Colorado Conservation Birding

Site moved

2006-02-08T01:32:00.000-07:00

This site has moved to http://secoloradobirding.blogspot.com/

Hurricane's impact on bird migration

2005-09-26T00:18:00.000-06:00

Following is an excerpt from Boston.com news dated 9-23-05:

By Lynn Brezosky, Associated Press Writer | September 23, 2005

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas --For millennia, fall's Gulf of Mexico hurricanes have butted gale-force winds against the southbound journeys of migrating birds. Somehow, the birds have been able to sense storm paths and survive."

Read the full story here

Hurricane damage to wildlife habitat

2005-09-26T00:09:00.000-06:00

Following is excerpted from WashingtonPost.com story on the impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on wildlife habitat and natural buffers:

". . .In Mississippi's Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, the hurricane felled pine trees crucial to the survival of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker; Breton Island, a sanctuary for nesting and wintering seabirds and shorebirds, has largely washed away. . ."

Read the full story here

Hurricane Katrina--AQUARIUM DOLPHINS FOUND

2005-09-15T11:51:00.000-06:00

Following is excerpted from the MSNBC website:

"By Ron Mott
Correspondent
NBC News
Updated: 11:54 a.m. ET Sept. 15, 2005

GULFPORT, Miss. - In an “unheard of” rescue operation, eight dolphins that were swept out of their oceanarium by Hurricane Katrina have been rediscovered hundreds of yards out at sea where trainers are tracking, feeding and caring for them."

Read the full article here

Hurricane Katrina-WILDLIFE HABITATS DESTROYED

2005-09-15T00:12:00.000-06:00

Excerpted from Defenders of Wildlife eNews on 3-14-05:

Wildlife Habitats Destroyed
Wetlands that once supported birds and other animals are now gone. National wildlife refuges covering 365,000 acres are still closed. Breton National Wildlife Refuge, which is the second oldest refuge in the country and celebrating its centennial this year, is now about half its original size. At least five other refuges in the area also suffered extreme damage.

A number of endangered animals rely on the refuges for survival. About 50 sea turtle nests along the Alabama coast and all ten nests at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge were lost. Many trees fell at Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, including those that housed endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers. Some good news though: It appears that a good number of Mississippi sandhill cranes (an endangered subspecies of crane) survived the storm, though some were lost. Untold numbers of other animals likely did not weather the storm so well though.

Read full article here
SeEtta

Hurricane Katrina--RESCUE SET FOR DOLPHINS

2005-09-15T00:10:00.000-06:00

Excerpted from Reuters Alert Net--

Source: Reuters
HOUSTON, Sept 14 (Reuters) - Wildlife experts will try to rescue eight bottlenose dolphins swept from their aquarium home into the Mississippi Sound by Hurricane Katrina, a federal agency said on Wednesday.

The dolphins were spotted in the sound off the Mississippi coast on Saturday and appeared to be underweight and injured, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service said.

Because they lived in captivity in the Marine Life Aquarium in Gulfport, Mississippi, they do not know how to forage for food and are being fed several times a day from a NOAA vessel.

Read full story here

Hurricane Katrina-Wildlife update 9-13-05

2005-09-14T00:01:00.000-06:00

This is from the Best Friend's website-September 13, 2005 : 7:17 PM ET
"Lloyd Brown, with the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (www.iwrc-online.org), has been combing the ravaged Gulf Coast for days, checking on the damage to wildlife centers and picking up animals in distress.

This morning he brought an exhausted white pelican, that he had plucked from the coastal areas southeast of New Orleans, to Leslie Lattimore, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in Livingston, Louisiana and also a board member of the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (www.nwrawildlife.org)

The pelican is weak, with feathers soaked in toxic, oily water. Leslie reports that he’ll need a good bath, but he is eagerly wolfing down some food, which is a great sign. He’s receiving the best possible care. Whether or not the pelican survives may depend on how much toxicity his system has taken in, but he has no injuries and stands a chance."

Read full article here

Hurricane Katrina--site for info on wildife rehabilitators

2005-09-12T00:11:00.000-06:00

Here is the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association website update page on local wildlife rehabilitators in the Hurricane Katrina devastated areas. You may need to click on your refresh button to see if there is any more updated info after today (or just go to the main page then move to the Hurricane Katrina update page) SeEtta

Hurricane Katrina--Threatened, endangered & exotic animals

2005-09-12T00:06:00.000-06:00

Following excerpt is from this website
SeEtta

Global Wildlife Center
The Global Wildlife Center in Folsom, Louisiana, home to over 3,000 exotic, endangered, and threatened animals from all over the world, posted the following on their web site on Saturday September 3, 2005: "Global Wildlife will remain closed to the public until further notice. All of our animals are doing great and we only had minor damage from falling trees. However due to the lack of electricity and fuel in the area; we are unable to open back up to the public at this time.

Hurricane Katrina-Zoo & aquarium update

2005-09-12T00:02:00.000-06:00

This taken from the American Zoo and Aquarium Assoc website (http://www.aza.org/Newsroom/hurricaneupdate) SeEtta

"Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
While the aquarium survived Hurricane Katrina relatively unscathed, its life support system did not; most of the animals in its aquatic exhibits were lost. However, the sea otters, penguins, macaws and raptors, leafy and weedy sea dragons, some fishes, and Midas, a 250 lb. green sea turtle all survived thanks to the care of staff who remained at the aquarium through the hurricane, flooding and civil unrest.

The Aquarium has power again as of yesterday. In addition, a new staff team staff arrived yesterday as replacements for those who have been at the Aquarium.

The Aquarium has relocated the surviving animals from its marine life collection to four colleague institutions in Monterey, California; and Dallas, Galveston, and Houston, Texas.

* Aquarium survivors to be airlifted out of New Orleans
CNN.com | 9/9/2005
* Aquarium Animals Evacuate New Orleans; Zoo Gets Relief
NationalGeographic.com | 9/9/2005"

"Audubon Zoo
The Audubon Zoo also has a fresh staff team in place today, which will allow the twelve "storm riders" to take a much-needed break.

