March, 2003

February Field Trip Report   

by Mark Yaeger

     Four birders met in Pueblo City Park for our annual tally of birds for National Audubon Societies’ Great Backyard Bird Count on Feb 16. Unusual birds for this year were a lone Snow Goose and the Varied Thrush that has been in the park since Dec 27.

     A pair of Mandarin Ducks were starting to court on the pond. These ducks are part of a feral population that has been around the park for the last 15-20 years. One rare bird we did not find that has been there from Oct 12 until the previous day was the male Eurasian Wigeon. We also counted 35 Wood Ducks which is one of the highest tallies in the nation. Other birdwatchers around Pueblo entered their totals to the count and helped Pueblo record the highest species numbers for Colorado at 61.

     To see the results of all counts visit www.birdsource.org.

FIELD TRIPS PLANNED FOR MARCH

Saturday, March 1  The Denver Field Ornithologists invite AVAS to an outing at the Pueblo Reservoir let by AVAS member Dave Silverman. Meet at the South Shore Marina at 9:00 a.m. Bring a lunch if you want to bird all day. Dave can be reached in Rye at 489-3565.

March 7—9  Monte Vista Crane Festival.  See article on this page, below.

Saturday, March 22  AVAS member David Pantle will lead a trip (also with the DFO) in the Cañon City area. David writes: “We ask people to meet at our home at 9:00 a.m. Our address is 1826 Flora Court. We will go to Tunnel Drive to search for Rufous-crowned Sparrows, then to Red Canyon Park for Juniper Titmouse and Wild Turkey, then back to our home for lunch (bring your lunch). After lunch we will walk along the Riverwalk, looking for Bald Eagles and Common Snipe.   

     “You can call for directions (719) 275-8208. From U. S. 50 turn south at the stoplight at Raynolds (Burger King) and go south two miles across the river and on to the top of bluff (Raynolds’ name changes to Ash). At the first street, Callihan, turn left (east) one block, then left (north) on Flora Drive and follow it several blocks toward the river. Flora Court is a cul-de-sac at the end of the street. Our house has a pink plaster wall and arch in front.”

Colfax County (NM) Birding Trip

     Saturday, March 15 to Maxwell NWR and Stubblefield/Laguna. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at entrance to Lake 13. Lakes might be ice-free.  PM birding will be out to historic Dawson Cemetery for thrushes, jay, etc. If you plan to go, please call Dave Cleary in Maxwell, NM at (505) 375-2971.

monte vista

 crane festival

     This year the annual Monte Vista Crane Festival will be celebrated on March 7—9.

     Saturday features a Birders’ Breakfast, crane and raptor viewing, eight nature workshops and dinner with a keynote speaker on the Mexican gray wolf. Sunday morning is dedicated to crane, raptor and wildlife watching tours.

     For more information and reservations, visit the website at

 <www.cranefest.com>, or call (719) 852-3552 Monday - Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.