Black Phoebe at Washington Park, first Denver County record

[Joe Roller]

I was circumnavigating Grasmere Lake (counter-clockwise, for those who want all the details) in Washington Park, Denver, near my home, staying a GOOD 6 feet from others, admiring recent arrivals like Cinnamon and Blue-winged Teal. I ran into keen birders, Cole and Beth Sage, who were staring at the big old cottonwood tree on southeast corner of the island. 

They got me onto the adult Black Phoebe that Jeff Dawson had found this morning.

It was easy to spot as it sallied forth from the long white limbs that extended over the water.

The phoebe seemed loyal to that spot, just where Jeff had also seen it this morning.

I see that it is not only the first report for Washington Park, but will be a first Denver County

eBird record if accepted by the CBRC (Colorado Bird Record Committee). 

Black Phoebes have expanded their range dramatically into much of Colorado and the Front Range over the decades since I started birding, but never before in Denver County.

About the only place they were found in the mid-70's was Burnt Mill Road, SW of Pueblo.

Thanks Jeff and the Sages! It was a nice respite from hunkering down for 3 weeks.

Joe Roller, Denver