Birding Man Adventures

06/25/2025

I recently led my first field trip with Denver Field Ornithologists and Denver Audubon assisted by David Suddjian. We enjoyed some great sightings of both male and female nesting American Redstarts. This energetic warbler is a lot of fun to watch, flashing its tail to spook up insects and circling out to catch them on the wing. Notice the prominent rictal bristles near the base of the bill, similar to what is found on flycatchers. There are few locations along the front range where American Redstarts breed, and they tend to prefer wet deciduous woods with thickets. The Denver Audubon Kingery Nature Center is a great place to look for them. .audubon

06/19/2025

I’m reposting an original post by .audubon letting you all know about my talk tonight at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park from 6-8 pm. Let’s chat about good things. Registration is free but make sure to register at link in bio. Hope to see you there!

06/06/2025

Score!

06/04/2025

I had the privilege of leading a retreat this past weekend at the Drala Mountain Center entitled “The Art of Zen Birding.” Over the course of the weekend, we practiced a variety of meditation techniques along with journaling, birding with intention and attention on behavior and detail, and discussion and reflection. What an incredible opportunity to connect with both nature and our true inner nature. Thanks to everyone who helped make this such a special weekend. Drala Mountain Center

05/23/2025

The American White Pelican is a majestic symbol of North America’s wetlands, gliding gracefully on outstretched wings that span up to 9 feet—one of the largest wingspans of any North American bird. Unlike its coastal cousin, the Brown Pelican, this striking bird fishes cooperatively in shallow inland lakes, herding fish together with synchronized swimming rather than plunge-diving. During breeding season, both males and females develop a curious horn-like growth on the top of their bills, a nuptial tubercle, which falls off after mating. Despite their hefty size—up to 30 pounds—they soar effortlessly on thermals, often seen drifting high overhead in V-shaped flocks. Their silent, almost prehistoric presence adds an air of awe wherever they appear.

05/19/2025

I took this photo of a curve-billed thrasher down in Pueblo, Colorado, where we can find it in the northern-most part of its range. Pairs mate for life and maintain their territory year-round. Curve-billed thrashers actually have a bill that is not as curved as LeConte’s, Crissal, and California thrashers. Maybe a new and improved name is needed?

05/14/2025

Proposed Changes to the Endangered Species Act Will Harm North America's Wildlife!

This week, Heather Weber-Langvardt of Wild Birds Unlimited (Colorado Springs) and Vice President of Aiken Audubon Society wrote a blog post highlighting an imminent threat to wildlife conservation: a proposed rule change that would strip away key protections in the Endangered Species Act.

For 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has saved countless species from extinction—including many right here in Colorado. But new changes could allow for increased habitat destruction, loosen regulations on pesticide use, and permit unregulated "incidental" killings of protected birds.

📚 In her blog, Heather breaks down the history of the Endangered Species Act, why it matters, what’s at risk, and how YOU can help protect it.

🖱️ Read the blog and take action now:
https://wildbirdwarble.wordpress.com/2025/05/12/losing-ground-what-the-endangered-species-act-changes-for-wildlife/

📅 Public comments are open until May 19. Make your voice heard by telling the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reject this proposal.

👉 Submit your comment here:

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/17/2025-06746/rescinding-the-definition-of-harm-under-the-endangered-species-act

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (collectively referred to as the Services or we) are proposing to rescind the regulatory definition of "harm" in our Endangered Species Act (ESA or the Act) regulations. The existing regulatory definition of...

05/10/2025

Last week we ventured out into the Great Plains of eastern Colorado and western Kansas to admire the showy courtship rituals of greater and lesser prairie chickens. Along the way, we found and photographed other fascinating denizens of the prairie. Photos 2 (burrowing owls) 3 (thick-billed longspur), and 4 (greater prairie chicken) were made by one of our trip participants. Thanks to everyone who was a part of this amazing adventure, including Bob Bledsoe and Stacy Hoeme, who both welcomed us onto their ranches.

05/04/2025

Excellent shot by my guest Andy Nettell of a riled up ruby-crowned kinglet. Giving me royal flycatcher vibes. Welcome back ruby-crowneds! And welcome back spring!

04/22/2025

Celebrating Earth Day with a white-tailed ptarmigan sighting at Loveland Pass! Honoring the Earth and all her creations on this beautiful day.

04/19/2025

This has to be the most gorgeous turkey I’ve ever seen. He was strutting his stuff to 6 hens in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.