Dickcissels in Prowers and Bent Counties

I heard Dickcissels singing on a number of alfalfa fields in both Prowers and Bent counties. They should be fairly common in this eastern section of Colorado.

What was suprising though were 3 Dickcissel that were in a wet meadow that had been invaded by Canada Thistle, an aggressive and noxious plant. Although I could see Spike Rush, the Canada Thistle dominated these fields.

Since male Dickcissels sing throughout the year, I don't know if this location was a post-breeding site where they are preparing for migration (which are large open fields or wetlands per Birds of North America or if they might be breeding there. It would seem most unusual if they might be breeding in this predominate Canada Thistle field.

Dickcissels are "obligate grassland specialists" (per Birds of North America) and nest in hay fields, pastures, open grassland and agricultural areas. Nesting in a Canada Thistle dominated habitat could be an adaptation to deal with the continually decreasing habitats for this species of conservation concern.

SeEtta