is the expected breeder
along the Mesa Trail and at Gregory Canyon.
*Jefferson County* has 43 audio recordings of Warbling Vireos on eBird. I
don't see any Easterns from JeffCo at this time. About 95% are identifiable
as Western Warbling-Vireos and the other 5% are not identifiable because
the recordings don't contain song phrases or the song phrases are too faint
to assess.
It's a little hard to say what's going on in *Denver County* since there
are only a few recordings and I'm having some trouble classifying the audio
from Bluff Lake.
*Douglas County* doesn't have many recordings but they are all Westerns
from what I can see.
*El Paso County*: There might be some Easterns hiding in the mix, but
nothing jumped out at me in a quick scan.
*Pueblo County* has a few Eastern recordings, maybe all migrants.
I'm only seeing Westerns from *Huerfano* and *Las Animas*. I'm only seeing
Easterns from *Otero* and *Bent*.
We can all look forward to sorting the situation out a little better down
the road!
Nathan Pieplow
Boulder
On Thu, Aug 14, 2025 at 9:04 AM Peter Ruprecht <pruprecht...> wrote:
> Just anecdotally, I have heard both songs within 100m of each other at
> Walden Ponds in E. Boulder County. So it seems like there's some range
> overlap.
>
> I guess this situation is a reason why I should do a better job of
> documenting subspecies when they are clearly differentiable.
>
> Peter Ruprecht
> Superior
>
> On Thu, Aug 14, 2025 at 8:22 AM Brandon <flammowl17...> wrote:
>
>> We now have two species of Warbling Vireos. Eastern Warbling-Vireo and
>> Western Warbling-Vireo both breed here in Colorado. The songs are
>> different. I know the birds I have breeding up here in Custer County in
>> Aspen trees are western, what about the breeding birds at Lake Pueblo State
>> Park in Cottonwood trees? Just trying to figure out how far West the
>> eastern ones are. I am pretty sure they are all easterns that breed in
>> Otero, Bent, Prowers, along the Arkansas River in SE Colorado.
>>
>> Thanks for any info on their range in Colorado.
>>
>> Brandon Percival
>> Pueblo West, CO
>>
>> --
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "Colorado Birds" group.
>> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
>> For more options, visit this group at
>> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds >> * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city.
>> Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
>> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ >> ---
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "Colorado Birds" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
>> To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CA%<2BXeEuWPbYhvCNi1-xytgcqVLM9b-Pb-_jopiQ0bhosWULP_uA...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CA%<2BXeEuWPbYhvCNi1-xytgcqVLM9b-Pb-_jopiQ0bhosWULP_uA...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
> --
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds > * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include
> bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAHPXVBY%2B%<2BowyUPppN9Oqkp0FkdwfEoLLvixE4R1eL3CvQaRD_g...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAHPXVBY%2B%<2BowyUPppN9Oqkp0FkdwfEoLLvixE4R1eL3CvQaRD_g...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAFhaDVK9ZknAZeZ1M%<3DFDN660-1wiJZTp-4NCNZzW88a-gc_JJg...>
Date: 8/14/25 10:53 am From: Bev Baker - Boulder County Audubon Society <bev...> Subject: [cobirds] Boulder County Audubon field trip THIS SATURDAY
Good morning,
There is space available for this Saturday's bird walk at White Rocks trail east of Boulder - details and how to register with field trip leader Daniel Carrier here:
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<2a7fc066-c6a3-40ae-a97a-28298c9b4c0cn...>
This year, the canal between Twin Lakes and the Boulder Country Club
neighborhood has multiple Cliff Swallow colonies, which it hasn't had the
past couple of summers. Cliff Swallows are still present in their usual
numbers at the other two regular colonies around Twin Lakes, so this
represents a local increase in the number of Cliff Swallow colonies. It
will be interesting to see how long these new colonies persist.
Nathan Pieplow
Boulder
On Thu, Aug 14, 2025 at 10:01 AM DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...>
wrote:
> Peter,
> One reason for some of these historical colony sites being abandoned is a
> build-up of nest parasites called Swallow Bugs (*Oeciacus vicarius*).
> Like their relatives the Bed Bug, they suck blood. The bugs overwinter in
> the nests and jump on returning birds the next year. They account for
> significant nestling mortality and I think if adult swallows have a
> particularly bad year in terms of minimal brood fledging, they start over
> somewhere else the next year. I have not read anything confirming this but
> maybe warmer summers lead to more robust Swallow Bug activity, more CLSW
> mortality, more moving new colony site start-ups. Would make for a good
> grad student project to determine how climate change is altering this
> relationship both in terms of whether mortality is increasing and/or if, to
> compensate, the birds are just forced to find more and more sites which
> they use for shorter durations before moving again.
>
> When I was in my chair as forest entomologist for the Colorado State
> Forest Service, I got a few calls from humans living in the mountains in
> buildings that had both Barn and Cliff Swallow nests on them. When the
> swallows migrate, sometimes a portion of the Swallow Bug populations comes
> inside and bites humans. I always told folks to tolerate swallow droppings
> on the sidewalk, let the birds eat a bunch of mosquitoes, but then wash off
> the nests after the birds have migrated in late summer-early fall.
>
> Dave Leatherman
> Fort Collins
>
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of
> Peter Ruprecht <pruprecht...>
> *Sent:* Thursday, August 14, 2025 9:09 AM
> *To:* Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
> *Subject:* [cobirds] Cliff Swallows disappearing
>
> Hi birders,
>
> I live in Superior and have enjoyed watching several largish colonies of
> Cliff Swallows (dozens of nests) around town for many years. However,
> starting this year, several of these nesting areas are completely
> unoccupied even though the mud nests themselves are still largely intact.
> Has anyone else seen something like this? Any idea what might cause it?
>
> Thanks,
> Peter Ruprecht
> Superior
> --
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds > * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include
> bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAHPXVBYgSp0b1gTg%<2BBkjVhchiMm485rh4anRs--QT5ChzeXM5g...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAHPXVBYgSp0b1gTg%<2BBkjVhchiMm485rh4anRs--QT5ChzeXM5g...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
> --
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds > * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include
> bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<DM6PR12MB3435EAF86382CC52407FF9BBC135A...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<DM6PR12MB3435EAF86382CC52407FF9BBC135A...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAFhaDV%2BC8d-BhankXoxQDcM28OcSkDU0dUBy00wrC3iih%<3Drp4A...>
Date: 8/14/25 9:14 am From: 'Jim Nelson' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Cliff Swallows disappearing
Peter,
We visit in Estes Park spring, summer, and fall every year.
For many years, Cliff Swallows have nested under the roof overhang of the power plant at the west end of Lake Estes. This year, there have been no active nests there when we have visited. Also, I always have seen Cliff Swallows flying in the lake area, along with Barn, Tree, and Violet-green Swallows, during the nesting season. This year I have not seen any Cliff Swallows around the lake on our visits in May and July. My only observation of Cliff Swallow in the Estes Park area this season was on May 26 at Lily Lake, south of Estes on Highway 7.
Looking at eBird bar charts for 2025 for the Lake Estes and Matthews-Reeser Bird Sanctuary eBird hotspots at Lake Estes, it appears that sightings of Cliff Swallow at Lake Estes are down considerably compared to the previous 4 years.
