As we move through April, the transition from the "cold season" to the "warm season" is increasingly evident in the South Platte Valley. The large flocks of Canada and cackling geese that wintered along the Front Range have left for northern climes and the remaining Canadas have paired off to nest along our lakes and ponds. The number and variety of wintering ducks have also decreased significantly while the first wave of blue-winged and cinnamon teal and migrant shorebirds have returned to Colorado.
Here on our Littleton farm, most of the dark-eyed juncos have dispersed to Canada or to the mountains and the last few pine siskins are stopping by the feeders; in their place, chipping and white-crowned sparrows will soon visit the farm before heading to higher terrain. Double-crested cormorants, tree swallows and American white pelicans are now soaring above the urban corridor, soon to be joined by white-faced ibis, Franklin's gulls and other migrants.
Within another week or two, broad-tailed hummingbirds, gray catbirds, barn swallows and house wrens will join our permanent songbirds and the spring warbler parade will begin. By early May the transition will be complete and the South Platte Valley will settle into a pattern of warm, sunny days and late afternoon thunderstorms; of course, an upslope snowstorm will not be out of the question until mid June!
Here on our Littleton farm, most of the dark-eyed juncos have dispersed to Canada or to the mountains and the last few pine siskins are stopping by the feeders; in their place, chipping and white-crowned sparrows will soon visit the farm before heading to higher terrain. Double-crested cormorants, tree swallows and American white pelicans are now soaring above the urban corridor, soon to be joined by white-faced ibis, Franklin's gulls and other migrants.
Within another week or two, broad-tailed hummingbirds, gray catbirds, barn swallows and house wrens will join our permanent songbirds and the spring warbler parade will begin. By early May the transition will be complete and the South Platte Valley will settle into a pattern of warm, sunny days and late afternoon thunderstorms; of course, an upslope snowstorm will not be out of the question until mid June!