Audubon Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species
The Center is faring well. Clean-up continues.

Hurricane Katrina-RESCUED INJURED WILDLIFE

2005-09-07T23:21:00.000-06:00

The following also comes from the Best Friends website:

"Meanwhile, since last Thursday, September 1, Becki Bolm has released eleven of her birds and has taken in a flood of hurricane victims: three Eastern blue jays, some Merganser ducks, Madagascar ducks, five squirrel babies, a red-tailed hawk, and a barred owl. The NWRA will be sending Becki a giant “care package” of food and rehabilitation supplies for birds and mammals to help with all these extra patients.

Becki is also giving instructions on emergency care by phone to a couple dozen volunteers scattered across several counties who are raising squirrel babies. Gas is still scarce, and it’s difficult to bring the babies to her center.

One of these new squirrel caregivers is an eighty-two year old lady living between Lafayette and New Orleans, Louisiana, who is feeding the baby squirrels a makeshift diet that is the best she can do in the circumstances. She insisted that she didn’t need any help herself and says that both the squirrels and she are doing just fine!

Becki explains that the newly arrived ducks and blue jays were brought out of New Orleans by a couple, Edie and her husband, as they evacuated the city. They’ve lost their house and their jobs, but discovered unexpected kindness on the part of a gentleman in Jackson, who not only invited them to be guests in his home, but who drove them both, along with the three blue jays and the little group of ducks, all in need of care, out to Becki’s wildlife center. "

Read full report here
SeEtta

Hurricane Katrina--WILDLIFE REHABILATION CENTERS REPORT

2005-09-07T23:17:00.000-06:00

This is a mixture of devotion, sad and heartening news about several rehabilitator facilites taken from the Best Friends website:

"September 7, 2005 : 11:40 PM ET
The saddest news, first, is that four of the people of WRANPS, the Wildlife Rehab and Nature Preservation Society in Long Beach, Mississippi, did not survive the hurricane and were found in the wreckage of their center this morning by Alison Sharpe and another wildlife rehabilitator. The four have not yet been identified, so we do not have their names.

Of the seventy or so animals also found at WRANPS, some were still alive and are being placed in the care of other wildlife rehabilitators.

The entire staff of WRANPS has done a valiant job for many years in caring for pelicans, seals and many other sea birds and mammals. They took in two or three thousand animals a year and provided a haven for orphaned and injured Gulf Coast wildlife. May peace and blessings be with them as they and the creatures they cared for travel to the shores of a gentler sea.

Also on the Mississippi coast, wildlife rehabilitator Alison Sharpe survived the full brunt of the hurricane, which destroyed her house while she was in it. In the middle of the hurricane, she and a colleague made a dash for a construction site where they rode out the rest of the storm.

Very sadly, Alison had to euthanize all her rehab birds because there was not enough food to keep them alive. She was able to save her three educational birds. For several days she shared ice cubes with the three: a great horned owl, a crow, and a red-tailed hawk, doling out to them the small amount of food available. Finally, she was able to make her way to Becki Bolm’s center in Vicksburg with the three birds, who she has entrusted to Becki for the time being.

Becki who reported this news to us, had more news as well, some happier. Since we spoke with Becki last Thursday (see previous column) their power is on, though it blinks a little from time to time.

Pat Lowrance, licensed wildlife rehabilitator and friend of Becki’s in a nearby town, was able to release eight of her birds, and is now down to sixteen hawks, owls, and Mississippi kites. A near disaster, though, was the loss all of the food for her raptors (birds of prey), spoiled because of the power going out. She was left with nothing to feed the birds.

The Jackson Zoo, in Jackson Mississippi, has come to the rescue and will be donating raptor food to both Pat and Becki! Donna Todd, wildlife rehabilitator at the Jackson Zoo arranged this donation."

Read full report here
SeEtta

Hurricane Katrina--WILDLIFE RESCUERS NEED HELP & SUPPLIES

2005-09-05T21:27:00.000-06:00

I got the following post from Best Friends Animal Society's webpage. You can verify authenticity here. I encourage everyone to check sources of any information requesting help and especially money you find on internet as way to easy to scam people. SeEtta

September 5, 2005 : 10:27 PM ET
posted by: gianna59
WILDLIFE efforts also in progress and in need:

Generators, Wildlife rehabilitators or wildlife suppliers with food for raptors Transportation for supplies (especially within Mississippi). Because gas is scarce, enough gas will be needed for round-trip.

To help with these wildlife needs, please e-mail hrf@bestfriends.org or call 435-644-2001, x 104, specifying that it is “for wildlife”. Please leave a clear message and your complete contact information.

Thank you for helping the wild birds and animals who were in the hurricane!

Hurricane Katrina--ANIMAL RESCUE HELP NEEDED

2005-09-05T13:28:00.000-06:00

AFP/Getty Images - Tue Aug 30,12:06 PM ET

Here are two locations shelters requesting help from all levels of expertise that I took from the Louisiana School of Veterinary Medicine website. You can check the authenticity here (look on bottom of page). Always check authenticity of sources before calling, volunteering and especially giving as there are criminals who are actively engaged in trying to scam good-hearted people who want to help. SeEtta

" If you live outside the Baton Rouge area and would like to volunteer your time to work in one of the Emergency Animal Shelters, please call toll-free (888) 773-6489 (Louisiana only; out-of-state, please call (225) 925-3990) or send an e-mail to Katrina@ldaf.louisiana.gov with your name and contact information, level of experience (e.g., veterinarian, veterinary assistant/technician, animal control worker, lay volunteer, etc., and please indicate any specialized skills you may have), your level of self-sufficiency, when you can travel to Baton Rouge, and how long you can stay.

