Possible Cactus Wren- Larimer

[David Wade]

I went to Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Southwest of Fort Collins to scout for this weekends bird survey. Towards the top of the Power Line Trail, I saw small group of Rock Wrens scurrying around some boulders. The fifth of six that I saw had a very dark breast pattern that was similar to the "vest" pattern of a Wood Pewee or Olive-sided Flycatcher except it was black not olive-y. In the moment, I dismissed it as being a juvenile Rock Wren undergoing a molt or something. The bird flew away to the hillside South of me. As I processed what I had seen, I realized "that wasn't a Rock Wren" what is it? It seemed slightly larger, had a "different" posture and the bill was slightly larger and more curved.  I kept a laser eye on the area but only had distant views as it popped in and out of sight on the far hillside. There was one view I had of its tail that showed white, not buffy tail spots on the briefly spread tail. Once it flew over me towards the slope North of me and I had the impression of a white supercilium.  Although, I can't be certain that wasn't just wishful thinking. Anyway, it landed on the power line near me where I got exactly one photo.

 I have zero experience with Cactus Wren so I'm just not certain what to call it. At the same time I can't think of anything else it could be e.g. Thrasher. The chest seems to dark to me for Cactus Wren but bill shape, tail pattern and size seem good. I posted 3 photos on Flickr, one the original untouched and another I adjusted the "shadows" for a better look at its chest/belly and a Rock Wren that was there. 

Adjusted Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/122221383@N05/14609200325/

Untouched Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/122221383@N05/14608649512/

Rock Wren: https://www.flickr.com/photos/122221383@N05/14629229703/

Please if anybody can help identify this bird I would appreciate it. If it is a Cactus Wren it would be quite the remarkable sighting. That is why I want to throw it out there for the whole world to see, or at least, the birding world.

Cheers,

David Wade

Fort Collins, CO

[David Wade]

The bird was located on the Power Line Trail approximately 2 miles up from the lower Valley Loop Trail. Its just below Mahony(sp?) park. I marked the right side of the trail with an X made of pine cones and on the left side I placed a small rock cairn atop a small boulder.

David Wade

Ft Collins

[David Wade]

It was pointed out to me that the size difference between Rock and Cactus is considerable and should be obvious especially if they were seen together. The bird I saw was only slightly larger than the Rock Wrens nearby. Also, the length of the tail beyond the primary extension seems to be shorter in the Rock than the Cactus. Comparing my photo to ones on the web it seems more consistent with Rock Wren. I guess i will chalk it up as an aberrantly plumaged Rock Wren.

Thanks

David Wade

Ft Collins CO

[David Wade]

So, I hike two miles uphill under the hot sun to get some photos of the unusual Rock Wren. After reaching the spot, I park myself on some boulders and plan to just sit and wait. Fifteen minutes in, I see some interesting birds, a juvenile Townsend's Solitaire, Western Bluebirds, and Peregrine Falcon. Luckily, the boulder I chose had some ripe raspberries within reach, I couldn't resist. Mmm! delicious, it also occurred to me that this was prime bear food, better be vigilant. Sure enough, two minutes later this guy (I think) showed up https://www.flickr.com/photos/122221383@N05/14601928416/  I didn't feel like sticking around so I have no news on the Wren. One could say; all quiet on the wren front.