Field Trip Report

Saturday December 1, 2001
Wintering Raptors

Wintering Raptors
Saturday, December 1, 2001, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM 
Leader: Phil Friedman

Ten people met at Fort Collins Harmony Library. The weather was almost as warm as the November trip (50-60 F) and sunny-a bit of snow still on the ground-a great early winter day. Basic raptor identification and what birds to expect this time of year was discussed and a few handouts were passed out. Then we carpooled to 4 city owned natural areas--Cathy Fromme, Colina Mariposa, Prairie Dog Meadows, and Fossil Creek Marsh, in search of wintering raptors. 

The warmth of the day did not keep the birds down. We had great close looks at a number of birds and also quite a few soaring.

Raptors seen 
Cathy Fromme Prairie (Shields Street parking area)
Red-tailed hawk (adult) 2 perched 

Colina Mariposa (just east of Shields Street on Trilby Road)
American Kestrel 2 (one eating a kill) 
Red-tailed hawk (adult) 2 perched 

Prairie Dog Meadows (adjacent/east of Humane Society) 
Red-tailed hawk (adult) 1 perched 
Ferruginous Hawk (adult) 2 (one on ground eating a prairie dog; one perched on roof of a house)
American Kestrel 2

Fossil Creek Marsh (on Trilby Road just east of the railroad overpass)
Red-tailed hawk (adult) 4 (one perched, others soaring)
Northern Harrier 2 (female and male adult) 
Bald Eagle (adult) 1 (flew into tree at intersection of Windsor Road and Timberline Road)
Sharp-shined Hawk 1 
American Kestrel 2 (1 male; other unknown) (one dive bombing a RTHA) 

Other Species seen 
Ring-billed Gull 
Canada Goose 
Western Meadowlark
Red-breasted Nuthatch
American Crow 
European Starling
Black-capped Chickadee
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay 
American Goldfinch 
House Finch 
House Sparrow 

Submitted by Phil Friedmann