Maybe someone who is resident in Estes Park can chime in to confirm or correct my observation.
Jim NelsonBethesda, MD
On Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 11:10:08 AM EDT, Peter Ruprecht <pruprecht...> wrote:
Hi birders,
I live in Superior and have enjoyed watching several largish colonies of Cliff Swallows (dozens of nests) around town for many years. However, starting this year, several of these nesting areas are completely unoccupied even though the mud nests themselves are still largely intact. Has anyone else seen something like this? Any idea what might cause it?
Thanks,Peter RuprechtSuperior
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAHPXVBYgSp0b1gTg%<2BBkjVhchiMm485rh4anRs--QT5ChzeXM5g...>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<40248936.5504275.1755188052344...>
Date: 8/14/25 9:01 am From: DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Cliff Swallows disappearing
Peter,
One reason for some of these historical colony sites being abandoned is a build-up of nest parasites called Swallow Bugs (Oeciacus vicarius). Like their relatives the Bed Bug, they suck blood. The bugs overwinter in the nests and jump on returning birds the next year. They account for significant nestling mortality and I think if adult swallows have a particularly bad year in terms of minimal brood fledging, they start over somewhere else the next year. I have not read anything confirming this but maybe warmer summers lead to more robust Swallow Bug activity, more CLSW mortality, more moving new colony site start-ups. Would make for a good grad student project to determine how climate change is altering this relationship both in terms of whether mortality is increasing and/or if, to compensate, the birds are just forced to find more and more sites which they use for shorter durations before moving again.
When I was in my chair as forest entomologist for the Colorado State Forest Service, I got a few calls from humans living in the mountains in buildings that had both Barn and Cliff Swallow nests on them. When the swallows migrate, sometimes a portion of the Swallow Bug populations comes inside and bites humans. I always told folks to tolerate swallow droppings on the sidewalk, let the birds eat a bunch of mosquitoes, but then wash off the nests after the birds have migrated in late summer-early fall.
Dave Leatherman
Fort Collins
________________________________
From: <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of Peter Ruprecht <pruprecht...>
Sent: Thursday, August 14, 2025 9:09 AM
To: Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
Subject: [cobirds] Cliff Swallows disappearing
Hi birders,
I live in Superior and have enjoyed watching several largish colonies of Cliff Swallows (dozens of nests) around town for many years. However, starting this year, several of these nesting areas are completely unoccupied even though the mud nests themselves are still largely intact. Has anyone else seen something like this? Any idea what might cause it?
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<DM6PR12MB3435EAF86382CC52407FF9BBC135A...>
Date: 8/14/25 8:10 am From: Peter Ruprecht <pruprecht...> Subject: [cobirds] Cliff Swallows disappearing
Hi birders,
I live in Superior and have enjoyed watching several largish colonies of Cliff Swallows (dozens of nests) around town for many years. However, starting this year, several of these nesting areas are completely unoccupied even though the mud nests themselves are still largely intact. Has anyone else seen something like this? Any idea what might cause it?
Thanks, Peter Ruprecht Superior
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAHPXVBYgSp0b1gTg%<2BBkjVhchiMm485rh4anRs--QT5ChzeXM5g...>
Date: 8/14/25 8:05 am From: Peter Ruprecht <pruprecht...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] AOU has split Warbling Vireo
Just anecdotally, I have heard both songs within 100m of each other at
Walden Ponds in E. Boulder County. So it seems like there's some range
overlap.
I guess this situation is a reason why I should do a better job of
documenting subspecies when they are clearly differentiable.
Peter Ruprecht
Superior
On Thu, Aug 14, 2025 at 8:22 AM Brandon <flammowl17...> wrote:
> We now have two species of Warbling Vireos. Eastern Warbling-Vireo and
> Western Warbling-Vireo both breed here in Colorado. The songs are
> different. I know the birds I have breeding up here in Custer County in
> Aspen trees are western, what about the breeding birds at Lake Pueblo State
> Park in Cottonwood trees? Just trying to figure out how far West the
> eastern ones are. I am pretty sure they are all easterns that breed in
> Otero, Bent, Prowers, along the Arkansas River in SE Colorado.
>
> Thanks for any info on their range in Colorado.
>
> Brandon Percival
> Pueblo West, CO
>
> --
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds > * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include
> bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CA%<2BXeEuWPbYhvCNi1-xytgcqVLM9b-Pb-_jopiQ0bhosWULP_uA...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CA%<2BXeEuWPbYhvCNi1-xytgcqVLM9b-Pb-_jopiQ0bhosWULP_uA...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAHPXVBY%2B%<2BowyUPppN9Oqkp0FkdwfEoLLvixE4R1eL3CvQaRD_g...>
Date: 8/14/25 7:22 am From: Brandon <flammowl17...> Subject: [cobirds] AOU has split Warbling Vireo
We now have two species of Warbling Vireos. Eastern Warbling-Vireo and Western Warbling-Vireo both breed here in Colorado. The songs are different. I know the birds I have breeding up here in Custer County in Aspen trees are western, what about the breeding birds at Lake Pueblo State Park in Cottonwood trees? Just trying to figure out how far West the eastern ones are. I am pretty sure they are all easterns that breed in Otero, Bent, Prowers, along the Arkansas River in SE Colorado.
Thanks for any info on their range in Colorado.
Brandon Percival Pueblo West, CO
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CA%<2BXeEuWPbYhvCNi1-xytgcqVLM9b-Pb-_jopiQ0bhosWULP_uA...>
On Wed, Aug 13, 2025 at 7:55 AM David Suddjian <dsuddjian...> wrote:
> A reminder about the DFO *BIRD BOMBS Habitat Blast: Prairie View* webinar
> tomorrow night at 7 pm. These are some of the special ID challenges that
> will be in focus:* longspurs, Spizella sparrows, peeps *(the little
> sandpipers)* and prairie hawks. Register for BIRD BOMBS
> <https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_U2n6FPibSYq50UDn9Q2GNw#/registration>* >
> David Suddjian
> Littleton, CO
>
> [image: Screenshot (1319).png]
>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAGj6RooO_M-CR-ghyWzafAm65UJ1gJxTzFyOLCOq_-J0iPw0%<3DQ...>
Date: 8/13/25 11:29 am From: Payson Cronen Smith <payson.smith...> Subject: [cobirds] Come to the Fall Birding Festival!
Hello COBirders!
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies would like to invite you (and everyone you know!) to our annual *Fall Birding Festival* at Barr Lake State Park (13401 Picadilly Rd, Brighton, CO 80603). The Festival is *September 13th from 7am to 2pm*, and is a must attend for anyone interested in birding, nature, or time outside with the family. People of all ages and abilities can see birds up close at the bird banding station, experience a mindful bird walk, visit educational booths, and have fun with family friendly games and activities. We will also have a food truck and (hopefully) a coffee cart this year! It's free to attend, however there is still the $10 State Park Pass fee if you do not have the pass included in your vehicle registration. More information on the event can be found on our website here: https://www.birdconservancy.org/event/fall-birding-fest/
Last year we had over 300 people attend the festival to celebrate the wonder of fall migration, and we're aiming for even more this year. We would love to see you there!
