Mountain Plover and Chicks/Pawnee National Grasslands (Weld)

[The "Nunn Guy"]

Hi all

I led a trip of co-workers to the Pawnee Buttes yesterday.  We saw a total of 44 bird species.  We also saw Pronghorn, Horned Lizard, Woodhouse Toad and Bull Snake as well as several butterflies.  A large array of wildflowers. Beautiful experience as usual--and the Forest Service gets big kudos for the new trailhead with covered picnic table(s) area, ample parking and a bathroom facility.  It was a light drizzle most of day.

Highlights:

Mountain Plover - 3 (1ad with two immatures) at two miles west of Hwy 390 ( to Keota) along Weld CR 100 on south--very large prairie dog colony.
McCown's Longspur - few at above dog colony
Sage Thrasher - along Pawnee Buttes trail
Prairie Falcon - nesting atop west butte
Blue Grosbeak - Pawnee Buttes trail
Common Nighthawk - half dozen or so flying around buttes area
Chimney Swift - 2 at west butte
Many, many Lark Buntings, Grasshopper Sparrows along the way and at the buttes

Thanks Gary Lefko, Nunn
http://coloradobirder.ning.com/
Mobile:  http://coloradobirder.ning.com/m