June is the height of the breeding season for many birds, but there is still the possibility of seeing some late migrants. However, although this is an exciting month to bird, there were noticeably fewer reports than in May. Both Mountain Plover and Purple Martin were seen for only the second time in Boulder County since the wildlife inventory began in 1979. Unfortunately, neither bird stayed around long enough to be seen by more than one observer. Cassin’s Sparrows continued to be seen in several locations; fortunately these rather drab sparrows have a very distinctive song which aids identification considerably. American Redstart, Ovenbird and Hooded Warbler are all birds that have occasionally bred in the county. Two Orange-crowned Warblers were seen in the mountains; it would be interesting to know whether these were breeding. The Alder Flycatcher seen at the end of May was still present on the 1st. Two birds that used to be much more common in the county but were seen this year were Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Red-headed Woodpecker. Other unusual birds included Boreal Owl, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe and a Baltimore Oriole. A few birds that were formerly considered  unusual but are now making regular appearances include Northern Bobwhite, Caspian Tern, Least flycatcher and Orchard Oriole. Surprisingly, 185 bird species were seen in June making this a record month and surpassing the 178 species seen in June 2000. TOP