Here is one last short post of local raptor
tidbits before I head to Brasil and the World Cup (see my blog here: http://copabound.blogspot.com/ ).
If I see any Brazilian raptors of note (although we are not going to the
rainforest at all this trip) I will try to post.
The Swainson’s
Hawks are definitely on the cemetery nest in Lafayette. If I drive to work, I can usually see one of
them atop the nest as I wait for the light on 111th at Baseline. I
often see one soaring in the afternoon as well.
I am curious to check this nest out and look for the babies after I get
back. There are a lot of other Swainson's in the area and probably a couple of nests along Arapahoe between Lafayette and Boulder.
Likewise, the
Red Tail nest at Simpson and Michigan is very active. Even with the leaves you can usually see an
adult on the nest and often catch one flying into the nest. The babies will be very visible as they
grow. I see one of the adults (likely
the male) almost every morning and every evening sitting on the T-post in the
middle of the prairie dog field on the southern tract of Rothman Open Space,
east of the rec center and skate park. I
have often laughed at these posts, but this bird really likes it. If it flies it is always coming from or going
in the direction of Simpson/Michigan. He
also likes to sit in the trees by the bridge and makes runs over the prairie
dog field. Although I have seen him
eating smaller things, I have yet to see him catch a prairie rat.
I never figured
out where the Cooper’s nest is located and have not observed them flying around
as much. However, the Kestrels have been
very active, and although I don’t know of any specific nests, I think there
might be a couple close by.
I did see an
eagle soaring high over Lafayette this week, but nothing else of note.
Unfortunately, I
don’t have any updates on any of the GHO nests.
Happy Raptoring!
