Black Throated Green Warbler \ Boulder Skunk Creek

[John Tumasonis]

All:

           Male Black-Throated Green Warbler still persists at Skunk Creek in Boulder Mountain Park.  (May 21st 2023).  Seen by at least 8 birders this morning at about 10-11 a.m.

Directions:  read carefully:   This bird has moved from the lower section of Skunk Creek to the upper section of Skunk Creek close to the Mesa Trail.  (assuming this is the same bird). 

If starting from lower Skunk Creek hike about 1 mile up along the main trail.  You will eventually come to a sharp left hand turn where Ponderosa forest meets Deciduous forest.   There is a bubbling creek that passes under the trail at this point.  Look to your right (north) for a blackened dead tree, and a thicket of what appears to be non-native bushes and box elder trees.  The warbler was actively foraging in this area. 

If coming from the Mesa Trail, hike down Skunk creek to the same bend in the trail as mentioned above.  Listen for the bubbling creek and look for the blackened tree on your left.  

This bird seems unfazed by hikers and joggers, and is foraging actively, but not singing or calling.  Hard to see and photograph as it stays in dense brush, shadow, and on the ground in thickets.  Still, its a gorgeous little bird and worth the hike to see.  

Along the way also look for the following that were seen today:  gray catbirds, yellow-breasted chats, Virginia's warblers, MacGillivray's warblers, black-headed grosbeaks, lazuli buntings, spotted towhees, green-tailed towhees, house wrens, and blue-gray gnatcatchers.   

Thanks to the two other birders who directed me to this location.  Never caught their names.  

Patience will be the key to see this bird.  Good luck. 

John T (Tumasonis)  Broomfield, CO