The Mourning Warbler (Oporornis philadelphis) is a small, bright songbird that nests in the Great lakes region and New England States and the adjacent areas of southern Canada. It migrates to northern portions of South America and southern Central America for the winter season. The male is particularly colorful, sporting a bright yellow undersurface bordered by a black throat bib and a grey head that is accented by black feathering between the eyes and beak. This species skulks in dense undergrowth of secondary woods and brushy habitats. It appears in Colorado very rarely. In fact, when Andrews' and Righter’s milestone book Colorado Birds was published in the 1990s, only five records of Mourning Warblers had ever been documented in our state during the Spring migration period!
MALE MOURNING WARBLER
On May 28th a male Mourning Warbler was found foraging in heavy understory cover 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. During the first 5 months of 2012 three species of birds that are observed very rarely in the state have been documented at Falcon Ridge: a female Varied Thrush; a male Scarlet Tanager; and this male Mourning Warbler.
This cache has been placed near our north-south concrete irrigation ditch. Follow the ditch system south from parking, and note the dense ground story vegetation to the west as you proceed. This serves as habitat for many species of “skulkers”, including the Mourning Warbler. The individual was carefully observed and photographed, but is no longer at Falcon Ridge. There is no point in searching for it. Instead, seek out the cache and sign its treasure, the cache log!
You have our permission to come onto the property to locate the cache. 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. Enjoy your time at this special place.