ACES // Pitkin County Open Space Birding: North Star Nature Preserve 5/29/2024

Nesting season is in full swing at North Star! Violet-green and Tree swallows were very active in the riverside stands of cottonwoods, claiming old woodpecker holes for their nest sites. We observed one Tree swallow that flew low, picking up a bit of dry grass in its bill and taking it to a nesting cavity. Other highlights included an abundance of Great blue herons that were seen flying high going up- or down valley, and others that were foraging along the river. One heron perched in a dead snag within the former heron rookery. Two Spotted sandpipers were active along the sandy riverbanks, and Yellow and Wilson’s warblers foraged in the willows. A female hummingbird, likely a Broad-tailed, flew in to hover near the colorful clothing of one of our birders. We learned about field craft and the process of working toward a positive ID with sparrows and finches. The history and habitats of North Star Nature Preserve were shared as well. Join us on June 4th for Morning Birding at Hallam Lake!