stray birds

[wwi...@gmail.com]

The recent sightings of the varied thrush and black-throated blue warbler behind the Base-Mar Center in Boulder raised a few questions for me. I am new to this list so my apologies if these questions are not appropriate for this forum.

 

I am curious about research that has examined spatial patterns of stray birds and their characteristics (e.g., relative to their numbers, life stage, sex, species, habitat) and as well as possible changes in historical patterns owing to human-caused factors. I’ll be grateful for references to pertinent studies.

 

Willem van Vliet—

Boulder, CO

[Susan Wise]

This may not be exactly what you're looking for, but it may provide some information on changes in the breeding populations in Colorado.

http://cobreedingbirdatlasii.org

Recently I was tasked with finding a safe location that met a slew of requirements for the release of two rehabilitated Burrowing Owls. Wicked cool. But after hours and hours of time, I wasn't feeling so lucky. I remembered the trusty maps and write- ups. And there was the solution right in the BBA2. Plus a laugh when I realized that the BUOL species account was writen by one of my mentors, Steve Jones. Doh! Steve discusses the major changes that have occurred in the distribution and population of the BUOL breeding in Colorado. And along with Maikel and Luke Pheneger, we found a perfect release site for the two now healthy Owls.

It's my go to book whenever I'm wondering if populations have changed.

Susan Wise
Longmont Colorado
Boulder County

[wwi...@gmail.com]

Thank you!  Looks like a terrific resource.  

I'm also interested in further work that has examined or is examining changes observed in Atlas II in relation to factors such as urban development, natural resource exploitation, road building, pollution and other aspects of habitat destruction.  Is there systematic or even anecdotal evidence, locally or systematical across the state?

Willem van Vliet--

Boulder, CO