Volunteers (minimum age: 16) are needed to work in the pet shelter at John M. Parker Coliseum. Please come to the Coliseum to sign up, call toll-free (888) 773-6489 (Louisiana only) or (225) 925-3980 (out-of-state), or e-mail Katrina@ldaf.louisiana.gov for more information."

Hurricane Katrina-New Orleans aquarium and zoo update

2005-09-05T02:22:00.000-06:00

The following update, some good and some bad, was reported on the online Times-Picayune on 9-4-05. SeEtta:

Some Fish Die At Aquarium
Sunday, Sept. 5, 2005 10:50 p.m.

By Jim Varney
Staff writer

While there were plenty of fires still smoldering in New Orleans on Sunday, the black smoke belching from the roof of one of the city’s crown jewels has regrettably stopped. The generator at the Aquarium of the Americas is shot.
Its demise signaled the death of scores of gorgeous animals according to stricken workers who moved through the building with miner’s lights strapped to their heads.
“These were our buddies. We did the best job we could to keep them alive,’’ said John Hewitt IV, director of husbandry and a senior vice president at the Audubon Nature Institute.
Near tears Hewitt declined to describe the watery tombs inside the aquarium. Most of the fish in the giant shark tank and the Caribbean reef exhibit are feared dead, as well as the tropical sting rays and other Amazonian fish in the aquarium’s rainforest section.
A similar tragedy reportedly has not befallen the New Orleans Zoo, another prime tourist attraction and a source of tremendous civic pride.
And all is not lost at the zoo’s watery partner at the foot of Canal Street. Hewitt identified the aquarium’s thick green anaconda and white alligators as among the survivors.
“They’re fine and frankly we’re in no hurry to move those guys,’’ Hewitt said.
Also making it through Hurricane Katrina were the aquarium’s sea otters, its bald eagle and most of its penguins. Hewitt said in the coming days the aquarium’s staff will try to find alternative homes for the fish and birds.
No decision has been made on a timetable for that move or on whether to drain the tanks before the dead fish are removed.
“We’ve had offers of help from all over the world,’’ he said. “What we’ll do now is access the health of the living animals and get them relocated wherever we can.”

Hurricane Katrina-news from wildlife rehabilitators

2005-09-05T00:08:00.000-06:00

Following excerpts were posted on the Best Friends Animal Society website:

eptember 4, 2005 : 7:06 PM ET
Wildlife on the Gulf Coast haven't been forgotten in the wake of the hurricane.

Following hurricane Katrina, wildlife rehabilitators in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, are helping wild creatures caught in the hurricane and are helping each other.
_____
So far, we’ve been able to reach a few of these wildlife rehabilitators, and we expect to reach a number of others in the coming days. These initial reports are from Thursday, September 1.

A hundred and twelve orphaned squirrels, who were blown out of their nests and away from their mothers by hurricane Katrina, were found by kind individuals who transported them to the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, in Baton Rouge, where Dr. Mark Mitchell, Dr. Lorrie Hale and their colleagues there care for wildlife. The baby squirrels are for the most part uninjured, though buffeted about a bit, and are doing very well.

Forty miles west of Baton Rouge, independent wildlife rehabilitator Valerie Jagneaux, reports that she was not affected by the hurricane, which passed to the east of her center. She specializes in opossums and is able to take in any mammals or reptiles, including squirrels, raccoons, lizards and alligators who may need help following the hurricane. Valerie does not rehabilitate birds, but can provide referrals for them.

In Alabama, the Environmental Studies Center, with the Mobile school district, still has no power, but is partially operational. Until next Tuesday, September 6, they are unable to take any more injured or orphaned wildlife, but they will be happy to provide information by phone on how to care for orphaned squirrels. Please see below for their contact information.
---
Becki Bolm in Vicksburg, Mississippi told us of ninety-mile per hour winds that battered her wildlife center for four hours, leaving her with no power, no water, and the roofs blown off of two of the three houses on the property. They are houses for people, not animals, and fortunately no one was hurt.

The bird facilities were unscathed, except for one cage. . . ."

Read full report here

SeEtta

Hurricane Katrina-animal rescues, even of a seal

2005-09-04T23:41:00.000-06:00

Several rescue organizations have staff and volunteers in the disaster areas. Here is part of a report from the Humane Society of the United States:

"Sunday, September 4, 2005; 9:48 p.m.

In their first foray into the embattled city of New Orleans, members of the HSUS Disaster Animal Relief Team (DART), together with animal control staff from the Louisiana SPCA, targeted animals stranded at the Superdome as their priority goal. There, they rescued dozens of animals relinquished or abandoned by desperate evacuees who fled the city to escape Katrina’s rage."

"In Jackson County, Mississippi, they assisted the Sheriff’s Office with the capture of a seal, most likely one of those missing from the Marine Life Oceanarium in Gulfport."

Read full report here.

SeEtta

Hurricane Katrina--Zoo update & more good news

2005-09-03T23:50:00.000-06:00

I took this update, dated 9-3-05 from MongaBay.com, a interesting blog that "aims to raise interest in wildlife and wildlands while promoting awareness of environmental issues." SeEtta

"The Audubon Zoo, the Aquarium of the Americas, the Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species in New Orleans survived Hurricane Katrina relatively unscathed according to reports from operators of the facilities. However, in neighboring Mississippi, the Gulport Marine Life Oceanarium aquarium was totally destroyed.

Dan Maloney, general curator at the Audubon Zoo, reports that although "attendance is really down," the staff that have stayed at the zoo are doing fine."

Read the full report by clicking on this

Hurricane Katrina-prognosis bad for wildlife

2005-09-03T01:17:00.000-06:00

Sadly I did find this article on wildlife in the SanDiego.com website. SeEtta:

Wildlife Unlikely To Survive Hurricane Katrina
Alligators, Snakes Could Float Into Homes

POSTED: 5:56 pm PDT August 30, 2005
UPDATED: 7:32 pm PDT August 30, 2005

SAN DIEGO -- Wildlife experts say Hurricane Katrina has had a devastating effect on animals in the region.

