Dunlin-Crom Lake Weld County

[Josh Bruening]

Hey all!

There was a breeding plumaged Dunlin at Crom Lake as of 1150 this morning 5/7.  Along with all three species of teal and Avocets, there were at least 4 Semi-palmated Sandpipers, a Greater Yellowlegs, and a Willet all hanging on the east side of the road.  On the west side was another Willet, Spotted Sandpiper and some peeps that were to far out to call.  Possibly more Semi-palmated.  I do have a pic of the Dunlin.  I'm having a hard time embedding the image.

Started the morning at Crow Valley on a nature walk with my daughter.  Nothing crazy rare.  Todd Deininger  pointed out a toad which she raved about the whole way home (Thanks Todd!) along with the Bald Eagle that flew over the campground and all of the antelope we saw.  2 Sora out in the field and at least two Ibises presumably, White-faced.  One Least Flycatcher and two Dusky Flycatchers on the way out.  Several other empids around.  Took the birding route on CR96 to CR69 and north to CR104.  McCown's Longspurs in good numbers.  Followed Rachel Hopper's directions to find 3 male Chestnut-collared Longspurs on CR 69 between 96 and 104 but none once I got to 104.  More Lark Buntings than I've ever seen.  Sparrows were well represented.  Had Lark, Vesper, Brewer's, and 2 Cassin's.  No Clay-coloreds though.  Good Western Kingbird movement over the plains.  Couldn't make one a Cassin's though. Several Rock Wrens too.  Overall decent day despite the weather.  It didn't start raining until we got back to Fort Collins proper.

Late note:  Had a "Western" Palm Warbler at Eaton Cemetery on Thursday afternoon (5/5).  Slipped my mind to post it.

Bird is the word!

Josh Bruening

Fort Collins