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAGhkLj3TtLbyi_aBWT9AMR9XO%2BQsY37_2%<2BtTbESObr1RYtbU-Q...>
Date: 8/13/25 6:55 am From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian...> Subject: [cobirds] BIRD BOMBS Prairie View tomorrow at 7 pm
A reminder about the DFO *BIRD BOMBS Habitat Blast: Prairie View* webinar tomorrow night at 7 pm. These are some of the special ID challenges that will be in focus:* longspurs, Spizella sparrows, peeps *(the little sandpipers)* and prairie hawks. Register for BIRD BOMBS <https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_U2n6FPibSYq50UDn9Q2GNw#/registration>*
David Suddjian Littleton, CO
[image: Screenshot (1319).png]
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CAGj6RorM2t3txX5jbCFkfOqfB_fKYv6W1W424cdsp-U86OMZqg...>
Date: 8/12/25 3:50 pm From: Archer Silverman <archer.silverman...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: POSSIBLE PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER- OTERO
It looks like it is likely an American due to what I mentioned earlier, and
its small bill and drab upperparts.
Sorry for the false alarm.
On Tue, Aug 12, 2025 at 2:48 PM Archer Silverman <archer.silverman...>
wrote:
> The bird does have relatively long primaries than expected for Pacific
> Golden-Plover, and it’s tertials are shorter than expected for Pacific
> Golden.
> On Tue, Aug 12, 2025 at 2:33 PM Archer Silverman <
> <archer.silverman...> wrote:
>
>> Cobirders,
>>
>> I have a candidate Pacific Golden Plover at Cheraw Lake in Otero. First
>> seen from the far west shore, trying to refind now.
>>
>>
>>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAL_8wP3jWY7ci%3Dx0LFeR-n407-zMdPsAvHjF%2B0LRUWXpRiTH%<2BA...>
Date: 8/12/25 1:48 pm From: Archer Silverman <archer.silverman...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: POSSIBLE PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER- OTERO
The bird does have relatively long primaries than expected for Pacific
Golden-Plover, and it’s tertials are shorter than expected for Pacific
Golden.
On Tue, Aug 12, 2025 at 2:33 PM Archer Silverman <archer.silverman...>
wrote:
> Cobirders,
>
> I have a candidate Pacific Golden Plover at Cheraw Lake in Otero. First
> seen from the far west shore, trying to refind now.
>
>
>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAL_8wP3H3rc9MeJw9in_X3RQQ7qSbVpPzEwy99%3DEVnx%3DnV%<3DgBw...>
Date: 8/12/25 1:33 pm From: Archer Silverman <archer.silverman...> Subject: [cobirds] POSSIBLE PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER- OTERO
Cobirders,
I have a candidate Pacific Golden Plover at Cheraw Lake in Otero. First seen from the far west shore, trying to refind now.
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAL_8wP2qUgXYqw4nqCFxBE7menzZ3wM6jVjHOB81O%<2BpjBOfzEw...>
Date: 8/11/25 4:10 pm From: Paula Hansley <plhansley...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Common Nighthawks - Arapahoe
Jared and CObirders,
Last night about 7:30 PM I saw dozens of nighthawks flying low over
Louisville all slowly heading south.... I think they were hunting while
migrating?!
Paula Hansley
Boulder County
On Fri, Aug 8, 2025 at 11:16 AM Jared Del Rosso <jared.delrosso...>
wrote:
> Last night, seven or eight Common Nighthawks flew large loops around my
> Centennial neighborhood. Presumably, they were feeding on flying ants.
> While I couldn't find these in my yard yesterday, I've seen them in August
> in previous years, and, yesterday, a FaceBook user also posted a photo
> (from Arvada) of a swarm of winged ants.
>
> Why yesterday? Perhaps because we got a brief (too, too brief) rain in
> Centennial. Perhaps other areas of Denver got this, too? As Dave Leatherman
> once told me, this softens up the ground and lets the winged ants emerge.
> It also explains the centuries-old association of nighthawks with rain.
>
> Just a bit of conjecture, though.
>
> - Jared Del Rosso
> Centennial, CO
>
>
> --
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds > * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include
> bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<bf1e6989-ee5d-401f-80f0-c91e6561292an...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<bf1e6989-ee5d-401f-80f0-c91e6561292an...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
--
Paula Hansley
Petrographic Consultants International, Inc.
Ph: 720-890-2628
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAHmCQtb1SEvyqehHwLFvOsHgu42O01O%<3Dij1DOp34XtySidYghA...>
Date: 8/11/25 4:09 pm From: Brenda Beatty <bbeatty7704...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Common Nighthawks - Arapahoe
I love nighthawks, I'm not seeing so many anymore, though! ☹️
On Fri, Aug 8, 2025 at 1:46 PM 'Buzz' via Colorado Birds <
<cobirds...> wrote:
> I had 8 Common Nighthawks last night from about 6:30-7:15 just a bit north
> of you near Chambers and Quincy.
>
>
> Sent from the all new Aol app for iOS
> <https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aol-news-email-weather-video/id646100661> > Buzz Schaumberg
>
> On Friday, August 8, 2025, 11:16 AM, Jared Del Rosso <
> <jared.delrosso...> wrote:
>
> Last night, seven or eight Common Nighthawks flew large loops around my
> Centennial neighborhood. Presumably, they were feeding on flying ants.
> While I couldn't find these in my yard yesterday, I've seen them in August
> in previous years, and, yesterday, a FaceBook user also posted a photo
> (from Arvada) of a swarm of winged ants.
>
> Why yesterday? Perhaps because we got a brief (too, too brief) rain in
> Centennial. Perhaps other areas of Denver got this, too? As Dave Leatherman
> once told me, this softens up the ground and lets the winged ants emerge.
> It also explains the centuries-old association of nighthawks with rain.
>
> Just a bit of conjecture, though.
>
> - Jared Del Rosso
> Centennial, CO
>
>
> --
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds > * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include
> bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<bf1e6989-ee5d-401f-80f0-c91e6561292an...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<bf1e6989-ee5d-401f-80f0-c91e6561292an...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
> --
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds > * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include
> bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<2139250218.635843.1754682361871...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<2139250218.635843.1754682361871...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAPKf92XzgC%2B6d9nYgASo_uTLY9LOXtDM7ZTVTTo1wiJ0%<3Dyn1Qg...>
Date: 8/10/25 11:50 am From: John Tumasonis <snakemonev...> Subject: [cobirds] Stearns Lake, migratory shorebirds
All: With a brief respite in the weather this morning, I went out to Stearns Lake, Boulder County Open Space.
The water has been drawn down quite a bit, exposing good sections of mud flats and shoreline good for birds.
At least a dozen Baird's Sandpipers, several Spotted Sandpipers, Killdeers, and other species were foraging in the mud flats. Unfortunately, I did not have a scope so I could not ID the dozens of other shorebirds on the northwest shoreline. Many groups of "peeps" were moving in and out of the area between 8 and 9 a.m. on Sunday. Somebody with a good scope will be able to get a better look than I did. (assuming these flocks are still there).
Other species seen: bald eagles, cooper's hawk, turkey vulture, red tailed hawks, snowy egrets, double crested cormorants, a flock of chipping sparrows (early migrants), a few says phoebes, a sora, and one common yellowthroat still singing.
Good luck, John T (Tumasonis) "I'm not a real birder. I only pretend to be one on CoBirds."
