Migrants in Louisville

[Jack Bushong]

Hi all,

Over the past week there have been a good number of birds moving through the Louisville area, likely to some extend associated with the recent weather. Along with the usual migrants, several rare or late birds of note were present. This past weekend there was a sizable migrant flock along Coal Creek including Yellow-rumped, Wilson's, Orange-crowned, and a late Hammond's Flycatcher. Farther down the creek was a continuing Townsend's Warbler. Ruby-crowned Kinglets have been in good numbers, with 10+ on multiple occasions. Warembourg continues to lack many birds of any kind, although there was a Lincoln's Sparrow recently. Yesterday, my brother found a Western Tanager near downtown, and a Lewis's Woodpecker at Coyote Run Open Space. In addition, several large flocks of cranes passed over in the afternoon. Today Holden and I ventured out in the cold weather in the same area in search of these birds and others. Near Lake Park was an Orange-crowned and a lingering Wilson's Warbler. The Lewis's did not appear to be present at Coyote Run, although there was what appeared to be a House Wren, as well as one Hermit Thrush and another thrush glimpsed briefly with a very warm orange back. In addition, a flock of shorebirds flew over that strongly suggested dowitchers, although they were somewhat distant. On the way back we encountered a Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker, my first for a while in Louisville.

Good Birding, 

Jack Bushong,

Louisville, CO