It wasn't a particularly proud moment, but there it was, our nation's majestic symbol flying over Castle Pines North, being tormented by a crow. When you see a Bald Eagle, you sort of expect to hear the national anthem or see it reflected regally in a mountain lake, not when you are looking up as you're passing a Starbucks.
I had to pause and double check. White head, white tail. It couldn't be anything other than an American Bald Eagle. It was still pretty exciting.
A recent interview of Tom and Ginger Brown has me a little more conscious of the local fauna. The couple has identified 58 different species of birds right in Castle Pines North.
"We are very fortunate to live in an area which has such abundant wildlife, and I believe this area is second to none in Colorado for the number of bird species it has to offer," stated Tom Brown.
The Browns moved to CPN from Lakewood almost four years ago, and were delighted to find such amazing "birding" opportunities. When asked about the variety of bird species, he remarked, "Much more than we had in Lakewood." He boasts an extensive photo library of the birds he captured with his 12 power digital camera lens. "Sometimes positive identification of a bird species is difficult. With a photo, you can really study the details of the markings."
From the easily indentifiable Red-winged Blackbird and Canada Geese, to the lesser known Brown-headed Cowbird and Gray Catbird, the Browns have enjoyed every sighting.
One impressive species of bird of prey the Browns identified is known as Swainson's Hawk. Tom explained this bird is often confused with a Redtail hawk, but it has a larger wingspan. They are also not usually seen until Summer.
Ginger Brown admits her husband is the expert. He has an obvious passion for birding, and would like to see more of the local residents, especially the children, get involved. Their son and daughter live in CPN with their families, and all are involved in birding and wildlife appreciation.
Tom Brown suggests walking in the area with binoculars for a beginning birder in CPN. Year around, one may spot a Northern Flicker, or a White-breasted Nuthatch. More seasonally, look for these harbingers of Spring, such as the Lesser Goldfinch and Broadtail Hummingbird in mid April to early May. Then in Summer, watch for the Black-headed Grosbeak and the Violet-green Swallow, just to mention a few.
Two books that any birder ought to be familiar with are:
Guide to Birds by David Allen Sibley, and
Field Guide to Birds by Donald and Lillian Stokes. The first is replete with beautiful illustrations by the author himself, and the second contains full-color photographs. Tom suggests anyone interested in beginning a birding hobby pick up a copy from a bookstore.
Perhaps that early morning twittering is a species new to the neighborhood and announcing its arrival, and the inevitable arrival of Spring.