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<ec687ce8-0459-43ca-9d67-398c29667ec0n...>
Date: 8/8/25 5:46 pm From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian...> Subject: [cobirds] BIRD BOMBS Habitat Blast: Prairie View explodes Aug 14; Plus good late summer episodes
Hi CoBirders,
The next DFO *BIRD BOMBS webinar Habitat Blast: Prairie View* explodes at
7pm on Thursday, August 14. You can register here
<https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_U2n6FPibSYq50UDn9Q2GNw#/registration> to
learn about the bird communities of Colorado's prairie grasslands,
agricultural lands and playas, with a focus on some of the special prairie
ID challenges.
Here are some *links for prior BIRD BOMBS episodes* that are especially
useful for late August to early October:
*It Has Yellow Legs *– Identification of fall shorebirds with yellow legs
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CAGj6RoqH8fAypxmYNH2N8a7T833s0AEUtb45qf0b0NLwKNSQOA...>
I was pleased to hear bushtits and nighthawks are around! Three days ago we had at least 20 bushtits on our suet under the hackberry tree out front.
And about a week ago the skies above our house at sunset were sounding with the cries of nighthawks and they were seen swooping around eating whatever was in the air, and I watched them go down the street to finally disappear. There had to be 25-30 but they were difficult to count.
I consider both experiences random acts of joy!
Libby Edwards
Shilo Drive
Northwest Fort Collins
Larimer county
Colorado
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<70CEA4CB-499E-4219-9C28-A0378663364B...>
Date: 8/8/25 12:46 pm From: 'Buzz' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Common Nighthawks - Arapahoe
I had 8 Common Nighthawks last night from about 6:30-7:15 just a bit north of you near Chambers and Quincy.
Sent from the all new Aol app for iOS
Buzz Schaumberg
On Friday, August 8, 2025, 11:16 AM, Jared Del Rosso <jared.delrosso...> wrote:
Last night, seven or eight Common Nighthawks flew large loops around my Centennial neighborhood. Presumably, they were feeding on flying ants. While I couldn't find these in my yard yesterday, I've seen them in August in previous years, and, yesterday, a FaceBook user also posted a photo (from Arvada) of a swarm of winged ants.
Why yesterday? Perhaps because we got a brief (too, too brief) rain in Centennial. Perhaps other areas of Denver got this, too? As Dave Leatherman once told me, this softens up the ground and lets the winged ants emerge. It also explains the centuries-old association of nighthawks with rain.
Just a bit of conjecture, though.
- Jared Del RossoCentennial, CO
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<bf1e6989-ee5d-401f-80f0-c91e6561292an...>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<2139250218.635843.1754682361871...>
Date: 8/8/25 12:44 pm From: 'Buzz' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Re: Bushtits in SW Arapahoe County
Jared,I am in Southeast Aurora and I have them too.
Sent from the all new Aol app for iOS
Buzz Schaumberg
On Friday, August 8, 2025, 11:09 AM, Jared Del Rosso <jared.delrosso...> wrote:
I was about to post that, every few days, a sizable flock of Bushtits comes through my Centennial yard, a few miles from where Kevin reports, to clean a Honeylocust of whatever tiny insects hide in its leaves. (They're right now doing this.)
- Jared Del RossoCentennial, CO
On Friday, August 8, 2025 at 9:48:48 AM UTC-6 Kevin Corwin wrote:
After a few lean years we have a bumper crop of bushtits hitting the suet in our little townhouse yard near Holly & Arapahoe this summer. Nice to have the hubbub again.
Kevin Corwin
Sent from my soup can on a string
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<625530b0-6b66-4428-9e13-d3e13bf04095n...>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<1825083090.638724.1754682224518...>
Date: 8/8/25 10:52 am From: Lea Ann Brown <lannisam...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Bushtits in SW Arapahoe County
And I was just thinking about reporting a flock of Bushtits that were filtering through the trees that line our street. I counted 18, and am certain I was only seeing a portion of the flock, as I was late to the event.
Our neighborhood is near Dad Clark Gulch.
Lea Ann Brown
Highlands Ranch
Douglas County

> On Aug 8, 2025, at 11:09 AM, Jared Del Rosso <jared.delrosso...> wrote:
>
> I was about to post that, every few days, a sizable flock of Bushtits comes through my Centennial yard, a few miles from where Kevin reports, to clean a Honeylocust of whatever tiny insects hide in its leaves. (They're right now doing this.)
>
> - Jared Del Rosso
> Centennial, CO
>
> On Friday, August 8, 2025 at 9:48:48 AM UTC-6 Kevin Corwin wrote:
>> After a few lean years we have a bumper crop of bushtits hitting the suet in our little townhouse yard near Holly & Arapahoe this summer. Nice to have the hubbub again.
>>
>> Kevin Corwin
>>
>> Sent from my soup can on a string
>
>
> --
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds > * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> <mailto:cobirds+<unsubscribe...>.
> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<625530b0-6b66-4428-9e13-d3e13bf04095n...> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<625530b0-6b66-4428-9e13-d3e13bf04095n...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>.
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<8C1CDBD8-246B-47EC-AEAF-32741D5F4DE7...>
Date: 8/8/25 10:16 am From: Jared Del Rosso <jared.delrosso...> Subject: [cobirds] Common Nighthawks - Arapahoe
Last night, seven or eight Common Nighthawks flew large loops around my Centennial neighborhood. Presumably, they were feeding on flying ants. While I couldn't find these in my yard yesterday, I've seen them in August in previous years, and, yesterday, a FaceBook user also posted a photo (from Arvada) of a swarm of winged ants.
Why yesterday? Perhaps because we got a brief (too, too brief) rain in Centennial. Perhaps other areas of Denver got this, too? As Dave Leatherman once told me, this softens up the ground and lets the winged ants emerge. It also explains the centuries-old association of nighthawks with rain.
Just a bit of conjecture, though.
- Jared Del Rosso Centennial, CO
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<bf1e6989-ee5d-401f-80f0-c91e6561292an...>
Date: 8/8/25 10:09 am From: Jared Del Rosso <jared.delrosso...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Bushtits in SW Arapahoe County
I was about to post that, every few days, a sizable flock of Bushtits comes
through my Centennial yard, a few miles from where Kevin reports, to clean
a Honeylocust of whatever tiny insects hide in its leaves. (They're right
now doing this.)
- Jared Del Rosso
Centennial, CO
On Friday, August 8, 2025 at 9:48:48 AM UTC-6 Kevin Corwin wrote:
> After a few lean years we have a bumper crop of bushtits hitting the suet
> in our little townhouse yard near Holly & Arapahoe this summer. Nice to
> have the hubbub again.
>
> Kevin Corwin
>
> Sent from my soup can on a string
>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<625530b0-6b66-4428-9e13-d3e13bf04095n...>
Date: 8/8/25 8:48 am From: 'Kevin Corwin' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Bushtits in SW Arapahoe County
After a few lean years we have a bumper crop of bushtits hitting the suet in our little townhouse yard near Holly & Arapahoe this summer. Nice to have the hubbub again. Kevin Corwin Sent from my soup can on a string
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<64c16637-2afe-4ca0-8dd0-6eb3a39eaa52...>
Date: 8/7/25 11:03 am From: M T <raptordefender...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] City Urged to Consult CPW as Endangered Osprey Nest Sparks Outcry
Hello.
