Birding the South San Luis Valley

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Some good birds to be seen in the south valley today, though conditions were windy and birds were staying low in cover.

 

MVNWR:  Brant is still there (Rio Grande County). It hangs with 2 Cackling Geese and a Canada Goose off the 8S location.

On the auto tour loop there were 4 Ross’ Geese. About 20 Sandhill Cranes in the fields.

 

John James Canyon:  Sage Sparrows....numerous

                                        One Black-throated Sparrow.

                                        Common Ravens nesting in the Rocks

                                         Rock Wren

                                          Loggerhead Shrikes

                                        Golden Eagle

 

Ortiz: The best secret birding spot in the Valley and a stone’s throw from New Mexico: It is SW of ANTONITO

                                       Yellow-rumped Warbler

                                        Spotted Sandpiper

                                        Lincoln’s Sparrow

                                        Wait another 2 weeks and this place will be hopping!

 

Smith Reservoir:  30 mph gales and whitecaps. Needless to say, could not even use scope.

                                      Eared Grebes

                                      Lesser Scaup

                                       Buffleheads

                                       No Mountain Plovers in usual areas.

 

Any birding day is a good day....

 

John Rawinski

Monte Vista, CO