Louisville Migrants - Sage Thrasher, Hermit Thrush, Yellowlegs, and others

[Jack Bushong]

Hi all,

The past few days, my brother and I have extensively birded the Louisville area in search of migrants grounded by the snowstorm. The following is a brief summary of some of the more unusual species we encountered.

4/12: A pair of Ruby-crowned Kinglets, an FOY Myrtle Yellow-rumped Warbler, three lingering juncos, a Barn Swallow, and many Mountain Bluebirds were present at Louisville Reservoir in the driving snow. It was so frigid outside that the kinglets were visibly shivering. 

4/13: A Sage Thrasher made an appearance at Warembourg Open Space, as did two Vesper Sparrows. A migratory flock of six Wilson's Snipe was a delight to watch at the fishing pond, grounded by inclement weather. Nearby, the Coal Creek riparian hosted several more snipe, bluebirds, and another Vesper Sparrow. At Louisville Reservoir, my brother observed two Greater Yellowlegs in addition to the continuing migrants there.

4/14: Three Cassin's Finch, only my second ever in Louisville, were at a private feeding station in the downtown. I was beginning to doubt whether any Cassin's had made it into far eastern Boulder County, but it appears they have! Also, a Hermit Thrush made a brief showing along Coal Creek. And at the cattle pond along Dillon Rd., a pair of avocets were nice to see. 

Also, the Marbled Godwit from earlier this morning continues just NW of Stearns Lake.

Good Birding,

Jack Bushong

Louisville, CO