This is a situation that gets repeated up and down the Front Range all of
the time and generally creates a firestorm of discussions that can get
openly testy. This has a tendency to be unproductive. Land use regulations
are complicated and when changes are proposed for sites there will be
winners and losers. I think it is important to for the group to focus on
the osprey situation.
For clarification: Colorado Parks and Wildlife raptor buffer zones are only
recommendations. This allows for latitude in how to deal with situations
with raptor nests, especially in our increasingly urbanized Front Range
corridor. Some raptors are far more tolerant to human presence.
Osprey case in point: There is a successful Osprey nest smack dab in the
middle of a very busy ready-mix plant in Loveland. The Osprey have the high
ground above the trucks and they just do their Osprey thing during nesting
season.
Generally, Osprey nests on electrical structures fall under the purview of
the utility that owns the structure and they evaluate the risk of
fire/outage and then communicate with USFWS and CPW. The decision is then
made on what the best course of action will be. This might be complete nest
removal depending on the timing (pre-egg laying, eggs in nest). Sometimes
it means exclusion devices are installed on the structure or a surrogate
nest located nearby or wait for the youngsters to fledge and disperse prior
to migration. However, the official process could be significantly changed
in the next year with the current administration in DC and the proposed
sunsetting of certain parts, if not all, of the MBTA in 2026.
Municipalities have to balance many issues regarding a situation like this
and I think a statement like "one could reasonably infer that the City
wants these birds to die" is inflammatory and generally unfair.
This is my two cents on this type of issue, based on 20+ years of dealing
with human/raptor conflict issues and working with agencies, municipalities
and the general public.
Michael C. Tincher
Loveland, CO
On Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 9:52:08 AM UTC-6 Ethan Augreen wrote:
> Hi David, and all concerned,
>
> In fact, the City of Longmont is aware only because I brought it to their
> attention, and they did not even have any City staff visit the City-owned
> property within the 6 months prior, which was admitted in writing.
> I have NEVER said that the nest should be relocated now. I've only
> explicitly stated the opposite.
> This particular site is also complicated by the city's desire to transfer
> the property from Open Space to Public Works and build a composting
> facility there.
> Based on City official's behavior (or lack thereof) and dismissive
> statements by the City's Ecosystems Manager, one could reasonably infer
> that the City wants these birds to die.
> Here is some recent coverage of the land swap issue, before City Council
> tabled the issue on July 29 but after the osprey nest on a utility pole at
> Distel Open Space was discovered.
>
> Longmont Residents Express Concerns About Land-Swap Proposal; Composting
> Facility
>
> https://www.longmontleader.com/local-news/longmont-residents-express-concerns-about-land-swap-proposal-composting-facility-10983256 > The Longmont City Council's August 12 vote on swapping the Distel
> open-space parcel for the Tull utility property has ignited debate over
> open-space tax promises and environmental risks tied to a possible
> composting facility.
> [image: Steven Middendorp]
> <https://www.longmontleader.com/writers/steven%20middendorp> > Steven Middendorp
> <https://www.longmontleader.com/writers/steven%20middendorp> > Jul 23, 2025 3:06 PM
>
>
>
>
>
>
> A
> <https://www.vmcdn.ca/files/texttospeech/10983256-769d806a-a738-438e-b001-788025f0e290.mp3> > proposed
> <https://longmontcolorado.gov/projects/city-land-exchange-and-potential-composting-facility/?utm_source=longmontleader&utm_campaign=longmontleader%3A%20outbound&utm_medium=referral> land
> exchange between two Longmont city-owned properties has received
> significant backlash for allegedly violating the terms of the open space
> agreement and for environmental concerns related to a proposed composting
> facility on industrial land. Through the proposed exchange, the city’s
> Utilities and Public Works department would exchange its Tull property with
> the city’s open space Distel property.
>
> The city has been moving forward with this proposal since January and the
> Longmont City Council is set to make a decision during its meeting on
> August 12. The Distel property is being considered for a composting
> facility because the industrial disturbance made by the gravel processing
> operation would make it difficult to ecologically restore the land to use
> for open space.
>
> Several Longmont residents have written to the Longmont Leader
> <https://www.longmontleader.com/letters-to-the-editor> to say that they
> oppose the city’s move to develop land that is currently designated as open
> space. Resident Jamie Simo wrote
> <https://www.longmontleader.com/letters-to-the-editor/letter-i-didnt-vote-to-have-my-tax-dollars-go-toward-purchasing-longmont-open-space-for-development-10910908>,
> “This land swap sets a bad precedent. The most chilling statement by City
> staff at the last PRAB meeting was that this kind of exchange could and
> would become more common in the future. I know I didn’t vote to have my tax
> dollars go toward purchasing Open Space for development. Did you?”
>
> Residents voted to extend the open space sales tax in November, and
> certain residents have stated that they feel as though the move to swap
> land with the Public Works Department is a violation of the public trust.
> “When we passed the Longmont Open Space Tax, we voted to keep land free
> from development in perpetuity,” wrote
> <https://www.longmontleader.com/letters-to-the-editor/letter-disposing-of-open-space-is-a-violation-of-the-public-trust-10946943> Jana
> Mendez, a former state senator and former Boulder County commissioner. “We
> didn't vote to keep land in reserve for future development. And the open
> space in question is in the middle of hundreds of acres of protected rural
> land. It includes: Farmland. River corridor. Wildlife habitat.”
>
> Longmont Sustainability Advisory Board Member Ethan Augreen has also
> raised concerns
> <https://www.longmontleader.com/local-news/longmont-city-council-considers-compost-facility-on-potentially-toxic-industrial-site-10119827> regarding
> the use of a potentially-toxic industrial site for a composting facility.
> Augreen uncovered
> <https://substack.com/home/post/p-168658799?utm_source=longmontleader&utm_campaign=longmontleader%3A%20outbound&utm_medium=referral> a
> Terracon geotechnical engineering report for the Distel property dated May
> 17, 2024 with an intended purpose of building a warehouse and office
> building on site. The report reveals a high water table and unstable soil.
>
> The report states that “groundwater was observed in all borings at depths
> of approximately 2 to 9 feet below existing site grades while drilling.”
> The engineering report said the site would be appropriate for the intended
> warehouse project, but would require careful planning for the design and
> construction due to shallow groundwater levels and expansive soils.
>
> “That means a few feet of dirt is all that separates the facility’s future
> operations — waste piles, leachate, trucks, machinery — from our region’s
> vulnerable groundwater table,” Augreen wrote
> <https://substack.com/home/post/p-168658799?utm_source=longmontleader&utm_campaign=longmontleader%3A%20outbound&utm_medium=referral> in
> a Substack post.
>
> Augreen said that while Terracon’s report didn’t address the needs of the
> proposed composting facility, the conclusions of the report can be
> extrapolated to the current proposal. “This combination — high groundwater
> + unstable soil — poses a serious engineering risk for any waste processing
> facility, especially one handling thousands of tons of moist organics in
> static aerated piles.”
