Purple Finches in Bent County, CO

[Duane Nelson]

Birders,

After back-to-back snowstorms totaling about 8 inches over the past two days, and an early morning low this morning of -3 F, I birded locally near Las Animas, Bent County, CO. My highlight was a flock of SIX Purple Finches, including two adult males, at Las Animas Junction (marked on the Delorme Colorado Atlas). This has been a good year for Purple Finches in eastern Colorado, but I've never encountered more than two birds in a flock before, and have only seen one adult male in Colorado before today.

To get to Las Animas Junction, head south on State Highway 101 until you cross the Purgatoire River. Head east and south multiple times until you pass a signed wildlife area just after finally crossing the southern railroad track. Drive west on a two track that ends at a grove of trees between the split of the railroad tracks.  Park between the tracks east of the junction, and walk west about 1/3 of a mile toward the bridge over the Purgatoire River. The location where the birds were is south of the aluminum building and propane tank on the east side of the bridge. My footprints in the snow should lead to a place where I scattered seed on the ground for riparian seed-eating birds. The Purple Finches did not go to seed today, but liked feeding in tall sunflowers south of the big cottonwood tree and adjacent thicket.

Other bird species seen at this location today included Northern Cardinal, Mountain Chickadee and Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay. Other uncommon birds are possible.

Duane Nelson

Las Animas, Bent County, CO