Wyoming Hereford Ranch Birding Trip Report – 13 September 2025

On Saturday, 13 September 2025, seven of us ventured east of Cheyenne to spend the morning birding the Wyoming Hereford Ranch and Reservoir#1 and to look for Mississippi Kite family that nested in Lakeview Cemetery. We started at the Ranch and searched for migrant songbirds. Almost immediately, we found the previously reported Cassin’s Vireo and were afforded great looks. Wilson’s Warblers seemed to be everywhere, and numerous American Goldfinches were overhead. We found a Rock Wren on a small outcrop and picked out two Orange-crowned Warblers amidst all the Wilson’s. We got good looks at Red-eyed and Warbling Vireos and a brief look at a flyover Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Moving on to Reservoir #1, most of the waterbirds were distant with some glare. We were able to pick out some Lesser Yellowlegs, Franklin’s Gulls, Western Grebes, and Ruddy Ducks. A single winter-plumaged American Avocet rested among a flock of molting dabbling ducks. Lastly, we headed into Cheyenne where we located the mottled fledgling Mississippi Kite and got glimpses of the sleeker adult. By noon, we had tallied 58 species for the trip. Cassin’s Vireo and Wilson’s Warbler photos by Heather Johnson.

  

 

 

Habitat Garden Tour - Monday, Sept. 8th, 5:30 pm

Join us for a Habitat Hero Garden Tour on Monday (9/8) at 5:30 pm.  We'll visit two gardens, starting at 2303 Nighthawk Drive, where we'll stay for approximately 30 minutes.  We'll then continue on to 1167 Frontera Drive. After the tour we'll enjoy light refreshments and spend time sharing garden stories, bird stories, and ideas for the coming season!

(Yellow Warbler photo courtesy of LAS member Heather Johnson)

Bird Hike -- Saturday, Sept. 6th

We'll gather downtown** at 8 a.m. this Saturday (9/6) to discuss the trip and informally arrange rideshares.  The group will then caravan to Rock Creek Canyon, located approximately 45 miles west of Laramie near Arlington.  The trail has a steep uphill and then downhill section immediately after the parking area, but then levels out along the creek, where we may see dippers.  Our pace will be participant- and bird-driven.  If it is a small group, we will walk along slowly to accommodate both birding and all participants.  If we have a large enough group, we'll consider breaking into a faster "hiking" group and a more leisurely "birding" group.  

Please be prepared for a variety of weather conditions, with sturdy shoes, warm layers, rain and sun protection, snacks, and water.  We anticipate being back to Laramie by approximately 12:30 p.m., but participants with their own transportation are welcome to leave earlier or stay longer -- we do ask that you let the trip leader know if you decide to turn back or to forge ahead (leaving the group).  

** Meeting Location - 1st Street Plaza in downtown Laramie (corner of 1st Street and Grand Avenue).  All day parking is available along 1st Street.    

Waterbird Field Trip - 16 August 2025

Five of us met on Saturday, 16 August, to search for waterbirds on the Laramie Plains. Because all the basins on Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge were dry, we checked Blake’s Pond, Meeboer Lake, and Twin Buttes Lake. Starting at Blake’s Pond, we had a smattering of shorebirds including Killdeer, American Avocet, Least Sandpiper, Wilson’s Snipe, Wilson’s Phalarope, and Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs. Western Wood-Pewees were still singing from nearby cottonwoods, which also produced a Yellow Warbler and American Goldfich and several Bullock’s Orioles. A Prairie Falcon and Northern Harriers winged by the pond. The road into Meeboer Lake had lots of Yellow-headed and Brewer’s Blackbirds and Vesper and Savannah Sparrows. The lake was pretty quiet, although we were treated to a small group of Forster’s Terns, a Ruddy Duck pair, a winter-plumaged Eared Grebe, and great looks at winter-plumaged Spotted Sandpipers. We finally found some Baird’s Sandpipers at Twin Buttes Lake and were able to get some good looks at California and Ring-billed Gulls. Great light and calm winds were a highlight of the morning! Overall, we tallied 51 species in two and one-half hours of birding.

Brad Andres

 

Foster's Terns (Heather Johnson)

 

Ruddy Duck (Heather Johnson)

 

 

Greater Yellowlegs (Heather Johnson)

 

 

Saturday Field Trip - Vulture Watch Training (10 a.m. April 5th)

Our April 5th field trip will be a combination of inside/lecture format and vulture-focused birding on the University of Wyoming Campus as we attend the Vulture Watch Wyoming training session.  

Each year in early to mid-April, Turkey Vultures arrive in Laramie after migrating from wintering grounds in Central and South America.  They have a communal roost located on the University of Wyoming campus (adjacent to Old Main), which they use until migrating back to their winter grounds in September and October. 