>
> Augreen also noted in a follow-up post
> <https://ethanaugreen.substack.com/p/osprey-nest-discovery-on-the-distel?utm_source=longmontleader&utm_campaign=longmontleader%3A%20outbound&utm_medium=referral> that
> an Osprey nest was spotted directly adjacent to the proposed composting
> facility site, which raises legal challenges. City of Longmont staff is
> expected to discontinue
> <https://longmontcolorado.gov/parks-and-natural-resources/wildlife/bird-protections/?utm_source=longmontleader&utm_campaign=longmontleader%3A%20outbound&utm_medium=referral> work
> that is located in the area of a protected bird species and to provide a
> buffer zone. Colorado Parks and Wildlife requires
> <https://cpw.widencollective.com/assets/share/asset/fqmg4ds76b?utm_source=longmontleader&utm_campaign=longmontleader%3A%20outbound&utm_medium=referral> 1320
> feet or one-quarter mile between any osprey nest and human surface
> occupancy, “beyond that which has historically occurred in the area.”
>
> “Once we build over Open Space, we can’t get it back,” Augreen wrote.
> “Once groundwater gets contaminated, it’s almost impossible to clean up.
> And once public trust is lost, it’s hard to restore. Let’s protect
> Longmont’s legacy of responsible stewardship by refusing to bury our values
> — and millions of dollars — in unstable ground.”
>
> For now, the Longmont City Council will not be considering the potential
> use of the Distel site as a composting facility. The vote, scheduled for
> August 12, will only be regarding the proposed land exchange which would
> allow the city to develop this land that has been classified as open space.
>
> “The Code requires consideration of whether the land is of equivalent
> value, the ecological value of the parcels, and whether the obtained parcel
> would better meet the purposes of Longmont’s Open Space Program,” the
> city’s webpage
> <https://longmontcolorado.gov/projects/city-land-exchange-and-potential-composting-facility/?utm_source=longmontleader&utm_campaign=longmontleader%3A%20outbound&utm_medium=referral> > explains.
>
> On Wed, Aug 6, 2025 at 5:42 AM David Lawrance <david.l......>
> wrote:
>
>> Your concern is reassuring. My understanding is that the MBTA prevents
>> any interference with a nest until the birds have fledged and left it. I
>> know that the City of Longmont is aware and that it works closely with CPW
>> on such issues, and always when CPW has jurisdiction. Relocating the nest
>> or hatchlings right now could be tragic, aside from being illegal.
>>
>> David
>>
>> On Aug 5, 2025, at 15:50, Ethan Augreen <eaug......> wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>> *City Urged to Consult CPW as Endangered Osprey Nest Sparks Outcry*
>>
>> *FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
>>
>> *Citizen Urges Longmont to Follow State Wildlife Guidance as Fall
>> Migration Nears*
>>
>> *Longmont, CO | August 5, 2025* — With fall migration weeks away and an
>> active osprey nest perched dangerously on a live utility pole, Longmont
>> Sustainability Advisory Board member Ethan Augreen is urging the City to
>> consult Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) before it’s too late.
>> [image: bird 2.JPG]
>>
>> The active osprey nest, perched atop a live utility pole on Longmont’s
>> Distel property in eastern Weld County, poses a serious fire,
>> electrocution, and wildlife mortality risk, threatening both bird
>> survival and public safety. Despite staff acknowledgment of the danger, the
>> City has thus far taken no concrete action to mitigate the risk—and has yet
>> to consult with CPW, whose published guidelines recommend early engagement
>> in such cases.
>>
>> “Community members are not asking for anything wild. We simply want the
>> City to follow its own stated policies and consult the experts,” said
>> Augreen. “This osprey family is protected under federal law. CPW has the
>> scientific expertise and regulatory standing to advise on the best path
>> forward. But right now, Longmont is dragging its feet—and that’s
>> unacceptable.”
>>
>> CPW maintains a leadership role in raptor protection across Colorado, and
>> its field staff are trained to develop site-specific solutions that balance
>> wildlife needs with land use constraints.
>>
>> The osprey is a federally protected species under the Migratory Bird
>> Treaty Act (MBTA), which makes it a violation of law to harm or disturb an
>> active nest. CPW’s 2020 Raptor Buffer Guidelines reinforce the MBTA and
>> call for a ¼-mile buffer during the nesting season, but explicitly allow
>> for flexibility in buffer distances based on habituation, site conditions,
>> and expert consultation. CPW further encourages early mitigation when nests
>> are in hazardous locations like utility poles.
>>
>> “Other communities in Colorado have faced similar situations and acted
>> swiftly to install safe nesting platforms—often in a matter of days,”
>> Augreen said. “Boulder County, Fort Collins, Loveland, even Longmont
>> itself, in other cases, have all taken responsible action when wildlife was
>> at risk. There’s no excuse for delay.”
>>
>> City staff have cited concerns about lease terms or possible interference
>> with future reclamation plans as reasons for rejecting installation of a
>> new nesting platform. But Augreen counters that the proposed
>> mitigation—installing a new platform in a non-operational (for industrial
>> purposes) zone within 300 feet of the existing nest—is fully consistent
>> with both CPW guidance and the City’s surface rights under its lease
>> agreement with gravel mining company Amrize.
>>
>> “The irony is that inaction could result in exactly the kind of
>> disturbance the City says it wants to avoid,” said Augreen. “If we wait
>> until the birds migrate and tear the nest down, we risk permanent
>> displacement or violation of federal protections. If we act now, we give
>> the birds a safer option and fulfill our duty as Open Space stewards.”
>>
>> Augreen asserts that constructing a new nesting platform quickly in the
>> next couple weeks and then—during the winter— using a crane to manually
>> move the existing nest to the new platform is likely to be the optimal
>> solution consistent with recognized best practices, but any plan should be
>> vetted and given the green light by CPW experts.
>>
>> Augreen is urging members of the public to email City Council and attend
>> the Tuesday, August 6 "Public Invited to Be Heard" session at 7:00 pm in
>> the Civic Center (350 Kimbark St.) to speak in favor of immediate CPW
>> consultation and swift mitigation.
>>
>> “Ozzy the Osprey is more than a random bird on a pole. He’s a symbol of
>> whether Longmont keeps its promise to protect wildlife and manage Open
>> Space with integrity,” Augreen said. “Let’s not allow red tape to defeat
>> environmental responsibility.”
>>
>> *Contact:*
>> Ethan Augreen
>> Sustainability Advisory Board Member
>> 📧 <eaug......> / Phone: 303 7250734 <(303)%20725-0734>
>> 🌐 https://ethanaugreen.substack.com/p/osprey-standoff-city-drags-feet-on >> [image: bird 3.JPG]
>>
>> --
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "Colorado Birds" group.
>> To post to this group, send email to <cob......>
>> For more options, visit this group at
>> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds >> * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city.
>> Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
>> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ >> ---
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "Colorado Birds" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to cobirds+<u......>
>> To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CANUhtdBaJJcG8AdMTzd8pDrn_fHFwbk7ynx70OPGdcxTwsneFw...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CANUhtdBaJJcG8AdMTzd8pDrn_fHFwbk7ynx70OPGdcxTwsneFw...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
>>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<28610a68-76f8-4268-a101-35fb04a1d36dn...>
Date: 8/6/25 8:52 am From: Ethan Augreen <eaugreen...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] City Urged to Consult CPW as Endangered Osprey Nest Sparks Outcry
Hi David, and all concerned,
In fact, the City of Longmont is aware only because I brought it to their
attention, and they did not even have any City staff visit the City-owned
property within the 6 months prior, which was admitted in writing.
