Some birds from Arapahoe and Jefferson counties, May 23-24

[David Suddjian]

May 23

Ketring Park in Littleton, Arapahoe Co had a RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH and an EASTERN KINGBIRD. Some families of brand new Wood Duck and Mallard ducklings were delightful. Brand new ducklings pretty much define cute, I'd say. 

An adult female PEREGRINE FALCON was hunting Violet-green Swallows over Rattlesnake Gulch Trail in Deer Creek Canyon Park, Jeffco.

May 24

A pretty walk through South Valley Park Jeffco had a singing GRASSHOPPER SPARROW, 44 WESTERN TANAGERS, 1 female BLUE GROSBEAK, 2 singing CANYON WRENS, and a PRAIRIE FALCON, plus quite a few LAZULI BUNTINGS.

I hiked up Massey Draw Trail in Ken Caryl Valley Jeffco with two of my sons. This area is not open to the general public. There were 5 OVENBIRDS, at least 4 of which were apparently singing on territory from 6250 to 7100' elevation. Of the 4 that seemed on territory, 1 was in riparian with a variety of shrubs spp and some cottonwoods, and 3 were in and around a stand of aspen. That aspen area also had a female HOODED WARBLER flashing along Massey Creek. Flycatchers included 1 WILLOW, 1 singing HAMMOND'S and several singing DUSKY and CORDILLERAN. One member of the resident GOLDEN EAGLE pair made itself very well seen again and again.

David Suddjian

Littleton