Field Trip Report

Saturday January 26, 2002
Wintering Raptors

Wintering Raptors 
Saturday, January 26, 2002, 9:30 Am-12:45 PM 
Leader: Phil Friedman

Thirteen people met at Fort Collins Harmony Library. The weather was brisk (35º then warming to 50º F) and sunny-a bit of snow on the ground-a great mid-winter day. Basic raptor identification and what birds to expect this time of year was discussed and a few handouts were passed out. 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) 
-------------------- 
Bald Eagle 1 
Red-tailed hawk (adult) 1
American Kestrel Male/Female pair 2

Colina Mariposa (just east of Shields Street on Trilby Road) 
--------------- 
Red-tailed hawk (perched on power line--unusual for a big bird) 1 
Merlin 1

Prairie Dog Meadows (adjacent/east of Humane Society)
------------------- 
Red-tailed hawk (adult) 1 
Ferruginous Hawk (adult) 4 
American Kestrel 1

Fossil Creek Marsh (on Trilby Road just east of the railroad overpass) 
Red-tailed hawk (adult) 2 
Bald Eagle (adult) 4 
Bald Eagle (4th year) 1 
Baled Eagle (immature) 1 
Accipiter spp. 
American Kestrel 2 (1 male) (one dive bombing a RTHA)

Other Species seen 
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Canada Goose 
Great-blue Heron 
American Crow 
Common Raven 
European Starling 
Black-capped Chickadee 
Northern Flicker 
Red-winged Blackbird 
House Finch 
House Sparrow

Mammals 
Coyote

Submitted by Phil Friedman