Eastern Phoebe in Monte Vista

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I did some photography this morning, which is like birding in disguise. Much to my excitement, I found an Eastern Phoebe at Wright-Schriver SWA near Monte Vista (Rio Grande County). This bird was pumping his tail and hunting near water and I got some fine photos of it. This represents a first for the San Luis Valley (no previous local records), and as far as I know a first in state records as well (none in Righter and Andrews). This is a bird I knew well in my boyhood days back in Massachusetts and was so nice to see  in our great state.

Wood ducks, Eastern Kingbirds, Osprey, and hundreds of Western Tanagers made for a fabulous morning in the Home Lake SWA area.

Also as a heads up: On recent birding trip to the Home Lake Veterans Center, I noticed "No Trespassing State Property" signs at our best birding locations near the crabapple trees. A friend inquired about that and found that lately transients have been staying in the abandoned buildings in that location. But birders are still welcome. But do keep things locked to be safe.

John Rawinski

Monte Vista, Colorado