Rio Grande SWA Morning

[John Rawinski]

A great day for a 3 mile hike and some birding at Rio Grande SWA near Monte Vista. Fall migration is here big time and birds were plentiful. Find the bugs and you find the birds.....I was thinking of D Leatherman as I saw a great assortment of birds feeding on midges in the coyote willows. OC, Y, YR, and Virginias Warblers, Dusky and Willow Flycatchers, Eastern Kingbird and yet another Black Phoebe.  About Black Phoebes...I have been keeping bird records for the San Luis valley since 1982. In those early 1980's, Hugh and Urling Kingery reported a likely first Black Phoebe near Lobatos Bridge near Antonito, CO. Back then, it would be considered "rare" only seen every few years. Today, the status of this bird has improved to "unusual" and a few may be seen each season except winter. The increased occurrence of this species seems to be related more to climatic warming and expansion of this species into our used-to-be cold San Luis Valley. In 2020 alone, 6 to 8 observations. The birds seem to know things have changed. I think climate is playing the bigger role and not necessarily an improved reporting system (ebird).  

John Rawinski

Monte Vista, CO

 

[mvjo...@gmail.com]

Correction...Hugh and Urling reported that Black Phoebe in the 1990's.