ACES // Pitkin County Open Space: Fall Migration Birding at Jaffee Park


Lillian Bell

September 10, 2024

ACES // Pitkin County Open Space: Fall Migration Birding at Jaffee Park

Monday, September 9, 2024, 7-10:30 am
Weather: Mostly Sunny
Location: Jaffee Park, Aspen, CO

As the morning warmed up, bird activity popped in the cottonwood canopy along the river: in one spot we watched several western wood-pewees, warbling vireos, mountain chickadees, and a Townsend’s warbler, each utilizing various features of this habitat to forage for what they eat in their particular ways. It was a special highlight when an olive-sided flycatcher was perched right next to a western wood-pewee in the top of a snag in excellent view. They even stayed put while we rotated through the scope for detailed observations. This was the best possible opportunity to compare these two very similar species – it is almost unheard of to have them perch side by side! The Townsend’s warbler was also a special treat to see, as these migratory birds only pass through the Roaring Fork Valley in fall and are very uncommon. We saw dippers regularly as we walked upstream, for a total of 11 for the morning. Their behaviors were fascinating to watch, as always. Other highlights included a flock of turkey vultures circling on a rising thermal column of air, the unique and dramatic geology of the lower river canyon, and waxwings feeding fledglings. Join us on Thursday for more excellent fall birding on the Moore Open Space!

Species List: 

Canada Goose
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Red-tailed Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
Red-naped Sapsucker
Northern Flicker
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Western Wood-Pewee
Warbling Vireo
Staller’s Jay
Black-billed Magpie
American Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Mountain Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
American Dipper
Townsend’s Solitaire
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
Song Sparrow
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Townsend’s Warbler
– Rebecca Weiss: ACES Bird Guide
Featured Photo: Black-Capped Chickadee

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