Two Buttes State Wildlife Area

Two Buttes State Wildlife Area (SWA) is located about 25 miles south of Lamar. The birding hotspot is in the "black hole" area of the SWA that is below the dam. Though the lake is dry due to drought, there is still water in the ponds in the Black Hole area (though they are low now also).

I was pleased to find 2 Red-headed Woodpeckers, a species on the National Audubon Society Watch List. There were also a number of Northern Flickers in the area including two that were engaged in apparent courtship behavior (both perched facing each other, swaying back and forth with bills held high)accompanied by "wicka" calls.

An Eastern Phoebe called as it foraged. In addition to the many Bullock's Orioles, I saw a male Orchard Oriole. A Redeyed Vireo called repeatively as is the habit of this species.

I heard and/or saw at least 5 Canyon Wrens, including 2 that were singing back and forth on both sides of the canyon. Apparently the young of this species are fledging as I saw another adult with immatures as I did yesterday at John Martin. This time the adult was with 3 immatures.

Also seen were the common species including Turkey Vultures, Mourning and Rock Doves, Northern Mockingbirds, and Western Kingbirds.

I saw 5 Burrowing Owls in the grasslands nearby, at least 3 were fledglings. There was a small flock of Common Ravens in the old ranch area with lots of trees that Colo Division of Wildlife now owns.

SeEtta