Officials believe thousands of farm animals may have been killed due to storm surging along the coast and flooding from Katrina's heavy rain.

Alligators and snakes that normally call lagoons home could now be floating around residential areas. A local wildlife expert said it is unlikely any land-based animal would have survived.

"A raccoon might be able to survive by getting in a tree. A bear might even do that, but a deer probably would not survive an event like this," said Val Urban, of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

One creature that is sure to survive in the aftermath of the hurricane is the mosquito.

Hurricane Katrina--a little report on wildlife

2005-09-03T01:04:00.000-06:00

I took the following excerpt from the Humane society of the United States website, on their 9-2-05 report. It isn't much but it is all I have found. It sounds like they may rescue wildlife contingent upon conditions (ie, danger)and resources. SeEtta

"Native Wildlife

The toll of this tragedy on wild animals is expected to be significant, as untold numbers are killed, injured, or displaced by the impacts of Katrina. In Slidell, Louisiana, police Captain Rob Callahan reported to CNN that approximately 100,000 fish lay aground in his neighborhood, nearly four miles inland from the lake shore. The HSUS is monitoring the situation to assess and respond to native wildlife impacted by the disaster.

Dangerous wildlife, such as poisonous snakes and alligators, are likely to be at large in areas where they could pose safety concerns for people and their pets, and should be given a wide berth as they try themselves to get out of harm’s way.

Other wild animals may be found stranded, isolated, or trapped by debris. Each will have to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis considering the resources available and other priorities. These animals should be left alone and their locations reported to wildlife professionals or other local authorities whenever possible, since any wild animal approached by a human is likely to act in a defensive manner and may be dangerous"

Hurricane Katrina--Zoo news & it's good

2005-09-02T17:30:00.000-06:00

Here is info from American Zoo and Aquarium Association--latest report dated 9-1-05 at 5pm. SeEtta

Hurricane Update

This is what we know about the status of AZA member institutions in the affected area as of 5:00 pm, 1 September 2005.

We are receiving messages from our international colleagues.

Audubon Zoo
AZA has gotten an update on the Audubon Zoo situation from Dr. Betsy Dresser, director of the Audubon Center for the Research in Endangered Species facility. A crew of 12 are on site at the Zoo. She reports that they are in good spirits. They have supplies and currently the generators are operational. They do not believe there is a need to move the animals from the Zoo at present. The Zoo is coordinating its future supply needs through Dr. Dresser, who is working with the AZA.

Aquarium of the Americas
In the past 24 hours, staff has had to vacate the Aquarium of the Americas. The Aquarium is in the area of the city where there is much looting and violence. Ron Forman, President and CEO of the Audubon Nature Institute is coordinating efforts to keep the Aquarium safe through the New Orleans police and fire departments. Once the area around the Aquarium stabilizes, Aquarium staff will return to the facility.

Audubon Center for the Research in Endangered Species (ACRES)
As noted yesterday, there are 4 keepers at ACRES. Dr. Dresser is in contact with them daily and is coordinating their needs.

AZA continues to work with Dr. Dresser and other Audubon Nature Institute executives to coordinate relief efforts. Once there is a safe method of delivery, we will be able to put our plans into immediate action.

BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo
The Zoo has electricity but there are brown outs. There are lots of trees down, but there were no animal losses. They are already working on clean up.

Alexandria Zoo
They are doing fine. They had no animal loss.

Jackson Zoo
The Zoo suffered very slight building damage and has about 35 trees down. There was no injury to any staff or animals. About half of the zoo has power. They will be closed for about a week while they clean up the trees.

Birmingham Zoo
The Zoo was without electricity for one day but power is now restored. Some trees are down, but the zoo suffered no animal losses.

Montgomery Zoo
The Zoo has some electricity, had some trees are down, but they suffered no animal losses.

Hurricane Katrina--reports from some captive animal facilities

2005-09-01T23:22:00.000-06:00

The following was posted in the comment section and I have copied it so I could put it on as a post that would be easily seen. Thanks to the party who sent it. There is some good news for some animals and other critters. SeEtta:

"This is from the American Association of Museums, (http://www.aam-us.org/aamlatest/news/ HurricaneFirstReports.cfm)
regarding various captive animal facilities

Alexandria Zoo (as of 8-31). AZA reports that the Zoo is fine. They had no animal loss.From The American Association of Museums:

Audubon Nature Institute (as of 8-31). AZA reports that the staff of the Audubon Nature Institute is safe. The physical plants at both the Zoo and the Aquarium suffered little damage. The staff will continue to assess the impact on the animal collections at all Audubon facilities. The Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species (ACRES) lost one whooping crane but the remaining animals at the facility are fine. The area has not been flooded but there are some leaks at the Research Center. Four animal keepers were flown in by helicopter. At present, they do not need food or water.

Aquarium of Americas (as of 8-31). The Palladium-Item reported that the Aquarium, located on Canal Street a few blocks from the New Orleans' French Quarter, lost only one fish and he had been sick before the hurricane hit.

Birmingham Zoo (as of 8-30). AZA reports that the Zoo is without electricity, has some trees down, but suffered no animal losses.

BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo (as of 8-31). AZA reports that the Zoo has electricity now. There are lots of trees down, but no animal losses. They are already working on clean up.

Jackson Zoo (as of 8-30). AZA reports that the Zoo suffered very slight building damage and has about 35 trees down. There was no injury to any staff or animals. About half of the zoo has power. They will be closed for about a week while they clean up the trees.

Marine Life Oceanarium (as of 8-31). The Baltimore Sun reports there is an empty space where the Gulfport aquarium used to be.

Montgomery Zoo (as of 8-30). AZA reports that the Zoo is without electricity, had some trees down, but suffered no animal losses."

