Natural Arch and August Lull

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John Stump and I ventured out to the Natural Arch, north of Del Norte under smoky, hazy skies. Even in the early hours, birds were not calling and not moving around very much. No Bendire's Thrashers were seen and in fact nary a Sage Thrasher. But we did dig out some of these silent travelers.....and enjoyed seeing Williamson's Sapsucker, Bushtit, White-throated Swift, Green-tailed Towhee, Western Tanager, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Kingfisher and Gray Catbird. (The Catbird was at the Del Norte River Walk area).

We birded Swede Lane, north of Monte Vista, for the Dickcissels, and not a single one was found. We both felt we were in the bird transition period and had fun just being out!

John Rawinski

Monte Vista, CO