Dickcissel in Canon City

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I have found this and another 9 or so male Dickcissel, and at least one male Bobolink, in several locations in the Canon City area. I had found one of each species about a month ago, which was in the usual time frame for them to be breeding in local hayfields, but could not refind any before I left on a 2 week out of state trip from which I returned just a few days ago. . In the past they tended to be in alfalfa hay fields but his year there are mostly grass hay fields in our area. Surprisingly several of these are in hay fields that have already had one cut. Even more surprising is two are in fields that are just tall weeds. The Bobolink and at least 2 Dickcissel are in the field that I have posted about in prior years on MacKenzie Ave halfway from H50 and Grandview Ave. Please be cautious as MacKenzie is a very busy thoroughfare with traffic going 40-50 mph. The safest viewing is possible by going further south on MacKenzie Ave to Adams Ave--turn off to the east on Adams and the Dickcissel are in the part of the hay field on the north side that has the alfalfa (becomes more grass and less alfalfa closer to the house down the road). As this is a dirt access road to just 2 families there is minimal traffic. I have talked to the people who live down the lane so they are aware that birders may come down it, just do not drive or walk into their field, stay on the public dirt road. Unfortunately the hay field at this location is going to be cut soon per the owners. SeEtta

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