Golden Crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks

[birderbob]

Apr 1, 2012  Marilyn Rhodes and I were at Red Rocks this morning scouting for my May 19th trip for ASGD and Den Parks and at the request of Mike Henwood I am posting a very brief sighting of the Golden-Crowned Sparrow at the feeders just after 9am.  Marilyn and I spent time at the feeders seeing Spotted Towhee, Scrub Jay (some in pairs), Townsend's Solitaire, Slate Junco, House Finch, House Sparrow, Rock Pigeon, Sharp-Shinned Hawk, Song Sparrow, and Magpies.  Fruiting trees and shrubs in bloom were quite fragrant and we could not deny that "Spring is in the air".

 

From the unloading area opposite the Trading Post we saw a White-throated Swift take to the air.  At the upper south lot we did not see the Peregrine(s) or Ravens on Ship Rock, nor did we find the Prairie Falcon(s) on Cave Rock.

 

After this we went into downtown Morrison for Brunch, discussed other birding business and decided to look for Golden Eagles reported in the Bear Creek Canyon between Morrison and just east of Idledale.  We found the unoccupied nests.

 

We parted company and I headed back to Red Rocks to look for falcons on my way home.  At about 1:30pm I found a pair of Prairie Falcons at Cave Rock and a lone Peregrine high up on Ship Rock.

 

Bob Santangelo  - Wheat Ridge