Colorado Rare Bird Alert, 17 November 2014

[Joyce Takamine]

Compiler: Joyce Takamine

Date: November 17, 2014

This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert Monday, November 17 sponsored by Denver Field Ornithologists and Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory.

 

Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species).

Swan spec (Arapahoe, *Boulder, *Weld)

Tundra Swan (*El Paso, Larimer, *Park)

Long-tailed Duck (Park)

Surf Scoter (*Arapahoe, Mesa, Park, Weld)

White-winged Scoter (*El Paso, Logan/Sedgwick, *Park, Weld)

Black Scoter (Archuleta, El Paso, Morgan,Park, Weld)

Long-tailed Duck (*El Paso)

Barrow's Goldeneye (*Lake, Park, Routt, *Summit)

Red-throated Loon (Morgan)

Pacific Loon (Boulder, Douglas/Jefferson, Jefferson,  Logan,Morgan, Weld)

Red-necked Grebe (Boulder, Larimer, Logan/Sedgwick, Pueblo, *Prowers, San Miguel)

Pacific Loon (Boulder)

BLACK VULTURE (Morgan/Weld)

American Golden-Plover (Weld)

Thayer's Gull (Adams, *Arapahoe, Weld)

Lesser  Black-backed Gull (Adams, *Arapahoe, Larimer, Morgan, Park, Pueblo)

Great Black-backed Gull (Morgan)

COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD (*Mesa)

Red-bellied Woodpecker (Logan, Morgan, Yuma)

American Three-toed Woodpecker (Park)

White-eyed Vireo (Pueblo)

Winter Wren (Boulder, Jefferson, Logan, Weld)

Lapland Longspur (Park)

McCown's Longspur (Weld)

CAPE MAY WARBLER (Pueblo)

Fox Sparrow (*Jefferson)

Golden-crowned Sparrow (*Boulder, *Jefferson)

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (*Park)

Brown-capped Rosy-Finch (*Park)

PURPLE FINCH (Boulder, Pueblo)

White-winged Crossbill (Boulder)

ADAMS COUNTY:

--At Barr Lake on November 4, Sheeter reported 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (1 ad, 1 1-st cyc), and 1 1-st cyc Thayer's Gull.  On November 9, Dowell reported 1-st cyc Thayer's Gull and 1-st cyc Lesser Black-backed Gull.

ARAPAHOE COUNTY:

--2 Swans were reported by Beltz at Cherry Creek Reservoir off the Lake Loop on November 13.

--2 Lesser  Black-backed Gulls were reported by Suddjian at Cooley Lake in South Platte Park on November 14.

--At Aurora Reservoir on November 16, Dowell reported 2 Surf Scoters, 1 ad Lesser Black-backed Gull and 4 1-st cyc Thayer's Gulls.

ARCHULETA COUNTY:

--2 f Black Scoters were reported by Jim Beatty on Hatcher Lake on CR 600 NW of Pagosa Springs on November 6.  They were first found by Dale Knapp on November 4.  On November 9 Riley Morris reported 2 f Black Scoters at Hatcher Lake.

BOULDER COUNTY:

--On November 4, Minner-Lee reported 2 Pacific Loons at Baseline Reservoir in Boulder.  On November 7, Gent reported 2 Pacific Loons at Baseline Reservoir.

--A Winter Wren was reported by Floyd at Stearn's Lake downstream from bridge over Rock Creek on November 8.

--A Pacific Loon was reported by Floyd at Boulder Reservoir on November 10.

--White-winged Crossbill were reported by Mlodinow at the corner of 76th and Brockway in Boulder on November 12.

--A f PURPLE FINCH visited the feeders of Bryan Guarente in Longmont on November 12 thru 15.  If you would like to try for the bird, please contact Bryan at bryan.guarente AT gmail.com for updates and contact information.

--A Red-necked Grebe was reported by Severs at Lagerman Reservoir on November 13.  On November 15 Frye reported Red-necked Grebe at Lagerman.

--The Golden-crowned Sparrow was reported by Harlan at Teller Farms on November 16.

--5 Swams were reported by Wilberding at Boulder Reservoir on November 16.

DOUGLAS/JEFFERSON COUNTIES:

--On November 10 at Charfield, Suddjian report 1 - 2 Pacific Loons near the dam.

EL PASO COUNTY:

--2 Tundra Swans were reported by Big Johnson by Driscoll on November 14.

--On November 14, Bill Maynard reported f Black Scoter and 3 White-winged Scoters at Prospect Lake in Colorado Springs.  Drummond reported 3 f-type White-winged Scoters and 1 ad Black Scoter at Prospect Lake on November 15.

--2 White-winged Scoters, 1 Long-tailed Duck and a juv Tundra Swam were reported by Peterson at Big Johnson on November 16.

