Big Lake Day

[Gary Brower]

COBirders (especially those who bird Cherry Creek SP with any regularity),

One side benefit of the COVID-enforced “stay-closer-to-home” edicts has been that I’ve spent HOURS birding—while walking dear daughter’s dog—a little patch of Cherry Creek State Park (around the corner where Belleview turns into Peoria).  Yes, I’ve forayed into other areas of the park (previously unknown) . . . to great benefit.  Yay — Dickcissel!

And, I’ve met some wonderful birders since March!

I’ve decided that I would like to bird AROUND the lake — yes, walk all of the way around the lake!  And I’ve chosen to do it on Labor Day; it may become an annual “event”. And I would like your help!

First, my plan is to walk around the lake (which means that the far south end of the park isn’t on the itinerary — not so sure about Butterfly Hill). The question is, in order to maximize the number of species seen, where to start, and in which direction to go (clockwise or counter-clockwise),  Sunrise on 9/7 is at 0633.  What might that suggest (i.e., regarding owls)?

Second, I may take a “side trip” — either towards the dog park, or down the railroad trail. I’ll probably wait to see what appears on eBird for those two areas . . . but, given any absence of timely data from those “hotspots”, which might be the most productive?

Third, when I have the starting point identified (with start-time), and the direction plotted, I’d LOVE to have anyone join me! If there are enough “takers”, we could shared cell-phone info, and coordinate meeting along the way.

All this said, I am not trying to make this an “official” thing — either with DFO or Denver Audubon or anything else.  I’ll do it regardless. Other silly people may choose to join in!

Any help/suggestions/comments/critiques are welcome!

Thanks!

Gary Brower

Unincorporated Arapahoe County

[Ben S]

Hi Gary, 

I don't know if you are trying for a big day type of thing but I think hitting the trees around the picnic shelter at the smoky hill area would be worth it for Townsend's Warbler and maybe other warblers (Orange-crowned, possibly eastern ones). I don't know if the picnic area at 12 mile parking lot is near your planned route but it may be worth a shot for migrants, as well as rails in the cattails nearby. Keep an out for Cassin's Vireo - very nice bird that will be coming through by then. As for where to start, the only owls I've had around this time of year there are Great Horned, which could be seen at any part of the park. I think starting at the east side may be better because migrating warblers seem to be more sensitive to time of day than waterbirds (which marina is good for). Anyway, good luck!

Ben Sampson

Centennial/Boulder, CO

[Gary Brower]

Thanks Ben! 

I wasn’t really thinking about it (originally) as a “Big Day” — mostly just a way to spend a whole day in one location, albeit with a variety of habitats.

 I’ve had a couple of other suggestions very similar to yours — in terms of where to start.

I’ll post more as we get closer.

Gary Brower

Unincorporated Arapahoe County

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