The beginning of a new year always brings birders out, and January 2004 was no exception. What was unusual was the number of uncommon species that birders managed to find. Large numbers of gulls were seen on county reservoirs producing a total of eight gull species for both January and February. Glaucous-winged Gull was a new bird for the wildlife inventory. Many saw this gull at Prince Lakes, and it produced a lot of speculation as to whether it might be a hybrid. However, the general consensus seemed to be that it really was a Glaucous-winged Gull. In February, a second probable Glaucous-winged Gull was seen at Valmont Reservoir. Ring-billed Gulls were seen in flocks of several thousand. One hundred and fifty Herring Gulls was an unusually large number, but not a record, as three hundred of these gulls were seen on Valmont Reservoir in January 1988. There were a fair number of California Gulls present. The less usual gulls also included Mew Gull, Thayer’s Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Glaucous Gull.

By February, there were signs of spring migration. American Pelicans were first seen on February 6, a record early return of this species. More normally, the first Mountain Bluebird was seen on February 27. With some birds, there was a strong suspicion that they might have wintered. Such was the case with American Pipit, Audubon’s Warbler and Great-tailed Grackle. However, both Brown-headed Cowbird and Lesser Goldfinch were unexpected February sightings.

Chihuahan Raven was reported for the second time to the wildlife inventory. The first time was in 1998. Brant was seen for the first time since 2000. A Lapland Longspur was reported. This species was seen last year in both February and October, but prior to that had not been seen since 1979. Interestingly enough, the sightings have all been randomly spread across the eastern half of the county. By February, Great-horned Owls were on their nests, and small owl species were actively calling. Many people saw the Trumpeter Swans in Left Hand Valley. These swans moved around between several neighboring reservoirs. Originally there had been four swans, but unfortunately in mid-February one of the adult swans died. The cause of death was unknown. Other good winter sightings included Pacific Loon, Greater Scaup, Long-eared Owl, Winter Wren, Eastern Bluebird and Swamp Sparrow. The observation of mountain birds was helped by the Indian Peaks Winter Bird Count (IP). Altogether 108 bird species were seen in January, and 106 in February. This was a record high total for January, beating last year’s 103 species, and also a record for February, beating the 102 species seen in 1988. TOP