Monte Vista Christmas Bird Count

[cou...@gojade.org]

Twelve of us participated in the 55th annual Monte Vista Refuge Christmas Birdcount on Saturday. Weather was clear, mild and very unusual for this time of year. We were even able to get into the fotthills because there was no snow there either. So we had a great day afield. I don’t have final numbers yet but will followup this message.

 

Raptors were the best birds of the day with Bald Eagle, Rough-legged and Red-tailed hawks, Northern Harrier, and Kestrel being abundant. Then yesterday, during count week, a lone Yellow-rumped Warbler appeared in our church window, gleaning dead insects from the sill. This is the latest fall record ever for the San Luis Valley for this species.

 

Happy Holidays to all....

 

John Rawinski

Monte Vista, CO