April and May 2005 were far from typical spring months. It is well known that cool fronts and precipitation tend to bring in unusual birds. There were few such days in May, and birders struggled to find unusual migrants. The total number of warbler species was low (fifteen) and many birders commented on how few warblers they had seen. The most notable finds were a Black-throated Green Warbler (last seen in 2002), a Black-throated Gray Warbler that lingered at Doudy Draw, Blackpoll Warbler, American Redstart and Ovenbird. On the other hand, six species of vireos were seen: White-eyed, Yellow-throated, Philadelphia (last seen in 2002), Plumbeous, Warbling and several Red-eyed. A Gray Flycatcher was a species that had not been seen for a couple of years.

The most unusual sighting was a male Painted Bunting that frequented the feeder of a house in Erie. Fortunately, many birders were able to see this colorful visitor. This was a first record for the wildlife inventory. Another spectacular visitor was a Scottfs Oriole that lingered for several days in a South Boulder neighborhood. This was a species last seen in Boulder County in 1995, and only the third record for the inventory. Birders from all over the state came to see this obliging bird. The third bird of note was only seen by one observer, but he saw thirty five of them! This was a flock of Chestnut-collared Longspur; only one bird had ever been recorded in the county previously in May 1996.

Shorebird migration was strong throughout April and in the early part of May. However, nothing highly unusual was reported. Long-billed Curlew were seen for the first time since 2003. Peeps were somewhat lacking. Duck sightings, and in particular diving ducks, were seen in low numbers or absent altogether. Two Glossy Ibis were seen at Union Reservoir; these were last reported to the inventory in 2003.

Several observers reported seeing Broad-winged Hawks. An Audubon Field trip to Mount Sanitas saw four such birds in two hours. It is hard to tell whether these birds are really becoming more common, or are just being better observed. Bald Eagles continue to be seen in fair numbers, and hopefully will continue their trend of breeding in the county. Numbers of Osprey seem to be on the increase each year.

Altogether 159 bird species were reported to the inventory in April, and 204 species in May. This is a very respectable total for April, but on the low side for May. TOP