ACES // Pitkin County Open Space: Fall Migration Birding at Moore Open Space

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Thursday, September 12, 2024, 7:30-9:30 am
Weather: Mostly Sunny
Location: Moore Open Space, Aspen, CO

Our focus on the Moore Open Space was to get a sense of the migratory birds that use this important habitat space during the height of fall migration. In particular, we zeroed in on sparrows because the assortment of species present at this location and this time of year provides a unique opportunity to compare their field marks and truly study this notoriously challenging group of birds. We began with a few key sparrow ID tips- things to notice while observing any sparrow: is the breast a clean, solid color or is it covered with streaks; does the tail have white outer edges or borders; and is there a white eye-ring or not? In the field today, we were able to see these features on white-crowned, vesper, and Brewer’s sparrows. We continued to watch these sparrows in various light conditions as we walked the loop trail. Despite missing many other quickly darting birds that disappeared in the grass or foliage, we had excellent views of birds, both with binoculars and through the scope. Highlights included a sage thrasher, several warblers, and downy woodpeckers feasting on insect galls in the oaks. Migration continues to bring many exciting birds through the valley! Join us on September 25th for a special fall migration hike on a mid-valley section of the Rio Grande Trail!