Canon City birding

American Dippers have been quite active in the Canon City area in the past few days. I watched a pair chase each other up and down the Arkansas River adjacent to the Canon City Riverwalk yesterday. This chasing was accompanied by some singing. I don't know whether this chasing is agonistic such as a territorial dispute or what. Singing is uncommon in mid-winter according to Birds of North America but I also heard singing from a dipper that is located further down river. Since Colorado Breeding Bird Atlasshows that nest building has been observed as early as the end of February, maybe they are beginning to attract mates with their singing.

I found a Swamp Sparrow at the east end of the Canon City Riverwalk 2 days ago. This is the first one of this species I have seen this year. I continue to see/hear a Marsh Wren east of Canon City along a waterway. And yesterday I drove by the area where the Greater White-fronted Geese are often found. I only saw 4 but they were bedded down so I may have missed the 5th bird that has been present here since late fall.

SeEtta