Lots of (the Expected) Finches - Arapahoe Co.

[Jared Del Rosso]

On Sunday (11/19), I visited Richmil Ranch Open Space in Deer Trail (east Arapahoe). Near the entrance, in a field full of seedy wildflower stalks, were two or three dozen American Goldfinches and my first Pine Siskin (about five) in Arapahoe this year. There were also two or three dozen American Tree Sparrows with them. For a time, a kestrel kept watch over the tree sparrows, but it left its low perch over the sparrows when a harrier glided by. I was a bit surprised not to find any Northern Shrikes at the open space or on any surrounding roads. 

Today (11/22), near the eastern entrance of Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve in Greenwood Village were two dozen or so House Finches (plus more around the preserve) and about 10 American Goldfinches. These are, in my experience, relatively high numbers for both at the preserve. 

Try as I might, I couldn't will any of these birds into redpolls, though that field at Richmil looks promising... 

- Jared Del Rosso

Centennial, CO