Avian Rarities of Colorado--Scarlet Tanager Traditional Geocache
Avian Rarities of Colorado--Scarlet Tanager
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(other)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
CONGRATULATIONS TO PIXEL MAGIC FOR FTF!
The vivid red and black male Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) is among the most colorful and striking of our breeding birds. This tanager is a long-distance Neotropical migrant, annually making the journey between northwestern South America, where it winters, and the eastern United States and southern Canada, where it nests. In its breeding range, it occupies deciduous forests, preferring mature forest habitats, especially those where oaks are common. It is rarely seen in Colorado, but in some years one or two vagrants are recorded during the migration period. These out-of-range individuals stay a short period before moving on in attempts to find suitable habitat and others of their species.
MALE SCARLET TANAGER
On May 16th, a gorgeous male Scarlet Tanager appeared on our property, Falcon Ridge. This land has been planted to and managed for diverse wildlife habitats. Over the years it has attracted many bird species that are rarely found in Colorado. Hundreds of birders have also come to Falcon Ridge, many to see “life birds”, or species that they have not seen elsewhere in the state. In most years, between 140 and 150 species of birds are observed at Falcon Ridge, which is now permanently protected through two Conservation Easements.
This cache has been placed along our farm road west of where the Scarlet Tanager has been seen repeatedly over the past several days . Find the cache, sign its log, and then, if you are so inclined, look for the bird! It has been regularly foraging in the trees immediately south of the road just west of where you will park. Enter the rows of trees from the east end (the driveway end) and walk between the Ponderosa Pines and the Green Ashes. The bird has normally been seen in the ash trees. You have our permission to come onto the property to locate the cache (and to try for this special bird). Drive up Falcon View Drive and park in front of the green gate. For purposes of the sign near the highway, you are a Guest. No smoking is allowed on Falcon Ridge, per common sense, and per stipulations of the Conservation Easements. Access is restricted to daylight hours.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)