Hurricane Katrina

2005-08-31T23:37:00.000-06:00

Although I birded today in the lower Arkansas Valley, I will forgo my report on that until tomorrow. While driving, I heard many reports on Hurricane Katrina. I think we are all just starting to take in the astounding devastation wrought by Hurrican Katrina. In addition to the toll of death and injury to humans, many domestic and wild birds and animals are similarly impacted. I will get some links for rescue groups up on this site tomorrow.
SeEtta

Salida Birding 8-29-05

2005-08-30T11:35:00.000-06:00

Sorry for late posting, but I have been experiencing some difficulties getting this up on my blog (even did a bunch of basic html and lost it).

As I had a public meeting to attend in Salida, CO on a proposal to submit Brown's Canyon, I stopped a little before and a some after to do a little birding at Sands Lake. There were lots of Wilson's Warblers, a bunch of Yellow Warblers and several Orange-crowned Warblers in the large stands of willows surrouding this small lake and on the shore of the adjacent Arkansas River. Surprisingly I didn't see any Townsend's Warblers, a species that I saw there this time last year but I didn't have a lot of time to search. There was a ubiquitous Western Wood-Pewee working from a tall cottonwood. And the local population of about 20 males, females and immature Great-tailed Grackles, including one juvenile still begging, was on a small island in the lake.

I couldn't do any birding today due to other obligations but will make up for lost time tomorrow.
SeEtta

2005-08-29T10:01:00.000-06:00

Birding in Pueblo 8-28-05

Yesterday (8-28) I did a little birding in Pueblo on the Colorado State Univ of Pueblo. I found a gully which drained some of the campus so it had some wetlands. However, the most birds I saw were 4 female/immature Blue Grosbeak. A House Wren scolded from the reeds. And there were the ubiquitous Western-wood Pewees (2) and Wilson's Warblers. I also saw two Lark Sparrows--the university sits on the edge of short-grass prairie and there is a lot of rabbit-brush there.
SeEtta

2005-08-28T22:40:00.000-06:00

Arctic National Wildlife Area at risk again!

Gosh, will it never end? A number of conservation groups are sending out alerts that another attempt will be made in September to get drilling authorized in the Arctic National Wildlife Area by attaching it to the Budget Reconciliation Bill (a sneaky way of avoiding a public debate plus using the need to enact this legislation that funds the running of the federal government). The Defenders of Wildlife have a good website explaining this threat. You can see an interactive map of bird species that breed in the Artic in your state and you can take action by sending a message to your Representative and Senators that only takes a minute or two.

Birders have not only a vested interest in protecting birds that use the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge so they can continue seeing and enjoying them, but also a responsibility as birders must be active in protecting and conserving birds and their habitats. So, please take a few minutes to send a message via the easy and quick method provided by Defenders of Wildlife. Thank you.
SeEtta

2005-08-27T23:35:00.000-06:00

Expanded Code of Ethics

The Ontario (Canada) Field Ornithologists have developed an expanded Code of Ethics that I think adds some important and useful additions to the basic Code published by the American Birding Association (and linked in column on the right):

"As the number of birders increases, we must all make every effort to act in a positive and responsible way. We must also convey a responsible image to non-birders who may be affected by our activities. Most people appreciate birds but this appreciation can be quickly destroyed by the irresponsible actions of a handful of birders.

In the past a code of ethics was not considered necessary, but times have changed and as more and more pressure is put on our environment it is essential to do whatever we can to lead by example. Each of us must show consideration to other birders, landowners, habitat, birds and other wildlife at all times. We are ambassadors of birding and our actions today will reflect the respect we receive in the future.
The welfare of the birds must come first. Whatever your interest, from scientific study to listing, always consider the impact of your activity on the bird. Respect bird protection laws. We are all responsible to ensure we abide by them at all times.
Habitat protection. Habitat is vital for the existence of birds and we must ensure that our activities cause minimum damage to our environment. Use trails to avoid trampling vegetation.
Keep disturbance to a minimum. Although some birds can tolerate human activity, this varies from species to species and from season to season. Use common sense and extreme caution around nests. Migrants may be tired and hungry and should not be kept from resting or feeding. When photographing birds, study their reaction and if they become agitated, back off. Avoid the use of flash photography on owls. Tape recordings and similar methods of attracting birds may cause stress for territorial birds. They should be used sparingly and avoided in heavily birded areas. Do not deliberately flush birds. Patience is often rewarded.
Rare breeding birds. If you discover a rare breeding bird, do not feel under any obligation to report your find to other birders. Record the details of your discovery. You may wish to file the nest with the Ontario Nest Records Scheme at the Royal Ontario Museum. Avoid visiting known sites of rare breeding birds unless they can be viewed from a distance without disturbance.
Rare birds. Rare migrants or vagrants are the species most sought after by birders. If you discover a rarity, consider the circumstances carefully before releasing the information. You must take responsibility for the decision to release the find. You should consider whether an influx of birders will disturb the bird, people or other species in the area; whether habitat will be damaged ; and where people will park. Inform the landowner of the find, explain what may happen and obtain permission to tell other birders. Ask the landowner for a list of dos and don'ts, for example, where birders may stand to get a good view and what restrictions there may be on time of day. Also ask which areas are off limit. If you decide to release the news, give precise directions and instructions. If possible include a phone number. At all times make as little noise as possible. Remember, most non-birders will be surprised by the number of visitors who wish to see a rare bird.
Respect the rights of landowners and occupiers of land.. Before entering an area, be aware of the rules about access such as by-laws of Conservation Authorities, National and Provincial Parks, and Regional Authorities. Many landowners and authorities allow birders access to areas normally off limits. Always act in a responsible way and if you are asked to leave, do so immediately. Do not block gateways or cause damage to fences, and leave gates as you find them. Do not obstruct people who may be working in these areas.
Have proper consideration for other birders. When telephoning for information, do so at reasonable hours of the day. Try not to disrupt other birders' activities or scare the birds they are watching. Many other people enjoy the outdoors; do not interfere with their activities. Be polite to other birders and helpful to beginners. If you see people obviously disturbing birds or significantly damaging habitat, explain to them the effect of their actions but be courteous, they may not be aware of the effect they are having.
Increase our knowledge about birds. Keep notes of your sightings and send them to area compilers. Send rare bird reports to the Secretary, Ontario Bird Records Committee.
When birding in other countries, provinces or regions. Find out if there is a local code of ethics or any special rules that should be respected."
SeEtta

