Bird Conservancy of the Rockies - Barr Banding Report, September 18

[meredith]

A day very similar to yesterday - moderate number of birds, nice mix of species, interested and interesting visitors.  Banded a total of 49 birds:

Hammond's Flycatcher 1

Dusky Flycatcher 1

House Wren 1

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1

Orange-crowned Warbler 9

Yellow Warbler 1

Yellow-rumped Warbler, Audubon's 2

Common Yellowthroat 3

Wilson's Warbler 19

Spotted Towhee 2

Chipping Sparrow 1

Song Sparrow 2

Lincoln's Sparrow 3

Gambel's White-crowned Sparrow 2

Dark-eyed Junco, Oregon 1

If you'd like to visit: Due to restrictions related to Covid-19, we are 

requiring visitors to make a reservation and we will have only 6 visitors 

at the station at a time. We are doing three one-hour time slots, from 8-9, 

9-10, and 10-11, on Tuesdays and then Thursdays through Sundays, through 

October 11. There is a $5 per person fee; scholarships are available to 

those unable to pay. All visitors, staff and volunteers will be wearing 

masks and people will be expected to socially distance. To register and for 

more information go to 

www.birdconservancy.org/bandingregister

 

Meredith McBurney

Bander, Barr Lake Station

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

[Cinnamon Bergeron]

Who has been to Holbrook Reservoir?  Or Rocky Ford State Wildlife Area?

Yesterday, I decided to venture out to Rocky Ford, Colorado and check out some spots.  It was quite an adventure.

There were literally hundreds of shorebirds at Holbrook!  So many, it was overwhelming.  I took about a thousand photos and have been trying to decipher what is what.  

I saw at least 50 American Avocets.  They are all white (non breeding plumage) and so beautiful right now.  See photo.

I saw about a dozen Stilt Sandpipers, Long-billed Dowitchers, and every type of Sandpiper and Peep.  I wish there was a shorebird expert with me to help me understand the differences between many of them.

A funny thing happened.  I was walking along the shore (having no problems), and my feet suddenly sunk into the sand.  My feet went down into this blue clay.  I couldn't pull my feet out at first.  After a minute, I had to pull my feet out of my shoes and step again deep into the sand/clay and then stick my hand into the holes (where my shoes were at) and pull out my shoes.  Thankfully, I was wearing an old pair of sneakers that I really do not care about.  I was covered in mud.  My socks were still on and I walked a while carrying my shoes covered in slimy blue clay.  Since I was completely on the other side of the reservoir, I knew there was no way I could walk all the way back to my car in this condition.  Plus, what was I to do when I got to my car?  So, I decided to walk into the water to wash my legs, hands and shoes.  I was carrying a side sling shoulder bag, my camera and binoculars.  I was worried I was going to slip on the slimy clay and ruin all of my gear.  But thankfully, I was able to walk into the water, wash off my shoes and hands and then walk back out onto the sand, take off my socks that were completely covered in clay and put my shoes on my bare feet and walk back to my car.  It was somewhat traumatic... especially because I was the only one at the entire reservoir (not to say that I was glad no one was there to see all of this).  Anyway, I just thought I would share to bring a little humor to our birding adventures.

Here are a few pictures from Holbrook.  I also saw a bunch of awesome birds at Rocky Ford State Wildlife Area.  

Ebird posts from both:

Holbrook  https://ebird.org/checklist/S73748297

Rocky Ford State Wildlife Area https://ebird.org/checklist/S73760699

[Cinnamon Bergeron]

Somehow the email was sent before I finished adding photos.  Here are a few more photos from Holbrook, including the American Avocets:

[Cinnamon Bergeron]

One more thing...

Right before I arrived, while on Hwy 71 and CR 805 (yes, there is a long detour because Hwy 50 is closed down for a huge portion of it right now), I noticed a huge flock of "something" flying in the distance.  As I got closer, I was able to pull into a safe area and get out to see what was flying overhead.  It was about 200 American Pelicans, circling overhead.  I got some decent photos.  See attached.

Cinnamon Bergeron

[Caleb A]

Hi Cinnamon!

Those pelican photos are absolutely stunning! Thank you for sharing with us :)

The birds are happy, and so am I

~Caleb Alons, Larimer County