February is often a slow month for birders in Boulder County with some trying their luck in more exotic climates. The first sighting of Mountain Bluebirds, this year on the 24th, is always an exciting harbinger of spring. Ducks, particularly our diving ducks, increased greatly in numbers with the most unusual probably being a Ruddy Duck that seems to be wintering at Valmont Reservoir. A Common Loon, also seen on Valmont Reservoir, was an unusual February sighting.

Chihuahuan Raven is always somewhat difficult to confirm, although often suspected when a small oddly calling raven is encountered. However, care must be taken later in the breeding season when young Common Ravens may be both smaller than adults and have odd sounding calls. Viewing of the throat hackles and comparative size and feathering of the bill must occur for positive identification. Bushtits seem to have been seen much more regularly than in the past. Flocks of Evening Grosbeaks have been reported in the foothills after a few years when this species was largely absent. Gray Catbird, Swamp Sparrow and Harris’s Sparrow all continued to stay in the locations that they were observed in January. Fifty Great-tailed Grackles were reported at Stearn’s Lake; this marsh loving Icterid is definitely on the increase and a more likely winter sighting than Common Grackle. Altogether 96 bird species were reported for February, a very average total for this month. TOP
Birds