Ken Caryl Ranch (JeffCo) and South Platte Park (Arapahoe)

[David Suddjian]

This morning (11/4) I enjoyed rambling and roaming in my home area of Ken Caryl Ranch (Jefferson). Best find was an adult Golden-crowned Sparrow near Dutch Creek at the Dakota Hogback. The same area had a Harris's Sparrow. A short way south of there between the Dakota and Lyons hogbacks I noted Merlin and tardy Rock Wren and Vesper Sparrow. Further upstream along Dutch Creek there was a straggling Lincoln's Sparrow. The upper watershed area of Massey Draw had Type 4 Red Crossbills, a lower than usual Clark's Nutcracker, and a Cassin's Finch. At least 2 Ferruginous Hawks passed south over Ken Caryl Valley early this morning. Lots of Am. Tree Sparrows were around today, and I heard flight calls from migrants before dawn.

Rattlesnake Gulch at Deer Creek Canyon Open Space (JeffCo) had a late Gray Catbird.

At South Platte Park (Arapahoe) there was a Common Loon and a late Spotted Sandpiper at Eaglewatch Lake. Nearby South Platte Reservoir also had a Common Loon. Indeed, the loon was the only waterbird in evidence on that body of water.

David Suddjian

Littleton, CO