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


Lillian Bell

September 12, 2024

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

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!

Species list:
Mallard
Canada Goose
Osprey
Red-tailed Hawk
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Western Wood-Pewee
Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay
Black-billed Magpie
Black-capped Chickadee
Mountain Chickadee
American Robin
Sage Thrasher
Cedar Waxwing
Orange-crowned Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler
Green-tailed Towhee
Brewer’s Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
– Rebecca Weiss, ACES Bird Guide
Featured Photo: Song Sparrow

Related Content

ACES Birding By Habitat: Rock Bottom Ranch to Catherine Store 9/25/24

Learn More

ACES Morning Birding at Hallam Lake 9/24/24

Learn More

ACES Morning Birding at Rock Bottom Ranch 9/17/2024

Learn More