Orchard Oriole, Ken-Caryl Valley, Jefferson

[David Suddjian]

A male Orchard Oriole was foraging in a bushy patch along Massey Draw in Ken Caryl Valley this afternoon 7/5.

Checked out spots around the JeffCo side of Chatfield SP yesterday morning 7/4. Water levels are still high of course, but had dropped over a foot from peak, so there is a bit more access, but the perimeter road is still closed between Fox Run Picnic Area and Kingfisher. Receding areas are mucky and a bit rank. Some flooded areas of grassland look like they might be appealing to migrant shorebirds soon, but there were none that I saw in the park. A Snowy Egret south of the Fox Run was of some interest. Red-eyed Vireos were singing near Catfish Flat and Fox Run. The area of the South Platte downstream of Audubon Center (trails flooded in some areas) was the usual birdy riparian setting with numerous Yellow Warblers, Yellow-breasted Chats, Gray Catbirds etc. A male Indigo Bunting was a highlight. And the river also had Least Flycatchers and American Redstarts. 

David Suddjian

Littleton, CO