Harris’s Hawk (Larimer) update

[Nicholas Komar]

Update: 12:25 pm flew from I-25 frontage road nw towards Riverbend Ponds Natural Area. Please post updates, positive or negative. 

Nick Komar

Fort Collins 

[Joey Angstman]

As of 3:50 no sign of the Harris Hawk at Riverbend Ponds.

Joey Angstman
Greeley, CO

[John Shenot]

I also tried and failed to find this bird from roughly 12:30-2:00. While I was at Running Deer, Sue Riffe came by and told several hopeful birders she had seen it fly north from Riverbend Ponds Natural Area. Everyone sped north, apparently to no avail.

I went to Roselawn Cemetery myself, knowing there are panoramic views to the north. Surprised to find Red Crossbills (this is flat, low elevation, urban habitat), harrier, coopers, redtail, but no hints of Harris’s Hawk. Then I chased a false alarm back at Running Deer. Then I came to my senses and went home.

I don’t often let myself chase rarities. It sets me up to be disappointed when I dip, instead of enjoying what I *do* see. This time I remembered to enjoy the process and seeing birding friends.

Stating the obvious (?) for locals, the hawk seen by others was at the edge of our CBC circle, and flew north into the circle. Count week starts Wednesday!

John Shenot
Fort Collins