John Martin Reservoir on 12-14-05

This post is late as I have been on the road on my way to Brinkley, Arkansas to look for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker--hey, I can't do any worse than the many expert birders who have not been able to find it.

Anyway, I participated in the John Martin Reservoir Christmas Bird Count (CBC) in the morning on 12-14-05 before I continued on my trip. The small group I was with found 3 Barn Owls, a Canyon Wren, as well as both a Spotted and at least 2 Canyon Towhees. Last year this count had a very creditable 109 species (and with far fewer number of birders out looking than most of the counts of over 100 species in Colorado); however, this year due to the terrible arctic freeze almost all of John Martin Reservoir was still frozen for the count which will reduce the number of species. Nevertheless, this is a great area for winter as well as spring, summer and fall birds.

As I drove from Las Animas to Lamar, Colorado (about 50-60 miles), I saw at least 8 Redtail and 6 Northern Harrier Hawks (as well as many American Kestrals)--another indication of how productive this area is for bird species.
SeEtta
(from Brinkley, Arkansas)