1902] BuRMAN Bird Notes. iiq 



NOTES ON BIRDS IN COLORADO, 1902. 



By Rev. \V. A. Burman, Denver, Colorado. 



While staying' in Denver, during- the past winter, I hive been 

 noticing some things about bird life that have interested me a 

 good deal. My home being in Winnipeg, I have naturally 

 noticed the effect of the different climatic conditions of this com- 

 paratively southern State upon the birds. The spring having 

 now come here, I have also been on the look out tor the migration 

 of birds common to this State and North-west Canada. 



First, I may mention the surprise with which I found ducks 

 and various other birds here all through the winter. I at least had 

 always imagined they went further south to the lower Mississippi 

 and Gulf States. But in January I saw mallards, pintails, teal 

 and red-heads, whi h were got on the lakes among the mountains 

 just west of this. They were in good condition, indicating good 

 feeding. What food they find is not clear to me, for though this 

 winter was mild up to January 25th, we have had very cold spells 

 since, and the cold in the mountain must have been pretty severe, 

 as it froze up the lakes. In ordinary winter, during the most 

 severe weather they are said to be found in lakes out on the 

 plains. The northward flight seemed to me to begin about two 

 weeks ago (say March 15th) ; it is now in full swing, and the birds 

 which are shot are in much better condition than those we usually 

 get in Manitoba in the spring. Is it lack of food or hard work 

 that accounts for their leanness? 



The first robins appeared about the same date, at first, strag- 

 glers, the advance guard. A week later the robins were in bands 

 of ten or twelve, slipping about the lawns feeding on berries of 

 Virginia Creeper, also on seeds of Russian thistle and other seeds 

 growing on vacant lots. It is very amusing to watch their bustle 

 and unrest, quite after the fashion of other biped tourists so com- 

 mon here. Even their feeding seems to be hurried, lunch counter 

 style; it only needs the toothpick to complete the likeness. The 

 only exception to this hurry was during stormy weather, as last 

 week, when we had high winds with snow. Then, wisely enough, 

 the robins took their leisure and really "did" the city. During 

 the past few days since April ist they have been fewer, evidently 

 the crest of the wave has passed. 