2005-08-27T16:36:00.000-06:00

Canon City birding

This morning I birded with two Pueblo birders, Pearle and Clif, who drove up to Canon City to do the eastern section of the Canon City Riverwalk with me. We ran into several active, mixed groups of birds along the approx 1 mile of this section. Following are some of the less common birds we saw:

Plumbeous Vireos-at least 3 (including 1 immature and 1 that was singing)
Orange-crowned Warbler-1 seen by Pearle
Nashville Warbler-1 seen by Clif
MacGillivray's Warbler-1 seen by Pearle and Clif
Wilson's Warblers-many still migrating through
Western Tanager-many still migrating through
and several Black-chinned, Broad-tailed and Rufous Hummingbirds (many migrating)

SeEtta

2005-08-27T15:23:00.000-06:00

Can birding really harm birds?

There is not a lot research on the impacts of birding on birds; and what there is tends to be done at very important areas. There are also studies that show negative impacts of "visitors" (including general wildlife watchers as well as birders) such as noted in the following abstracts:

"Humans visiting natural areas often disturb wildlife, possibly displacing animals from desirable habitat. To hold ecotourism at acceptable levels refuge managers need to know which species are likely to be affected and which response occurs at different levels of disturbance. Displacement of waterbirds at J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Florida (U.S.A.), by specific human activities was demonstrated experimentally by Klein in 1993. We assessed the extent of this effect of ecotourism on the distribution of 38 species of waterbirds by surveying birds in plots of known distance from a dike along which wildlife tours occurred. Most resident species were less sensitive to disturbance than were migrants. Migrant ducks were most sensitive when they first arrived, mid-October to mid-December, usually remaining more than 80 m from the drive, even at low levels of human visitation. Herons, egrets. Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis), and Anhingas (Anhinga anhinga) were most likely to remain close to areas of high human activity. Shorebirds were displaced at intermediate distance and visitation levels. Mottled Ducks (Anas fulvigula) and several of the ardeids seemed to include two groups differing in behavior, one habituated to humans and one sensitive to disturbance. Public education and changes in management practices are needed to reduce disturbance. Guided tours and low-disturbance zones where people stay in their cars could reduce the negative effects of tourists, especially in the fall when migrants arrive. The number of human visitors may have to be reduced or the wildlife drive closed on certain days during the tourist season." Conservation Biology Volume 9 Issue 6 Page 1454 - December 1995 doi:10.1046/j.1523-1739.1995.09061454.x Effects of Ecotourism on Distribution of Waterbirds in a Wildlife RefugeMary L. Klein, Stephen R. Humphrey, and H. Franklin Percival

"Traditionally, observing, feeding, and photographing wildlife were considered to be 'nonconsumptive' activities because removal of animals from their natural habitats did not occur.... nonconsumptive wildlife recreation was considered relatively benign in terms of its effects on wildlife; today, however, there is a growing recognition that wildlife-viewing recreation can have serious negative impacts on wildlife" (p257) Knight, Richard L. and Kevin J. Gutzwiller, eds. Wildlife and Recreationists. Covelo, California: Island Press, c.1995.

"Abstract. This study investigated the influence of recreational trails on breeding bird communities in forest and mixed-grass prairie ecosystems in Boulder County, Colorado during 1994 and 1995. . .Results indicated that composition and abundance of birds were altered adjacent to trails in both grasslands and forest ecosystems. In particular, some species like interior forest species did not occur, or occurred in lower densities, near trails than they occurred at a greater distance from trials; whereas some species, mainly generalists like edge species, were more abundant near trails." INFLUENCE OF RECREATIONAL TRAILS ON BREEDING BIRD COMMUNITIES By Scott G. Miller, Richard L. Knight, and Clinton K. Miller,

SeEtta

2005-08-27T10:49:00.000-06:00

Birding in pj habitat near Canon City on 8-26-05

Canon City is surrounded on 3 sides by pinyon-juniper (pj) dotted foothills. Today I birded some in this habitat to the northwest of town. Here are some of the birds seen:

Phantom Canyon-lower road:
Pinyon Jay-small flock of about 20 or so birds (this is a species of concern)
Juniper Titmouse-1

CR132 on the way to Beaver Creek Wilderness Study and State Wildife Areas--birds were seen from road where it goes thru private property in a canyon area not far up the road
Canyon Wren-1 very songful and inquisitive bird
Rock Wrens-3 (at least one a juvenile being fed by a parent)
Shrub Jays-several
Western Bluebirds--about 10
Say's Phoebe-1 (in same area I have seen one in past years-same bird or offspring maybe?)

SeEtta

2005-08-26T14:50:00.000-06:00

Low-impact Birding

With all the pressure on bird populations and their habitats, from habitat fragmentation and destruction to tower kills, it is imperative that birders develop and practice low-impact birding skills. I have heard it argued that birders help bird conservation by the focus and money they put into birding recreation and I think that is true. But I don't believe that low-impact birding is incompatible with productive and pleasureable birding for all but the most aggressive competitive birders.

Low-impact birding focusses attention on keeping the welfare of the birds and their habitat first. And low-impact birding is starting to be recognized by those who manage important and sensitive lands as well as a few ecotourism companies who practice true ecotourism (not industrial tourism that cloaks it's greed with empty ecotourism titles).

What is low-impact birding? We will focus on that over the next few days so check back soon.

