20 INCH MUD TIRES

This Canyon Towhee was found by OSMP Staffer Ryan Prioreschi outside of our office. This species, although common in some parts of Colorado, is extremely rare in Boulder County. In the 1960's and 70's, there was apparently a small breeding population near Lyons. Since then they have been absent.

Several other species that are generally associated with drier habitats in the central and southern part of the state have been turning up in the northern Front Range this spring/summer. April and May saw the largest influx of Gray Flycatchers ever recorded in Boulder County. At least two Black-throated Sparrows were found. There were at least three pairs of Eastern Phoebes, with one confirmed breeding attempt being the first in the County. In June, territorial male Ash-throated and Gray Flycatchers were found in the foothills.

Cassin's Sparrows are undergoing an unprecedented invasion of the grasslands in Boulder County. In 2009, there were fewer than five records. I have recorded at least 27 individuals in various locations on City Open Spaces this year.

Location: Pearl Street Mall, Boulder CO.