Fountain Creek Regional Park Annual Spring Bird Count (El Paso County) - Thurs, May 12
David Suddjian
[Posting for Steve Getty]
Dear CoBirders
On Thurs. May 12, about 20 local birders spread-out in Fountain Creek Regional Park annual spring bird count. It wasn’t held on the 2nd Sat of May this year due to the Pikes Peak Birding Festival starting Friday. From my records, this is the 31st year of this spring count! Despite howling 30-55 mph winds nearly the entire morning, 5 intrepid teams noted a record 95 species. (Not recommended conditions for trying to learn to identify swallows! J)
Four first-time species for the count included Summer Tanager, White Ibis, Hermit Thrush, and Palm Warbler. Other great finds included Eastern Phoebe (2 – possibly??), Orchard Oriole, Least Flycatcher (2nd ever since a report 20 yrs ago), and Clay-colored Sparrow. While compiled numbers will likely be low given the conditions, it was interesting how the teams “covered” for each other in the species total. Given that context, sample “misses” included Black-billed Magster, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Orange-crowned Warbler. 100 species is within reach!
Good Birding!
Steve Getty, Colorado Springs