Baird's Sparrows,Larimer County, Update

[Nick Komar]

After reading the press release from the City of Fort Collins and Bird Conservancy of the Rockies about Baird's Sparrow(s) occupying a section of Soapstone Prairie Natural Area that was accessible from the Pronghorn Loop trail, I made some calls and learned that at least 3 males had been heard singing from the trail as recently as July 1. So this morning, Brandon Nooner, David Wade and I left Fort Collins at 4:20, parked at 5:05 at the entrance parking lot and hiked/birded for 3.5 miles, arriving at a tall grass swale at 7:45. Here we observed at least 6 Baird's Sparrow, including at least 5 singing males spread out on apparent territories. Two territories included the trail (a dirt two-track) so we got close looks at two birds teed up singing. We had scopes for even better views. We did not witness evidence of confirmed breeding. For those of you who make the trip to this remote location near the Wyoming border, be sure to carry sufficient water (easy hike, not steep), stay on the trail (natural area regulations), and report evidence of confirmed breeding to eBird or Cobirds. We also had at least a dozen McCown's Longspurs along the hike.

Specific directions to reach this concentration of Baird's Sparrow: 1. park at entrance station lot
2. Hike connector trail east from entrance kiosk 0.8 mi.
3. Go east 2.2 mi on Pronghorn Loop trail (do not go north)
4. At turnoff to Plover Trail, continue north on Pronghorn Loop at least a half mile. You will note the moist meadow on the left.

Good luck,
Nick Komar
Fort Collins CO

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