SeEtta

2005-08-25T11:12:00.000-06:00

Canon City birding 8-25-05

I stopped by the east end of the Canon City Riverwalk about 4 pm. In the field before the trail I saw 2 juvenile Eastern Phoebes (with their yellow bellies, dipping their tails in phoebe fashion) sharing a fence with 2 Western Kingbirds. The same area produced a number of Blue Grosbeaks (both adult males, females and immatures), migrating Wilson's Warblers, 1 male Downy Woodpecker (on a mullein plant), more than a dozen migrating Western Tanagers and 1 Empid (shorthand for Empidonax flycatcher, a group that is very difficult to identify except by voice).

Down the Riverwalk trail I saw a MacGillivray's Warbler that first by it's "chip" note. Several Western Wood-Pewees fussed with each other. More Wilson's Warblers were moving through including several males with their distinctive small black caps. And I heard the distinctive "bidi, bidi, bidi, bidi" call (that's what it sounds like to me) then saw a White-breasted Nuthatch. When I was joined later by another birder, he saw a Olive-sided Flycatcher.

SeEtta

2005-08-24T23:17:00.000-06:00

Canon City area birding 8-24-05-Black & Eastern Phoebes

I didn't go down to the Canon City Riverwalk until this evening as I was going to do my fitness walk that I do in the evening when there are usually fewer birds and thus fewer interruptions so I can get some aerobic effect. But at 6 pm I ran into several small active spots of birds including more movement of migrating Wilson's Warblers and several female hummingbirds. In one of these spots, near the irrigation gates, was a migrating Black Phoebe (during breeding season I do not give specific locations as these are still pretty unusual birds in Colo and breeding birds can abandon nests when disturbed). In that location an Eastern Phoebe flew over but I couldn't see it well enough to tell if it was an juvenile (with yellow belly).

A little further up the Riverwalk I heard burry call that reminded me of a wren but not quite. It was a Plumbeous Vireo, a species whose song I am much more familiar with than this call. I watched it for several minutes as it worked on devouring a grasshopper about a third of its own size. Then a second Plumbeous Vireo flew by with its own grasshopper. Such a good size meal will certainly fuel these birds for their continuing migration.

Today I also refound a juvenile Eastern Phoebe at my friend's farm near Canon City.

And saw this silhouetted Great Blue Heron across the river as pictured above.

SeEtta

2005-08-23T23:52:00.000-06:00

Canon City birding 8-23-05

The Canon City Riverwalk was slow for migrating landbirds today both from 7:30-9:30 am and this evening at 6:00-6:30 pm. I covered about 3 linear miles of the Riverwalk which covered all of the eastern section plus both the river and bluff trails on the west section. But there was a good selection of both residents and birds that spend the breeding season here including the following:
Wood Ducks (6 females/immatures, furthest west I have seen indications of breeding by this species); Black-chinned Hummingbird; Broad-tailed Hummingbird; Downey Woodpecker; Western Wood-Pewee (probably some migrants in addition to those that nested or fledged in the area); Blue Jays (wouldn't you know, the birder from Calif who wanted to see this species missed them by just a few days);Black-capped Chickadees; House Wren; Gray Catbird (heard 1 but couldn't get it to show itself); Yellow Warbler (again, probably some that are migrants in addition to local birds); MacGillivray's Warbler (a pretty shy species that is not easily seen); Wilson's Warblers (a few migrants); Western Tanager (still good numbers of migrants, still often found eating fruit); Blue Grosbeak (several up and down the Riverwalk, adult males seen); Lazuli Bunting (1 scraggly looking male); Lesser Goldfinch (many); and American Goldfinch.

Noticeable by their absence have beenYellow-breasted Chats and Common Yellowthroats. More often heard than seen, there have been few of either of these species calling lately and they usually are here through part of September. ???

SeEtta

2005-08-23T22:15:00.000-06:00

Birding-a benign recreation?

Certainly when one compares birding to such other recreational choices as ATV, dirt bike and snowmobile riding, it has a much more limited impact on birds, other wildlife, soils, water and ecosystems. I think such comparisons beg the question. And I think that some birders believe that birding is a totally benign recreational choice. I, and many others not only in Colorado but nationwide, would say otherwise.

I love birding-enough that I do it almost every day. But I think it is important to look realistically at both the costs as well as benefits of those activities in which we are involved. And I think that all recreational activities involve some risk of harm for birds, other wildlife and their habitats.

Sadly, it has been my experience that some birders apparently think that birding is somehow sacrosanct and they become offended when it is suggested that some birders might put their recreational pursuit above the welfare of the birds and their habitats. The reality is otherwise and it only does harm to our chosen recreational pursuit to bury our heads in the sand, pretending every birder always follows ABA Code of Birding Ethics perfectly.

Novice birders often violate these ethics unknowingly. And frankly, I think that those of us who are more experienced, and especially the birding organizations, do an injustice to novice birders by not discussing the common pitfalls we all face. I think a good example of that is not in educating novice birders more about how birding can harm nesting birds. Sure, the Code of Birding Ethics states, "Keep well back from nests and nesting colonies. . . ." But what is "well back"? I think that is difficult to describe and varies according to species and other factors. But there are fairly specific warnings that need to be discussed.

I remember when I first began birding, I had no idea that walking up towards a nest could leave a trail for predators to follow. Even if I didn't walk right up to the nest, I probably created scent trails that led near enough to some nesting birds that might have alerted predators to the eggs or nestlings.

Then there is the issue of staying on trails--I suspect a hot subject. I can't think of one birder that I know who I haven't seen stray off of trails or paths to search for birds. I remember when I went on some of my early birding trips after I had gained some birding skills. One of Colorado's most skilled birders led trips that are best described as "hit and run" birding. The whole purpose was to get as many bird species, especially more rare species, as quickly as possible. Tromping through habitat, including important migratory bird habitat, was the norm for this birder. What we as more experienced birders do when we are birding, especially as field trip leaders, teaches more novice birders how to behave.

If you would like to comment, agree or disagree, click on the "comment" button below. It will open a pop-up comment form.

