Weld County Birds

[KELLY ORMESHER]

Hi All,

Today I headed out to Weld County on a rainy/snowy and windy day. In one week, there's a noticeable increase in birds.  The Lark Buntings, Lark Sparrows, and Bullock's Orioles have returned.  Interestingly, as I drove a stretch along CR89, I noticed three Swainson's Hawks in less than 1/4 mile that were all standing on the ground, tucked in behind yucca plants getting some protection from the wind and rain.

At Crow Valley, I encountered an Ash-throated Flycatcher along Crow Creek south of the group picnic area. I also found a Least Flycatcher in the Yellow Current shrubs along with three Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. An Eastern Bluebird has returned along with a Brown Thrasher. 

Norma's Grove had at least seven Swainson's Thrushes and a great variety of sparrows. 

Happy birding,

Kelly Ormesher

Longmont