Nesting Spotted Towhees, Common Nighthawk (Arapahoe)

[Jared Del Rosso]

The nesting Spotted Towhee continues on its nest along the edge of my neighbor's yard in Centennial, CO. It's amazing how the female disappears into the shadows. That black head and back is almost undetectable, but those white dots and dashes on the back, as well as the burning red eyes, give the bird away. If I didn't know the nest was there, though, I don't think I'd know the nest was there...

I think there are two pairs of towhees in my yard. One male and female seem to stick to the west of my yard. Another male and female, with a recent fledgling, are regularly in the thicket on the east side. I'm not confident of this -- but I'm pretty sure I saw at least three adults, simultaneously, today. The fledgling, meanwhile, has recently gained flight. I've heard it, calling from the bushes, most often. But today, it took some flights out onto a fence post. It seemed too brazen for its wobbly flight. According to Birds of the World, the short flights would make the bird around 15-17 days old (at least). Going back to my initial post here about the fledgling, I first noticed the fledgling sixteen days ago. 

Also today, twice now so far I've heard a calling Common Nighthawk, seeming to come from a neighbor's yard. I scanned tree branches for the bird, but haven't yet found it. These were midday calls. The first time, I doubted myself, as unusual as it is to hear a calling nighthawk midday in Centennial, particularly from within and not above the neighborhood. The second time was a welcome confirmation. 

Also, Red-breasted Nuthatches are visiting frequently. Robins, chickadees, and goldfinches (Lesser, I think) are around a lot too. I think there's a good number of caterpillars, as well as Elm Leafminer larvae, available for food. 

- Jared Del Rosso

Centennial, CO

[Jared Del Rosso]

At 7:15, as I was watching the nesting female during a brief time off the nest and foraging, the Common Nighthawk burst off of its hidden perch and headed northward. A single call alerted me to it. 

- Jared Del Rosso

Centennial, CO