I have NEVER said that the nest should be relocated now. I've only
explicitly stated the opposite.
This particular site is also complicated by the city's desire to transfer
the property from Open Space to Public Works and build a composting
facility there.
Based on City official's behavior (or lack thereof) and dismissive
statements by the City's Ecosystems Manager, one could reasonably infer
that the City wants these birds to die.
Here is some recent coverage of the land swap issue, before City Council
tabled the issue on July 29 but after the osprey nest on a utility pole at
Distel Open Space was discovered.
The city has been moving forward with this proposal since January and the
Longmont City Council is set to make a decision during its meeting on
August 12. The Distel property is being considered for a composting
facility because the industrial disturbance made by the gravel processing
operation would make it difficult to ecologically restore the land to use
for open space.
Residents voted to extend the open space sales tax in November, and certain
residents have stated that they feel as though the move to swap land with
the Public Works Department is a violation of the public trust. “When we
passed the Longmont Open Space Tax, we voted to keep land free from
development in perpetuity,” wrote
<https://www.longmontleader.com/letters-to-the-editor/letter-disposing-of-open-space-is-a-violation-of-the-public-trust-10946943> Jana
Mendez, a former state senator and former Boulder County commissioner. “We
didn't vote to keep land in reserve for future development. And the open
space in question is in the middle of hundreds of acres of protected rural
land. It includes: Farmland. River corridor. Wildlife habitat.”
The report states that “groundwater was observed in all borings at depths
of approximately 2 to 9 feet below existing site grades while drilling.”
The engineering report said the site would be appropriate for the intended
warehouse project, but would require careful planning for the design and
construction due to shallow groundwater levels and expansive soils.
Augreen said that while Terracon’s report didn’t address the needs of the
proposed composting facility, the conclusions of the report can be
extrapolated to the current proposal. “This combination — high groundwater
+ unstable soil — poses a serious engineering risk for any waste processing
facility, especially one handling thousands of tons of moist organics in
static aerated piles.”
“Once we build over Open Space, we can’t get it back,” Augreen wrote. “Once
groundwater gets contaminated, it’s almost impossible to clean up. And once
public trust is lost, it’s hard to restore. Let’s protect Longmont’s legacy
of responsible stewardship by refusing to bury our values — and millions of
dollars — in unstable ground.”
For now, the Longmont City Council will not be considering the potential
use of the Distel site as a composting facility. The vote, scheduled for
August 12, will only be regarding the proposed land exchange which would
allow the city to develop this land that has been classified as open space.
On Wed, Aug 6, 2025 at 5:42 AM David Lawrance <david.lawrance...>
wrote:
> Your concern is reassuring. My understanding is that the MBTA prevents any
> interference with a nest until the birds have fledged and left it. I know
> that the City of Longmont is aware and that it works closely with CPW on
> such issues, and always when CPW has jurisdiction. Relocating the nest or
> hatchlings right now could be tragic, aside from being illegal.
>
> David
>
> On Aug 5, 2025, at 15:50, Ethan Augreen <eaugreen...> wrote:
>
>
>
> *City Urged to Consult CPW as Endangered Osprey Nest Sparks Outcry*
>
> *FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
>
> *Citizen Urges Longmont to Follow State Wildlife Guidance as Fall
> Migration Nears*
>
> *Longmont, CO | August 5, 2025* — With fall migration weeks away and an
> active osprey nest perched dangerously on a live utility pole, Longmont
> Sustainability Advisory Board member Ethan Augreen is urging the City to
> consult Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) before it’s too late.
> [image: bird 2.JPG]
>
> The active osprey nest, perched atop a live utility pole on Longmont’s
> Distel property in eastern Weld County, poses a serious fire,
> electrocution, and wildlife mortality risk, threatening both bird
> survival and public safety. Despite staff acknowledgment of the danger, the
> City has thus far taken no concrete action to mitigate the risk—and has yet
> to consult with CPW, whose published guidelines recommend early engagement
> in such cases.
>
> “Community members are not asking for anything wild. We simply want the
> City to follow its own stated policies and consult the experts,” said
> Augreen. “This osprey family is protected under federal law. CPW has the
> scientific expertise and regulatory standing to advise on the best path
> forward. But right now, Longmont is dragging its feet—and that’s
> unacceptable.”
>
> CPW maintains a leadership role in raptor protection across Colorado, and
> its field staff are trained to develop site-specific solutions that balance
> wildlife needs with land use constraints.
>
> The osprey is a federally protected species under the Migratory Bird
> Treaty Act (MBTA), which makes it a violation of law to harm or disturb an
> active nest. CPW’s 2020 Raptor Buffer Guidelines reinforce the MBTA and
> call for a ¼-mile buffer during the nesting season, but explicitly allow
> for flexibility in buffer distances based on habituation, site conditions,
> and expert consultation. CPW further encourages early mitigation when nests
> are in hazardous locations like utility poles.
>
> “Other communities in Colorado have faced similar situations and acted
> swiftly to install safe nesting platforms—often in a matter of days,”
> Augreen said. “Boulder County, Fort Collins, Loveland, even Longmont
> itself, in other cases, have all taken responsible action when wildlife was
> at risk. There’s no excuse for delay.”
>
> City staff have cited concerns about lease terms or possible interference
> with future reclamation plans as reasons for rejecting installation of a
> new nesting platform. But Augreen counters that the proposed
> mitigation—installing a new platform in a non-operational (for industrial
> purposes) zone within 300 feet of the existing nest—is fully consistent
> with both CPW guidance and the City’s surface rights under its lease
> agreement with gravel mining company Amrize.
>
> “The irony is that inaction could result in exactly the kind of
> disturbance the City says it wants to avoid,” said Augreen. “If we wait
> until the birds migrate and tear the nest down, we risk permanent
> displacement or violation of federal protections. If we act now, we give
> the birds a safer option and fulfill our duty as Open Space stewards.”
>
> Augreen asserts that constructing a new nesting platform quickly in the
> next couple weeks and then—during the winter— using a crane to manually
> move the existing nest to the new platform is likely to be the optimal
> solution consistent with recognized best practices, but any plan should be
> vetted and given the green light by CPW experts.
>
> Augreen is urging members of the public to email City Council and attend
> the Tuesday, August 6 "Public Invited to Be Heard" session at 7:00 pm in
> the Civic Center (350 Kimbark St.) to speak in favor of immediate CPW
> consultation and swift mitigation.
>
> “Ozzy the Osprey is more than a random bird on a pole. He’s a symbol of
> whether Longmont keeps its promise to protect wildlife and manage Open
> Space with integrity,” Augreen said. “Let’s not allow red tape to defeat
> environmental responsibility.”
>
> *Contact:*
> Ethan Augreen
> Sustainability Advisory Board Member
> 📧 <eaugreen...> / Phone: 303 7250734
> 🌐 https://ethanaugreen.substack.com/p/osprey-standoff-city-drags-feet-on > [image: bird 3.JPG]
>
> --
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds > * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include
> bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CANUhtdBaJJcG8AdMTzd8pDrn_fHFwbk7ynx70OPGdcxTwsneFw...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CANUhtdBaJJcG8AdMTzd8pDrn_fHFwbk7ynx70OPGdcxTwsneFw...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
>
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CANUhtdDaE8rac0ZUCQBXnyP1SPPT0xp6a3MMqFz9B8JGT3VQSg...>
Date: 8/6/25 7:06 am From: Norm Erthal <normanerthal...> Subject: [cobirds] Birding in Poland
I have a space remaining on this trip for a single male willing to share a
room. It will be of minimal difficulty with easy walking.
