We set up nets at Pineridge Natural Area in on the north end of Dixon Reservoir (Fort Collins, Larimer County) just yesterday, and got in a few hours of banding. Today we opened nets just prior to sunrise and continued for about 4 hours before the wind picked up and shut us down a bit early. Across these two days of just a partial effort, we banded 36 birds of 10 species. We've had good numbers of Yellow-rumped Warblers moving through, along with a few Orange-crowned Warblers mixed in, but no other warblers thus far. Here's the summary for April 25th and 26th combined.
Red-shafted Flicker - 1
European Starling - 2
American Robin - 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 12 (5 Myrtle, 5 Audubon's, 2 intermediate)
Orange-crowned Warbler - 2
American Goldfinch - 9
Spotted Towhee - 1
Lincoln's Sparrow - 3
White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's) - 1
Red-winged Blackbird - 2
We are anticipating being closed tomorrow (April 27th) due to the forecast for heavy rain. Our lead bander this spring season is Camille, keep an eye out for her reports next week!
This banding station will be operating Tuesday through Saturday until May 30th, weather and
trail conditions permitting. Visitors are welcome and can register
here. Park at the Maxwell Natural Area parking lot and walk south along the trail towards Dixon Reservoir, and you will see our table and awning on the hillside to the left of the access trail. Come visit!
Colin Woolley
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies