Bird Sightings

Most owls are nocturnal, carnivorous, and nest in trees or man-made boxes. But there is an owl named the burrowing owl that is active during the day, nests in burrows dug by prairie dogs or ground squirrels, and eats principally insects but also hunts small rodents.

The American avocet is a colorful and unique appearing shorebird. The black-necked stilt is smaller than the American avocet but its legs are extremely long

Sexual dimorphism in birds refers to plumage, size, and other differences between the sexes. The color differences of the feathers among songbirds can be striking as illustrated by these blue grosbeaks.

The distinctions between the western, semipalmated, and white-rumped sandpipers plus the seasonal difference in plumage in the long-billed dowitcher.

As the weather warms, the shorebirds appear on sandbars and mudflats.

For many birds, spring migration and breeding season are in full swing. Some birds are more often heard than seen including two elusive, chicken-like birds, the sora and the Virginia rail, and the smaller yellow-breasted chat.

Wood Ducks are tree ducks—they perch on tree branches, usually near or not far from water.

The bald eagle is America’s national bird. Its main diet consists of fish—and it is a very skilled fisherman.

During the winter months, Goldeneyes and Mergansers are among the many diving ducks we see in and around Denver, and while they look similar, they also have several distinguishing characteristics.

Pellets are formed and regurgitated by all birds of prey because, lacking teeth, they cannot chew their food.

Some examples of brown and white songbirds I have encountered in and around Denver.