Morning Birding Species List | April 5, 2016

Comments:

Spring is in the air, with nest-building activities and migratory birds beginning to return. We saw three great blue herons flying up valley, magpies and dippers constructing nests, and song sparrows singing heartily. Herons are actively working on nests in colonies in Woody Creek and further down valley, but those at the James Smith Property east of Aspen are not yet back; perhaps those we saw this morning were headed to that area. Two dipper pairs on the Roaring Fork River were actively building nests under their respective bridges, tangling once with each other in a territorial way. Similarly, Canada geese at Hallam Lake were especially vocal and actively contesting over nesting sites. It is the perfect time to focus on bird songs since migratory breeders are not yet back. It is also a great time to notice nests and other signs of bird and general wildlife that are visible without foliage and snow to conceal them. Join us in May for Morning Birding on the first and third Tuesdays!

~ Rebecca Weiss, ACES Bird Guide