Bird Walk – Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, Apr 4, 2015

Binoculars Scopes Bird Watching – Front Range Birding Company

Guide: Chuck Aid

Location Map:


Dear Front Range Birders:

On Saturday 16 of us had a wonderful morning at the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield.  We saw 38 species of birds with numerous highlights, as can generally be expected this time of year (see list below).  First of all we got to watch a female Great-horned Owl on her nest with the male in nearby attendance.  We, then, had some great duck sightings, including all three species of Colorado’s regularly occurring teal: Cinnamon (two males and one female), Green-winged (three females), and Blue-winged (one male and two females).  Great to see the blue in the wings of the Blue-winged Teal as they flew by.

Then, we saw a beautiful pair of Wood Ducks, the male being perhaps the gaudiest bird in Colorado.  We, also, had many opportunities to appreciate the breeding plumage of Great Blue Herons.  One of our major study birds for the day was the Say’s Phoebe.  There were a few of them giving us nice close looks and vocalizing throughout the morning.  And, then, we had a couple of uncommon birds, Marsh Wren and what I believe was a Goshawk.  Below are three Goshawk photos from the internet, which I believe show characteristics comparable to the bird we saw: accipiter shape (though more robust than Cooper’s Hawk), extensive white under-tail coverts, and overall light coloration.  The wings were straight and stiff and snapped strongly as it flew with rapid wingbeats.  Those of you who were there give me some feedback on these photos.  What do you think?

I hope that you are all able to get out and enjoy this weather!
Good birding!
Chuck

P.S.

1.  If you go to the 2:40 point of the second video on the FRBC website you’ll get to hear a female Wood Duck vocalizing  –  http://www.frontrangebirding.com/binoculars-scopes-bird-watching-supplies/
2.  Often on these walks I’m asked questions that I’m really not sure about, as in the one I was asked on Saturday about which bird is bigger, an American Kestrel or an American Robin.  So, when you ask me one of these questions I hope that you will go home and start doing some of your own bird research.  However, in this case, I’ve got the answer for you (according to Sibley):
AMKE – L 9”, WS 22”, WT 4.1oz
AMRO –  L10”, WS 17”, WT 2.7oz
I am surprised to learn that a Kestrel weighs that much more than a Robin.

Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, Jefferson, US-CO

  • Apr 4, 2015 8:15 AM – 11:35 AM
  • Protocol: Traveling
  • 2.5 mile(s)

Comments:     Front Range Birding Company

  • 38 speciesCanada Goose (Branta canadensis)  80
  • Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)  2
  • American Wigeon (Anas americana)  4
  • Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  13
  • Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors)  3
  • Cinnamon Teal (Anas cyanoptera)  3
  • Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)  9
  • Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca)  3
  • Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)  3
  • Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)  2
  • Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)  1
  • Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)  1
  • Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)  1
  • Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)  2
  • Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola)  1
  • American Coot (Fulica americana)  1
  • Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)  2
  • Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) (Columba livia (Feral Pigeon))  1
  • Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)  5
  • Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  1
  • Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)  2
  • Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)  1
  • Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)  1
  • Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  7
  • American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)  2
  • Say’s Phoebe (Sayornis saya)  3
  • Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)  14
  • American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  7
  • Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  4
  • Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris)  2
  • Townsend’s Solitaire (Myadestes townsendi)  1
  • American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  16
  • European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  5
  • Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  1
  • Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)  1
  • Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  6
  • Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)  6
  • House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)  8

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