Mystery kingbirds, Larimer

[Nicholas Komar]

Andy Bankert found two interesting kingbirds today at Cobb SWA in Wellington. At least one appears to be Couch’s. More details soon. They flew to the north edge. He is trying to relocate them now.

Nick Komar
Fort Collins

[Nicholas Komar]

Update: the two kingbirds (photos below) were relocated in the center shelter belt of the Cobb Lake Unit of Wellington SWA, where they appeared to settle in for the night. Their identity is being discussed and debated by experts. One may indeed be a Cassin’s Kingbird, an expected migrant in this date. The other remains a mystery. To reach the location, drive north a half mile on CR3 from CR56 and park in the designated area. Hike west to the shelter belt. Observers who are able should record any vocalizations and include them on your eBird checklist. 

Nick Komar

Fort Collins CO

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[David Wade]

Greetings all,  I think it's important to point out that the Wellington SWA/Cobb Lake Unit is open only on Sat, Sun, Mon and legal holidays during hunting (waterfowl) season. Because goose hunting season has started already those restrictions have gone into effect. So effectively, tomorrow or Monday will be the only day to chase these Kingbirds. I wouldn't expect them to be around next weekend but than again, anything is possible. Thanks

David Wade

Fort Collins CO

[Nicholas Komar]

Several observers studied the two kingbirds at Cobb SWA in Wellington this morning. The more yellow one was confirmed as Cassin’s by vocalization, as it gave the familiar “cheweer” several times.  The other mystery Kingbird stayed close to the Cassin’s, often interacting and perched in the same bush. It vocalized once (unrecognized) but was not recorded. 

In Cyberspace, there is a healthy discussion of possibilities by many experts in the ID Frontiers listserve. Consensus is building toward a hybrid combo of some sort. I’ve attached a photo taken this morning. My money is on Thick-billed x Cassin’s, but I usually lose when I gamble. 😎

Nick Komar

Fort Collins CO

On Oct 7, 2018, at 9:06 PM, Nicholas Komar <quet...@comcast.net> wrote:

Update: the two kingbirds (photos below) were relocated in the center shelter belt of the Cobb Lake Unit of Wellington SWA, where they appeared to settle in for the night. Their identity is being discussed and debated by experts. One may indeed be a Cassin’s Kingbird, an expected migrant in this date. The other remains a mystery. To reach the location, drive north a half mile on CR3 from CR56 and park in the designated area. Hike west to the shelter belt. Observers who are able should record any vocalizations and include them on your eBird checklist. 

Nick Komar

Fort Collins CO
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[David Wade]

I need to apologize for misinterpreting Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations in regards to access at the Cobb Lake Unit where the kingbirds are located right now. The Cobb Lake Unit of Wellington State Wildlife Area has no restrictions on access. It is open to the public everyday of the week. The Wellington SWA combines 3 distinct land units (Cobb, Scwhare, and Wellington) into 1 umbrella SWA, it is the Wellington unit that has weekend only restrictions. There is no problem entering the Cobb Lake unit during the week. My mistake, sorry.

[Jay Breidt]

Birds were still present at 4:50 Monday evening. Looking west from the parking area,  they were in the left (south) edge of the farthest shelter belt, almost to the fence. 

Jay Breidt

Fort Collins

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