October and November 2003 were rather unusual fall months. October was unusually mild with many days reaching well into the 80Fs, a seeming continuation of summer. It was not until the 29th of October that there was an abrupt turn around to winter. This was the storm that so fortuitously put out the Overland Fire. November then remained cool. It seemed as if this sudden change might have also taken the birds by surprise as we had a large number of late migrant sightings. Reports of every day birds were few making the 102 bird species seen in October unusually low; the only year less species were reported was in 1995 when the total was only 99. Last year we had a record high for October of 149 bird species emphasizing the contrast. Bad misses included Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron and Wilson’s Snipe. However, November was another story. Even though we only got a few reports including the common birds, there were reports of unusual sightings from all over the county bringing the total of bird species seen to a very respectable 113.

We will begin with the most unusual sightings. Two McCown’s Longspurs seen at Lagerman Reservoir among a flock of at least 75 Lapland Longspurs were a first record for the county. The Lapland Longspurs were themselves most unusual; before February 2003 they had last been seen in the county in November and December of 1979. These are an irregular winter species, most commonly seen on the northeastern plains of Colorado (Andrews and Righter, 1992). The McCown’s Longspurs breed in short grass prairie, but with a lack of suitable habitat their numbers have sharply decreased. Winter records are very rare; these birds may have been migrating.

Lagerman Reservoir was definitely one of the best spots for unusual birds during both months. Several observers commented that it initially seemed very quiet there, but that the birds found all tended to be unusual. Late shorebird sightings at Lagerman included American Avocet, Lesser Yellowlegs, Sanderling, Dunlin and Long-billed Dowitcher. A Short-billed Dowitcher seen at Walden Ponds was a first sighting for the year. It should be noted that all these shorebirds except the American Avocet were seen within a six day period between 29 October and 3 November. Thayer’s Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull were both seen at Lagerman, as well as at other reservoirs in the county. A Mew Gull was seen at Union Reservoir, and Bonaparte’s Gulls were seen in the county at two locations.

Many observers reported seeing both Trumpeter and Tundra Swans in November. It was hard to reckon exactly how many of these birds were present as they moved around. The first swan sightings were of five birds at Barker Reservoir near Nederland on November 25 and 26; these birds were thought to all be Trumpeter Swans. The next sighting was of seven swans at Boulder Reservoir on November 27; these were identified as four Trumpeter Swans (three adult and one immature) and three Tundra Swans. The Tundra Swans and two Trumpeter Swans were later seen at Lagerman Reservoir. There was also an unidentified swan sighting at Walden Ponds. Tundra Swans had not been reported to the inventory since 2001. Unusual geese were present too. Greater White-fronted Geese were reported both months. Two Snow Geese were reported in November as well as an unidentified flock of 150 white geese. Interestingly enough, there had been a report of a flock of 150 Ross’ Geese at Barr Lake, east of Denver, a week previously. November also produced a selection of other less usual water birds. A Pacific Loon was seen on Baseline Reservoir and two Red-necked Grebes (last seen in 2000) on Valmont Reservoir. A Long-tailed Duck and two Surf Scoters were also new for the year. A White-winged Scoter and two Barrow’s Goldeneye added to the unusual ducks. All these birds are possible winter sightings. However, a Great Egret at Walden Ponds between November 8 and 11 was definitely out of season.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo was seen by many observers at Walden Ponds in October. This species seems to be declining in numbers and was last seen in 1999. Winter Wren was new for the year. A Magnolia Warbler, as well as the more common Townsend’s Warbler, was seen in October and a Nashville Warbler in November. Both Lazuli Bunting and Indigo Bunting were reported in late October. Swamp Sparrows and White-throated Sparrows were found both months. For those that went looking, birding seemed to be productive. TOP

Work Cited: Andrews, Robert and Righter, Robert. (1992). Colorado Birds. Denver: Denver Museum of Natural History. TOP