After the Storm.....

[mvjo...@gmail.com]

Feels like spring again....hooray!

Now that the snow and cold front have moderated, I am seeing a wave of exciting migrant birds entering the San Luis Valley. There is water everywhere for a change, and the birds are using it. Have spent the last 2 days out and about and a wave of Marbled Godwits have been seen in various locations. One easily accessible site is the wetland near Monte Vista at 1S and 6E where I observed a group of 9 yesterday.

 

Shorebirds have arrived in good numbers.....Gr and Les Yellowlegs, Avocets, Least Sandpipers, Long-billed Dowitchers and Black-necked Stilts are making a presence in some of the local wetlands.

 

Russell Lakes was absolutely alive with birds this morning. All three teal (Green winged, Blue-winged and Cinnamon), Canvasback, WF Ibis, and Lincoln’s Sparrows in the brushy areas. Sora and Virginia Rail were talkative too! And a new early local record for Western Kingbird near Center beat the older record by a week.

 

Only a few YR Warblers out and about. Suspect they will be here shortly...

John Rawinski

Monte Vista, CO

PS Does anyone know the contact for the seasonal reports?