Sparrow Archives - Birds on the Wing

A Brant had been reported on Colorado Birds (cobirds) the local Google Group on the 20^th of December and again the 21^st. It was first seen at Lake Arbor and then at Pomona Lake #2 which are less than three miles apart. I had not seen a Brant in nearly two years and I was eager to reacquaint myself with this oceangoing Goose!

When we arrived at Pomona lake #2 we were greeted by hundreds of Canada and Cackling Geese. As we sifted through the white-cheeked geese we wondered if the Brant was still among them. Within ten minutes we spotted the bird. He was happily sleeping among the group of geese. Eventually he woke up and began walking around the ice. This was one of those rare times where we easily got the bird we were looking for and had great views of it!

Hybrid Goose — We also spotted an interesting hybrid goose which was mixed in with the flock.

After our satisfying looks at the Brant we headed to Clear Creek trail at I-70 and Golden Freeway. Our target was a Swamp Sparrow. The Swamp Sparrow is a small and skulky bird that lives in marshes and along rivers. It is uncommon in Colorado in winter and has eluded me within the state though I have seen it in Michigan. Unfortunately my bad luck with the Sparrow continued and we missed it again. We did see lots of cool ducks which are always fun to photograph.

Camera: Nikon COOLPIX P1000, SONY Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V

Optics: Celestron

While driving from Denver to Story, Wyoming, which takes about 6.5 hours, we spotted many raptors. The highlights were 14 Bald Eagles and 1 Golden Eagle, all between Casper and Story! Story is just outside of Sheridan, which is in North Central Wyoming. This area is bordered on the west by the Bighorn Mountains with rolling plains to the east.

I was excited about the possibility of 3 lifers on this trip: Bohemian Waxwing, Gray Partridge and Snow Bunting. These birds had all been reported on eBird within the last month so there was a good possibility of seeing all of them.

November 28^th, Lake De Smet, WY. Target bird: Gray Partridge

Thanksgiving Day. Partly sunny, 10°-25°. We headed out early and arrived just after sunrise. Lake De Smet is one of the largest bodies of water in Northern Wyoming surrounded by rolling hills and agricultural fields. Our first stop was the campground. The willow bushes around the camp sites draw in many wintering game birds including Sharp-tailed Grouse and Gray Partridge. We easily found flocks of both birds and enjoyed close views from the warmth of the car!

On our drive out we passed through excellent raptor habitat.

Not a raptor, but always cool to see a Common Raven.

November 29^th, Story, WY.

Feeder watching at my grandparents’ property. I enjoyed many common feeder birds in the pristine Ponderosa Pine forest in Story.

Bird Feeders — Very active bird feeders.

Mountain Chickadee, very similar to Black-capped Chickadee.

Bighorn Mountains — Fog moving down the valley into Story.

November 30^th, Bighorn, WY. Target bird: Bohemian Waxwing.

We only had 45 minutes to search for the flock of Waxwings which had been reported to eBird the day before. Birding on a tight schedule is always challenging and today was no exception! We birded along the Brinton Museum entrance road looking for Waxwings in the tall Cottonwood trees. None were present. However, there was a nice flock of Pine Grosbeak foraging near the road. As our time ran out we headed towards Sheridan along Little Goose Creek. As I leaned out of the car to look at a hawk I saw and heard a large flock of Waxwings flying overhead. I was fairly confident they were Bohemians, but not 100% sure. We’d have to continue our search another day…

Not a Waxwing, but a female Pine Grosbeak.

December 1^st, Bighorn, WY. Target bird: Bohemian Waxwing.

On our drive to the Brinton Museum we spotted a flock of Sharp-tailed Grouse. They were completely unconcerned with us and continued feeding as we watched from just feet away.

After viewing the Sharp-tails we headed towards the Brinton Museum. Driving along Little Goose Creek we finally found the Waxwings. There was a flock of Bohemian Waxwings numbering over 100 birds. Mixed in were a few Cedar Waxwings and Robins. The birds were feasting on berries. While watching the Waxwings my dad spotted a Harris’s Sparrow, which is a rare bird in Wyoming. Nice job, dad!