SeEtta

2005-08-22T23:17:00.000-06:00

Canon City area birding 8-22-05

This poor owl was as you see hanging upside down from a electric wire, apparently electrocuted and still hooked by its talon to that which killed it. It's face is somewhat visible between it's wings. I believe this is a Long-eared Owl, and was near an area where they have been seen this year. You can see that this owl has feathered legs and feet. Long-eared Owls have heavily feathered legs and feet, have a white patch below their bills, have a lot of streaks and barring on their body feathers that are brown with black and white markings with buffy underwings-all consistent with this bird.

There wasn't much happening at the eastern section of Canon City Riverwalk besides many Wilson's Warblers that are still migrating through. I did see 6+ Spotted Sandpipers along the river which is a lot for this area and likely some are migrating through. They are pretty easy to spot with their frequent bobbing action.

I also stopped by Brush Hollow Reservoir which was partially covered with some algae bloom so no boats for a change and few fisherman. There was a very vocal Osprey, several Double-Crested Cormorants, two Great Blue Heron, and a few Pied Grebes aroune the lake. 5+ Spotted Sandpipers that were walking on top of algae, searching for food. A large flock of Chipping Sparrows were flying on the east side through the trees and into the grass and shrubs.

SeEtta

P. S.--If you believe this owl is not a Long-eared, you can note that and why by clicking the "comments" button below--a pop-up screen will open with a comment form.

2005-08-22T22:45:00.000-06:00

Blog update 8-22-05

Since yesterday when I posted this blog address on Cobirds, the Colorado birding listserve fun by Colo Field Ornithologist, 68 "unique" visitors (addresses that had not visited for 3 hours so as to no double count someone who enters the site then comes back in a short period of time) have purviewed this blog. And we have our first "comment" which was a request to join as a member, which is pending the person's confirmation.

I have had to spend some more time learning about operating the site and the add-ons--the site statistics add-on and the comments add-on (add-on's are just sorta like small software additions to the basics provided by the blog host). Blogging has it's own unique terminology, a little of which I have learned.

SeEtta

2005-08-21T23:57:00.000-06:00

Canon City birding on 8-21-05

I looked for the Forster's Tern again today but did not see it. Since Canon City and the surrounding area has only a few ponds in addition to the Arkansas River, we don't get many gulls or terns. Many of the gulls and terns we do get do not stay long so I was not surprised that the Forster's was not where I saw it yesterday.

I birded the eastern half of the Canon City Riverwalk again today. I ran into a birder from California who is doing a birding trip through here. After birding Pueblo tomorrow, he will head up through Colo Springs then west on H24 to begin his way back home. He was pleased to have seen an Eastern Kingbird. Though common here, this is near the limit of their westerly range. He wanted to see Blue Jays but I haven't heard any on the Riverwalk for awhile. Maybe he will see one in Pueblo tomorrow. It is always interesting to run into birders from other areas. The birds they want to see may be common in our area, though not always there when someone is looking for them.

I saw 2 Olive-sided Flycatchers. This is a bird of conservation concern. They breed in old-growth confinerous forests and some in deciduous andmixed aspen/conifer forests according to the Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas. So I am always pleased to see these birds.

SeEtta
Canon City

2005-08-21T16:06:00.000-06:00

Canon City area birding on 8-20-05

Following are a some more notable birds (those not real common or just migrating through) that I saw while birding yesterday in the Canon City, Colorado area. Many Western Tanagers continue their migration through here. I find a lot of them gorging themselves for their trip on both native and non-native fruits including wild plum and Russian Olive fruit. Wilson Warblers also continue to move in, now including males with the females and immatures that I have seen this past week.

There were 3 Chimney Swifts flying above the Canon City Riverwalk. Though not a common species here, I have seen fewer this summer than in past years. I was able to find 2 Green Herons (considered a rarity along the front range, but they are in any area that is well traveled by many others and not any more disturbable by birders than other users of the area as noted below--so at this point I feel comfortable posting location) on a pond on the Canon City Riverwalk. Sadly as I watched one, I noticed something hit the water. The heron jumped back and emitted a squack. When it happened again I realized there were some teenagers laughing as they apparently had skipped some rocks at the heron and thought it was funny to startle it. They left before I could say anything to them.

I checked out several areas in Florence but it was pretty quiet. I did see a Wild Turkey hen with 8 good sized young. This area is seeing a lot of housing development so there is less habitat for Wild Turkeys. In fact, there is a Great Blue Heron nesting colony in this area that I am concerned will lose their nesting area as someone bought the property next to the heronry and are building on it.

I also found a Forster's Tern in the Canon City area on private property. Though unusual in this area, they are fairly common in other front range Colo areas. Also on private property near Canon City I saw a juvenile Eastern Phoebe whose yellow belly was quite bright (maybe just good sunlight on it or just more yellow than many).

SeEtta

2005-08-20T23:19:00.000-06:00

Hello birders. This is hopefully the beginning of a interesting, enjoyable and educational blog on birding in Colorado.

Colorado Birding is a conservation-oriented blog that emphasizes sustainability in birding practices. Birders can enjoy the recreation of birding without compromising the welfare of birds or their habitats.

While there are a number of listserves, websites and organizations that promote "listing" (maintaining life/year/state/county/etc lists of birds seen or heard) as the way to enjoy birds, this blog will focus on the enjoyment of observing and learning about birds with or without keeping a formal bird list. And it will encourage birding in a manner that is consistent with conservation of birds and their habitats. Civil dialogue is not only allowed but advocated.

Birders of all stages of experience are welcome to join. The basic rules are:

Civil discourse is required
No profanity, no "flaming" or other inappropriate interactions
Postings of bird sightings are welcome but do not post exact locations of very rare birds or those who are very sensitive to disturbance (if in doubt, post the bird sighting without the location and ask if posting the location could be detrimental to the bird or its habitat.
Read and always follow the American Bird Associations's Code of Birding Ethics located at http://www.americanbirding.org/abaethics.htm

This site is fledged