Possible Black Swift in Salida

I saw one swift, flying with a number of swallows (mostly Tree but also Barn Swallows), while I was birding Sand Lake in Salida today. I could not detect any white on it as is usually quite visible on White-throated Swifts (which would be expected in the area). The swift appeared all dark/blackish. I did not hear any of the vocalizations that are common with both White-throated and with Chimney Swifts (not expected here but also all dark; however they are pretty stubby birds which this bird was not), and reports are that Black Swifts are often silent during migration. It had long and pointed wings as is characteristic of Black Swifts but I couldn not detect a notch (though the bird was flying fast, weaving in and out between the swallows and it flew off after a short time). The only other possible (tho most unlikely) species would be a Vaux’s Swift--but they are smaller than the many Tree Swallows flying nearby and the bird I saw appeared larger. Black Swifts are rare around southeast Colo (and not documented in Salida before). They are on "watch list" for both the National Audubon Society and Partners In Flight due to conservation concerns.

I also saw 2 male Red-naped Sapsuckers having an apparent territorial dispute over a tree. After uttering a number of calls, and what looked like chasing each other as they "hitched" themselves around the tree, they engaged in a brief physical confrontation that ended with one bird leaving the tree. I got some good photos so will put them up tomorrow.

Other birds seen included Pine Siskens, 3 male Great-tailed Grackles (they have been found each summer for the past several years at Sand Lake), a White-breasted Nuthatch and 50-60 ibis in a flooded field.

SeEtta