JEFFERSON COUNTY:

--A Winter Wren was reported by Suddjian at Dutch Creek at Dakota Hogback on November 9.

--A Pacific Loon was reported by Hudak at Harriman Lake on November 13 and November 14.

--A "Red" Fox Sparrow was reported by Mitzen at Red Rocks Trading Post on November 14.

--On November 15, Kellner and Chavez reported ad Golden-crowned Sparrow and red Fox Sparrow at Red Rocks Trading Post, but no juv Golden-crowned Sparrow.  On November 16, Starace reported Golden-crowned Sparrow and red Fox Sparrow at Red Rocks Trading Post.

LAKE COUNTY:

--Barrow's Goldeneyes were reported by Kellner at Mount Elbert Forebay on November 16.

LARIMER COUNTY:

--A Red-necked Grebe and Lesser Black-backed Gull were reported by Bankert at Horseshoe Lake in the NW corner on November 1.  A Red-necked Grebe was reported by Komar at Horseshoe Lake on November 9.

--3 Tundra Swans were reported by Leatherman at Park Creek Reservoir viewed from 80 Rd, 8 miles W of Hamiliton Reservoir on November 13.

--On November 15, Komar reported an ad Lesser Black-backed Gull and Horseshoe Reservoir in Loveland and

an ad Lesser Black-backed Gull at Lake Loveland in the NW corner.

LOGAN COUNTY:

--A Pacific Loon was reported by Kellner at N Sterling Reservoir on November 8.

--At Prewitt Reservior below the dam on November 11, Dowell reported 3 Winter Wren and Red-bellied Woodpecker.

LOGAN/SEDGWICK COUNTIES:

--At Jumbo Reservoir on November 8, Kellner reported 3 White-winged Scoters (1 ad m, 1 f, 1 imm m) and 2 Red-necked Grebes (1 ad, 1 imm)

MESA COUNTY:

--2 Surf Scoters were reported by Henwood at Colorado River State Park, Fruita Section on November 5.  They were on the northern most pond.  Two Surf Scoters were reported by Ortenzio at Colorado River State Park, Fruita Section on November 6.  On November 11, Henwood reported that the two Surf Scoters continue at the Fruita Section of Colorado River SP.  On November 12, Zerbi reported that the two Surf Scoters continue at the Fruita

Section of Colorado River SP.  On November 15, Woodward reported 3 Surf Scoters at Friuta Section of Colorado River SP.

--Steve Bouricius (bouricii At earthlink.net) kindly has made arrangements to see the COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD.  Here are his instructions.

The Costa's Hummingbird in Grand Junction was still present on November 16.  The hosts, Larry and Twanna Cooksey, graciously welcome birders to view the bird from their courtyard at 2217 Tuscany.  Ortenzio reported that the COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD was seen on November 14.  Henwood reported the COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD on November 16.

Directions:  From Redlands Parkway, continue west on S. Broadway about 0.6 mi. and turn left on South Camp Road (the street sign is missing); take S. Camp to Renaissance Blvd., turn left on Renaissance, then right on Tuscany to 2217.  Please enter the gate from the Montero Street side, left of the garage door.

Morning is the best time to see the bird as it may not be present for long periods during mid day.  I suggest leaving the bird to feed undisturbed in late afternoon.  There is seating on the patio but you might want to be prepared with a folding chair.  The courtyard is intimate and the feeders close so a quiet atmosphere may be important to seeing the bird.  She often perches deep in the aspen at the west end of the court yard.

MORGAN COUNTY:

--At Jackson Reservoir on November 8, Kellner reported 4 f Black Scoters and Red-throated Loon.

--At Jackson Reservoir on November 9, Dowell reported ad Great Black-backed Gull, 2 ad Lesser Black-backed Gulls, and a Pacific Loon.

--At Brush SWA on November 9, Dowell reported Red-bellied Woodpecker.

MORGAN/WELD COUNTIES:

--A BLACK VULTURE was reported by Rutherford along US 34 between Greeley and Fort Morgan on November 10 near mile marker 143.

PARK COUNTY:

--A f American Three-toed Woodpecker was reported by Suddjian at Timberline CG off of CR 58 on November 11.

--At Antero Reservoir on November 11, Suddjian reported Long-tailed Duck and 2 f Surf Scoters.

--A Lapland Longspur was reported by Suddjian N of Spinney Mountain Reservoir on CR 59 on November 11.

--At Spinney Mountain Reservoir on November 11, Suddjian reported 3 f Surf Scoters, 2 Black Scoters (1m, 1f) and 2 Barrow's Goldeneyes.

--At Eleven Mile Reservoir on Novmeber 11, Suddjian report 1 Surf Scoter, 8 Barrow's Goldeneyes and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

--35 Tundra Swans and 3 White-winged Scoters were reported by Kellner on Elevenmile Reservoir on November 16.

