February Birding at Hallam Lake 2/7/23

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Tuesday, February 7, 2023, 8:00am-11:00am
Weather: Sunny and cold
Location: Hallam Lake, Aspen, CO

 

With a starting temperature around 4 degrees Fahrenheit, we began with a mini lesson in the cozy nature center before venturing out into the preserve. We noted a recently published book by British author Sarah Gibson, Swifts and Us, an entertaining and interesting book about the world’s swift species, with focus on the common swift of Europe. We also noted the excellent weekly American Birding Association podcast by Nate Swick, which is highly recommended for fun guests discussing relevant topics from ornithology to birding and birders. Outside, we enjoyed excellent observations of a belted kingfisher, pied-billed grebes, an American dipper, and ring-necked ducks. These birds were in great light and fairly close for detailed looks at field marks and behaviors. In the high tree crowns, we saw and/or heard pygmy nuthatches, pine siskins, red crossbills, black-capped chickadees, mountain chickadees, and Steller’s jays. On the Roaring Fork River we were treated to seeing an adult bald eagle that was active, flying from perch to perch. Join us for the next Morning Birding outing on March 7th!

Species List:

~ Rebecca Weiss, ACES Bird Guide

Featured photo: Pine Siskin.