Breeding Birds at Fossil Creek Reservoir, Larimer County

[Caleb A]

Hello CObirders!

This morning I birded Fossil Creek Reservoir in search of breeding birds and was not let down. I'm happy to say that the Orchard Orioles did return to breed, and apparently successfully fledged some young already! I was unable to confirm that Warbling Vireos and Yellow Warblers had nests, but based off of the extensive amount of singing and indicative behavior, I wouldn't be surprised if there were nests for both species. One highlight was the impressive numbers of recently fledged Cliff Swallows--they carpeted sections of the dirt trail at a time, while busy parent birds were hunting in their whereabouts. Of course, the Barn Swallows have returned strong; there were four easily viewable nests with young, and I'm sure there are others. A recently fledged Western Meadowlark was practicing his song (which was curiously humorous), and Western Grebes were vocalizing back and forth. Seems like the Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles are also doing well, and the begging cries of baby birds in nests could be heard all along the south end of the reservoir. Part of me suspects that Lark Sparrows have a nest somewhere on the property, but the best hints I could get were pairs and singing in the right habitat.

I don't know much about ammodramus sparrows in general, but I did notice there were an incredible amount of Grasshopper Sparrows singing their hearts out all over the nature reserve. Do Grasshopper Sparrows breed at Fossil Creek Reservoir?

The birds are happy, and so am I

~Caleb Alons, Larimer County