Shorebirds in their spring breeding plumages from the southern and coastal United States and Central and South America stop to rest and refuel as they rush north as far as Alaska and the Arctic tundra to breed. Like clockwork, their transient appearance is predictable in land-locked Colorado.
Here are examples of nests in which swallows raise their young.
When warm weather brings insects, the swallows aren’t far behind.
Photographing a bird in flight is more challenging than photographing a bird that remains still. Even more challenging is when it is flying toward or away from the camera.
Here are five black and white male ducks and some of their distinctive field marks. Ducks are plentiful here in Denver during the winter months. Where there is water, there is a duck, provided the water is not frozen.
Winter birding brings ducks to our viewing pleasure. Ducks are in open waters unobscured by obstacles. The males are colorful and have distinctive field marks that facilitate their identifications.
The Merlin app was launched in 2014 to help people find the answer to “What’s that bird?” Here is merlin the bird, a brown and white falcon with a heavily-streaked chest, round and oval white shapes throughout, and thin white tail bands.
In the ice-free open water near reservoirs, ponds, and wetlands, Wilson’s snipe and killdeer are two shorebirds that can be routinely encountered throughout winter.
On March 24, 2024, birder Todd Nicotra asked on the Denver Field Ornithologist Facebook page, “I am pretty new to birding. I saw this bird at City Park in Denver this morning, and I’m not sure what it is. Any thoughts?”
Snakes are a favorite on the menu of Swainson’s hawks. And a green heron scores a frog.
Seeking food and successful nesting drive the behavior and survival of bird species. These photos...
Common and uncommon raptors circling the skies over Denver during the summer months include the red-tailed hawk, the Swainson’s hawk, the Mississippi kite, the bald eagle, and the turkey vulture.