24-31 May 2026
Białowieża Forest is the last remaining primeval forest in lowland Europe.
It
covers an area of over 1500 km2 in the tranquil corner of Poland and
Belarus. Saved from logging, this forest became home for hundreds of rare
species of birds, insects, mushrooms. Most importantly, it became the
world’s last refuge for European Bison – the largest land mammal on our
continent. Centuries old trees grow here together in a tremendous variety
of habitats making it recognised by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve and a
World Heritage Site now visited by thousands from all over the world.
We will spend five nights at a comfortable, family run hotel at the edge of
the forest and go on daily walks birdwatching after rarities like
White-backed or Three-toed Woodpeckers, Eurasian Pygmy Owl, Great Snipe or
the beautiful Red-breasted and Collared Flycatchers, Barred, River, and
Icterine Warblers and a lot more.
Biebrza Marshes are one of Europe’s last natural lowland river valleys.
They cover an area of over 1000 km2 of wetlands, peat bogs and bog forests
in the far north-east of Poland. Saved from drainage by the non-intensive
local farming, these fragile habitats became home for hundreds of rare
species of birds, insects and plants that are now difficult to see anywhere
else in Europe. This area also holds a huge population of Elk (Moose),
European Beavers as well as a few packs of Wolves and several Lynx.
The approximate cost is $3,000. I have a species list available and a more
detailed itinerary.
Norm
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<0834dab9-ba8c-4183-b016-814b239b1eadn...>
Date: 8/5/25 2:51 pm From: Ethan Augreen <eaugreen...> Subject: [cobirds] City Urged to Consult CPW as Endangered Osprey Nest Sparks Outcry
*City Urged to Consult CPW as Endangered Osprey Nest Sparks Outcry*
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
*Citizen Urges Longmont to Follow State Wildlife Guidance as Fall Migration
Nears*
*Longmont, CO | August 5, 2025* — With fall migration weeks away and an
active osprey nest perched dangerously on a live utility pole, Longmont
Sustainability Advisory Board member Ethan Augreen is urging the City to
consult Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) before it’s too late.
[image: bird 2.JPG]
The active osprey nest, perched atop a live utility pole on Longmont’s
Distel property in eastern Weld County, poses a serious fire,
electrocution, and wildlife mortality risk, threatening both bird survival
and public safety. Despite staff acknowledgment of the danger, the City has
thus far taken no concrete action to mitigate the risk—and has yet to
consult with CPW, whose published guidelines recommend early engagement in
such cases.
“Community members are not asking for anything wild. We simply want the
City to follow its own stated policies and consult the experts,” said
Augreen. “This osprey family is protected under federal law. CPW has the
scientific expertise and regulatory standing to advise on the best path
forward. But right now, Longmont is dragging its feet—and that’s
unacceptable.”
CPW maintains a leadership role in raptor protection across Colorado, and
its field staff are trained to develop site-specific solutions that balance
wildlife needs with land use constraints.
The osprey is a federally protected species under the Migratory Bird Treaty
Act (MBTA), which makes it a violation of law to harm or disturb an active
nest. CPW’s 2020 Raptor Buffer Guidelines reinforce the MBTA and call for a
¼-mile buffer during the nesting season, but explicitly allow for
flexibility in buffer distances based on habituation, site conditions, and
expert consultation. CPW further encourages early mitigation when nests are
in hazardous locations like utility poles.
“Other communities in Colorado have faced similar situations and acted
swiftly to install safe nesting platforms—often in a matter of days,”
Augreen said. “Boulder County, Fort Collins, Loveland, even Longmont
itself, in other cases, have all taken responsible action when wildlife was
at risk. There’s no excuse for delay.”
City staff have cited concerns about lease terms or possible interference
with future reclamation plans as reasons for rejecting installation of a
new nesting platform. But Augreen counters that the proposed
mitigation—installing a new platform in a non-operational (for industrial
purposes) zone within 300 feet of the existing nest—is fully consistent
with both CPW guidance and the City’s surface rights under its lease
agreement with gravel mining company Amrize.
“The irony is that inaction could result in exactly the kind of disturbance
the City says it wants to avoid,” said Augreen. “If we wait until the birds
migrate and tear the nest down, we risk permanent displacement or violation
of federal protections. If we act now, we give the birds a safer option and
fulfill our duty as Open Space stewards.”
Augreen asserts that constructing a new nesting platform quickly in the
next couple weeks and then—during the winter— using a crane to manually
move the existing nest to the new platform is likely to be the optimal
solution consistent with recognized best practices, but any plan should be
vetted and given the green light by CPW experts.
Augreen is urging members of the public to email City Council and attend
the Tuesday, August 6 "Public Invited to Be Heard" session at 7:00 pm in
the Civic Center (350 Kimbark St.) to speak in favor of immediate CPW
consultation and swift mitigation.
“Ozzy the Osprey is more than a random bird on a pole. He’s a symbol of
whether Longmont keeps its promise to protect wildlife and manage Open
Space with integrity,” Augreen said. “Let’s not allow red tape to defeat
environmental responsibility.”
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CANUhtdBaJJcG8AdMTzd8pDrn_fHFwbk7ynx70OPGdcxTwsneFw...>
Date: 8/5/25 8:37 am From: Peter Ruprecht <pruprecht...> Subject: [cobirds] Red-throated Loon, Standley Lake, JeffCo
Hi birders,
Just a heads up that there was a (mostly) breeding plumage Red-throated Loon in the SE corner of Standley Lake (Westminster) this morning. Easily visible from the trails on the south side of the lake. Some crappy but I think diagnostic photos at https://ebird.org/checklist/S265232595
Peter Ruprecht Superior
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAHPXVBbrEjPNm930EtxpJ6E%<3D8_eH_1BzzCrm6SU7spij1WANpw...>
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is seeking future volunteers interested in
monitoring bald and golden eagle nests in Colorado. Although volunteers
from anywhere in Colorado are welcomed, our Bald Eagle Watch and Golden
Eagle Watch projects are especially interested now in enthusiasts who live
in more remote areas of northwest and southwest Colorado.
If you love watching eagles, have an active nest on your property, or know
of a nest near you, this is your opportunity to contribute your knowledge
and observations to one of the largest eagle monitoring projects in
Colorado. Volunteer commitments are very flexible. Generally, an hour or so
of monitoring is requested every two weeks or so during the nesting season
(February through June). Observation details are reported to a central
online database. Volunteer training is conducted online during one day in
January. More details can be viewed here
<https://www.birdconservancy.org/take-action/volunteer/> on BCR’s website.
If you are interested or want additional details, please contact Bruce
Snyder, our Nest Monitoring Coordinator at *<Bruce.Snyder...>
<Bruce.Snyder...>*
Thanks!
Meredith
Meredith McBurney
Bander and Volunteer Coordinator
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ ---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<5663adaf-978b-4db0-adc5-461b442494adn...>
