ASK AN ADVENTURER
Q My surprising quarantine revelation: I really enjoy backyard birding. What should I keep an eye out for this time of year, and how can I attract them?
Rufous hummingbirds are especially entertaining to watch during the late summer and early fall, when they migrate from the mountains through urban areas. The males are), at feeding stations. Larger birds begin their fall migrations around this time, too, so you might see some Swainson’s hawks as they move south. They’re the size of frequently seen red-tailed hawks but usually are black and white underneath with a chestnut bib. Red-tinted house finches, scholarly black-capped chickadees, and vibrant yellow warblers are all flying around Denver now. I’d recommend visiting a shop like Front Range Birding Company or Wild Birds Unlimited, whose experts can help you pick out a feeder and seed that will appeal to whatever species you’d like to see. Be careful to take the feeders inside in the evening if you live near the foothills, though. There’s nothing worse than fending off a bear while you’re trying to enjoy the sunset.
