Upper Williams Canyon, no wrens, and Prairie not Peregrine

[joe...@betterbirdwatching.com]

Finally had a chance to get back to Upper Williams Canyon to try to relocate the Pacific Wrens from a few weeks ago, but did not find any, only some Canyon Wrens calling and singing farther down the canyon.... I was really hoping for the Rampart Range Road to open up for easier access to the area, but they keep delaying opening the road due to muddy conditions and debris removal issues, so I had to bike in again. I did get some good photos of the observation areas, the habitat is some Doug-Fir and White Fir forest and shrubby areas along the noisy creek. There are brush piles along the creek drainage, and some of the Waldo Canyon Fire residue in area with a lot fallen trees. The Rampart Road stays open through November so I'm hoping to make a trip back in there in early November to see if they return. It was a great morning for birding with calm conditions so could listen really well for any sounds.

Also last time I heard a falcon calling and called it a Peregrine, but I got a good look this time and need to correct that to Prairie, a pair farther down in canyon where there are bigger cliffs. Also had FOS White-throated Swift and my highest ever count of Townsend's Solitaires, a flock of five hanging around a water source in the lower canyon.

Joe LaFleur

Woodland Park, Teller County, 8500 feet

[David Tønnessen]

Thanks for the update on this, Joe.

Tonnessen