Migrant updates, owls, turkeys, hawks, etc.

[John Tumasonis]

All:

          Last two weeks in Broomfield, and Westminster areas have seen a slow uptick in migrants.  Here are some observations:

American White Pelicans have been coming in slowly over the last two weeks.  Plaster Reservoir is so-so, with up to 50 pelicans.   Teller Lake #5 in Boulder had about 100 pelicans two days ago. 

Great Tailed Grackles have returned to Teller Lake #5 in Boulder.  This is about the 4th year in a row.  Saw 4 of them.  Listen for loud raucous calls. 

Marsh wrens were at Plaster Res. and Alexx and Michael's Pond in Broomfield two weeks ago - but have fallen silent.  

Cowbird numbers increasing. 

Say's Phoebe's have come back in fair numbers several weeks ago and are now building nests under porch eves, and gutters in Broomfield. 

Snowy Egrets were at Buffalo Lake in Broomfield yesterday. 

First Swainson's Hawk seen yesterday in Broomfield. 

White Crowned Sparrows still being heard and seen in Broomfield, Westminster, and Thornton mostly along creeks and irrigation ditches.  

Spotted Towhees have arrived in good numbers in canyon bottoms and brush habitat.  Singing. 

Common Grackle numbers are increasing.  

Ospreys are back.  

Flocks of Yellow Rumped Warblers have been moving along Big Dry Creek over the last two weeks, in Westminster. 

Wild Turkeys are being seen near East Lake #2 in Westminster (quite tame) and in old town Louisville. 

Avocets and Yellowlegs have come through Broomfield that last few days.  

Nesting:  European Starlings are nesting in the hundreds.  American Robins have staked out territories and vicious fights have begun.  Bushtits are gathering nesting materials.  Flickers have ratcheted up drumming on rooftop pipes.   Great Blue Herons are on nests near McCall Lake, Metzger Farm, and Walden Pond area. 

 Notes from my annual Great Horned Owl Tour (yesterday - Sunday). 

We visited 5 owl nest sites in Thornton, Westminster, and Broomfield (of the six being monitored).  Owlets were at 4 of the 5 sites (maybe 5 to 6 weeks old) with adult females.   One owl nest site was abandoned - possible predation.  Other 4 sites had a total of 9 owls (adults and juveniles).  

Note on owl sites:  all owl nest sites are undisclosed, but ridiculously close to bike and hike paths.   All the locals know where they are, and they really love their owls.  Over the last 25 years of leading these tours, I've found that the easiest way to find great horned owl nest sites is to simply ask people along bike paths and in parks if they know where any owls are.  One out three times local people will say:  "Oh yes.  Would you like me to show you where the (baby) owls are?"   And, lo, they will bring you right to the nest sites. 

Also seen on the tour:  two Cooper's Hawks nest sites, and Bald Eagle nest site (feeding young).  

Herps are out:  Colorado Chorus Frogs, Western Painted Turtles, and snakes.  

The sad situation with lack of snow and water has drained out lots of ponds and creeks.  Alexx and Michael's Pond is 90% gone with rotting carps and algae blooms in the remaining water.  Walden \ Sawhills is beginning to look like a desert.   And Bouder Creek is so low you could step over it.  Alas I think this bodes badly for upcoming spring birding.  Hope I'm wrong. 

Best birding wishes, 

John T (Tumasonis)  Broomfield CO

"I'm not a real birder.  I only pretend to be one on CoBirds."