Rare and Declining Birds in Boulder County (2)

Northern Bobwhite

May have been introduced to Boulder County by hunting clubs, since Boulder County seems peripheral to this quail's North American range. Individuals have been sighted recently, but there have been no nesting confirmations for more than a decade.

© Richard Holmes

Burrowing Owl

These winsome little owls were once considered common in Boulder County (Gale 1883-94, Betts 1913). Now only a handful of active sites remain. During 2003, nesting was observed only at Carolyn Holmberg Rock Creek Farm Open Space, near Broomfield,. and on Gunbarrel Hill. Habitat fragmentation, leading to mortality of owls from predation and automobile collisions, has probably contributed significantly to the decline of this species in Boulder County.

© Steve Jones

Lark Bunting

The state bird of Colorado was considered abundant in Boulder County near the turn of the century (Betts 1913) and was still considered common during the Dust Bowl drought (Alexander 1937). Lark buntings nest primarily in shortgrass prairies, and improved grazing management throughout eastern Boulder County may have eliminated suitable nesting habitat.

Lark Bunting male, © Richard Holmes

Lark Bunting female, © Richard Holmes

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