Swallows, flycatchers, a nighthawk - Arapahoe

[Jared Del Rosso]

All the best birds are insectivores. 

Weekly, I visit Eastern Phoebes along the High Line Canal Trail in Centennial / Greenwood Village. During my visit on 5/28, I also heard Western Flycatchers, my first of the year there. They've been nesting along the Canal and nearby Little Dry Creek since at least 2018. (The phoebes began nesting there last year, as far as I know.)

On May 30, nest-building Cliff Swallows were numerous at the Streets of Southglenn shopping center in Centennial. I've not previously seen them in high numbers at this outdoor mall. (Barn and Violet-green Swallows also nest there.)

On May 31, I had my first nighthawk sighting of the year. The bird flew directly north, with just a few flutters off its path to flycatch. 

- Jared Del Rosso

Centennial, CO