--A flock of 650 Rosy-Finches (400 Gray-crowned, 200 Brown-capped and 50 Helpburn's) were reported by Kellner along Hwy 9 between Fairplay and Hartsel on November 16.

--A flock of about 100 Rosy-Finches all Gray-crowned along High Chaparral Road between Hwy 24 and Eleven Mile Reservoir on November 16.

PROWERS COUNTY:

--A Red-necked Grebe was reported by Stulp at North Gateway Park in Lamar on Novmeber 15 and by Thompson on November 16.  Directions:  If you are coming from the north on Hwy 287, cross the Arkansas River Birdge and turn left or east on Crystal St which is also the turn-off to Holiday Inn Express.  Go east on Crystal to the first left after the two hotel entrances and head north past the concrete plant to fishing pond.  The grebe stays to the N and NW side of the pond.

PUEBLO COUNTY:

--A Red-necked Grebe and f PURPLE FINCH were reported by Percival off West Fishing Road at Pueblo Reservoir on November 15.

--On November 9, Percival reported 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (1 2nd-cyc, 1 3rd-cyc) at Pueblo Reservoir.

--At Pueblo City Park on November 8, Percival reported White-eyed Vireo and CAPE MAY WARBLER.

ROUTT COUNTY:

--Barrow's Goldeneyes were reported by Litteral on Lake Catamount just south of Steamboat Springs on November 12.

SAN MIGUEL COUNTY:

--A Red-necked Grebe was found by George Steele on October 29 at Miramonte Reservoir and seen again on October 30 by Dexter and Wright.  Steele reported on November 7 that the Red-necked Grebe continues at Miramonte.  On November 10, Zerbi reported that the Red-necked Grebe continues at Miramonte.

SUMMIT COUNTY:

--At Dillon Reservoir on Novmeber 16, Kellner reported 8 Barrow's Goldeneyes and 1 imm Black Scoters.

WELD COUNTY:

--A Winter Wren was reported by Dowell at Crow Valley near junipers in SW part of birding area on November 8.

--A Black Scoter was reported by Prather at Union Reservoir from the south side on November 8.

--On November 8 at Union Reservoir, Mlodinow reported f Surf Scoter, Red-throated Loon, and ad m White-winged Scoter.

--3 f-type Surf Scoters and a Thayer's Gull were reported by Prather at Union Reservoir on November 14.

--6 Swans were reported by Glabach on Winsor Reservoir on November 16.

YUMA COUNTY:

--A Red-bellied Woodpecker was reported by Kaempfer at old Foster Grove CG at Bonny on November 8.

The DFO Field Trip for Saturday, November 22 will be the Chatfield SP led by Ed Holub (edmund.holub AT gmail.com, 303-979-2194).  Meet inside west entrance of park off S Wadsworth, 1.5 miles south of C-470.  Lunch is optional as trip will be half day but bring snacks and water.  State Parks pass required.

RMBO's Annual Barrow's Goldeneye Count on Sunday Novmeber 23 led by Paul Slingsby (paslingsby ATcomcast.net 303-422-3728).  Meet at stegosaurus lot to carpool.  From I-70 west, exit 259 (Morrison exit), turn left and driver under I-70 bridge and look for Park-n-Ride on your left.  This is the same lot as used by Hawk Watch.  Meet at south end of lot near driveway at 0800.

  Will count Barrow's Goldeneyes and other birds at Silverthorne water treatment plant, then drive to Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Lake, and Grand Lake.  Spotting scopes, binoculars, and 2-way radios will be useful.  Dress for cold windy weather even if forecast is for a comfortable day.  Insulated, wind-proof leg coverings, and warm boots are recommended.  Bring water and snacks.  Will find a warm place to buy lunch.  Plan to be back at Stegosaurus lot by dark.

The DFO Field Trip for Sunday, November 23 will be to to South Platte River Reservoir and River Trail led by Mike Foster (mike1.foster AT concast.net, 303-456-2647).  Directions:  Meet at 0900 at parking lot adjoining the South Platte Reservoir.  The reservoir is just north of Chatfield off of C-470.  Take C-470 to Wadsworth Blvd, exit and turn north onto Wadsworth.  Turn right (east on West Chatfield Ave and follow the road which becomes South Platte Canyon Road (CO 75).  Make a sharp turn right at the sign that says South Platte Reservoir and follow the access road around to parking lot.

  After exploring the reservoir, will walk along South Platte River looking for shorebirds, ducks.  The walk is 3-4 miles.  Bring lunch (optional), water, and a scope if you have one.  Some may visit nearby Panera Bread for lunch.

Good Birding,

Joyce Takamine

Boulder