Ben Delatour Scout Ranch
Bird Patches

AMERICAN GOLDFINCH

The American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) is referred to by many as the “American Canary”. The male is bright yellow with a black cap during the spring and summer months. The female is a brownish-olive color. Found in open weedy fields and brushy areas, the goldfinch can usually be found along the Elkhorn Creek and on road-sides feeding on thistle plants.

EASTERN SCREECH OWL

The Eastern Screech Owl (Otus asio) is a common resident of the Scout Ranch in the ponderosa and Douglas fir forest. The gray phase is the variety in the northern range where this small owl feeds on the plentiful population of deer mice and other small rodents.

YELLOW WARBLER

The Yellow Warbler (Dendrocia petechia) is probably the most common warbler in North America. An all yellow bird with red streaks on its breast, this small short-tailed bird tends to inhabit wet areas. At the Scout Ranch it can be found flitting about the willow bushes along the Elkhorn Creek.

BELTED KINGFISHER

The Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon) is common in the Elkhorn Valley where it searches for a meal of tasty fish from the many beaver ponds and other open water areas. Its call is a loud rattling that usually catches one's attention. Look for it perched on open branches, and flying along the creek. With luck, you might catch it diving into the water head first as it attempts to catch a fish.