There is much to learn about roost dynamics, breeding behavior, and how they interact with their habitat! The Laramie Audubon Society encourages our members and friends to attend this training and participate in this community science program. Training will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the University of Wyoming's Berry Center building (Room 217 - Teaching Lab) and outside on campus. 

Centennial Bird Hop - Saturday, February 22nd

Join us for a leisurely morning birding in Centennial.  We'll wander through the protected aspen groves within the downtown neighborhood and possibly up onto the hills.  After our meander, we will retreat to the Bear Bottom Café for a NO HOST coffee or early lunch.  The Bear Bottom typically has feeders visible through their large dining room windows, so the birding fun will continue even after we head indoors.  

Laramie-based folks will meet at 8:45 a.m. at First Street Plaza (corner of 1st Street and Grand Avenue) and caravan to Centennial.  If you would like to meet us in Centennial, look for the group in front of the Bear Bottom Café at approximately 9:30 a.m.

Saturday (4/20) BirdingTrip - Red Buttes

Meet at 8 a.m. at the University of Wyoming Red Buttes Lab (on the east side of US 287, 8.3 miles south of WYDOT). We will survey for migrant songbirds in both riparian corridors and short-grass prairie wetlands. Serving as a migratory stop over point for spring migrants, the Red Buttes research site (which is not typically open to the public) provides habitat for grassland, wetland, and riparian corridor birds. Hiking boots or shoes with good traction are a must. We will probably get a little muddy, but it will all be for the birds!

We need bird photos!  This Clark's Nutcracker was photographed
on a LAS trip to Centennial (photo credit: LAS member Lisa Cox).

April Kids and Families Event - Migration Station! Saturday, April 6th

Our Kids and Families program returns to the Laramie Greenbelt for our April program.  We will learn about migration and look for migrating birds. Take home a bird craft that you can put together and make soar! Meet at the shelter by the parking lot off Garfield Street at 9 a.m. 

Accessibility information:  The Greenbelt's West Garfield Street parking lot includes accessible (paved) parking and restroom (porta-potty).  The shelter area is accessible and participants may utilize the flat, paved Greenbelt trail while participating in this event.  

Christmas Bird Count - Saturday, December 16

 This year's CBC will begin at 8 a.m. and will be followed by an evening potluck.  Volunteers are needed to join our effort to count every bird in a 15-mile diameter circle around Laramie.  This will be the 46th count of the Albany County circle.   All levels of bird watchers, including feeder watchers, are welcome.  Although this international event was named the Christmas Bird Count more than 100 years ago, the event is secular, with Christmas denoting the season of the annual count.  Information regarding this international event is available on the website of the National Audubon Society:   https://www.audubon.org/conservation/join-christmas-bird-count.  

Volunteers are the backbone of the Christmas Bird Count!  Some teams walk, while others drive through the territory.  Volunteers should wear warm, layered clothing and boots, and bring water, snacks and binoculars (if available).  Feeder watchers are also welcome.  The event typically concludes with a evening potluck where the results are tallied - potluck information will be provided to participants when they register. 

Volunteers must register to receive a route assignment.  Check-in will be conducted at 7:30 a.m. at Coal Creek Coffee (downtown location) on the morning of the Count.  Contact Shay (307-286-1972; wolfhowlin@gmail.com) for information or to pre-register. 

The CBC occurs around the world on various dates in late December/early January.  The 2023 count of the Laramie Circle will be held on December 16.

124th Annual Christmas Bird Count - Albany County Date Announced!

The Albany County Christmas Bird Count will be conducted on Saturday, December 16, beginning at 8 a.m.  Volunteers are needed to join our effort to count every bird in a 15-mile diameter circle around Laramie.  

This will be the 46th count of the Albany County circle.   All levels of bird watchers, including feeder watchers, are welcome.  Although this international event was named the Christmas Bird Count more than 100 years ago, the event is secular, with Christmas denoting the season of the annual count.  Information regarding this international event is available on the National Audubon Society website: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/join-christmas-bird-count.  

Volunteers are the backbone of the Christmas Bird Count!  Some teams walk, while others drive through the territory.  Volunteers should wear warm, layered clothing and boots, and bring water, snacks and binoculars (if available).  Feeder watchers are also welcome.  The event typically concludes with a evening potluck where the results are tallied - potluck information will be provided to participants when they register. 

Volunteers for the Albany County circle must register to receive a route assignment.  Check-in will be conducted at Coal Creek Coffee (downtown location) on the morning of the Count.  Contact Shay (307-286-1972; wolfhowlin@gmail.com) for information, to pre-register, or to get Zoom call-in information. 

CANCELLED - Greater Sage-Grouse Lek Trip

A few weeks ago, I wrote: "Each year the Laramie Audubon Society schedules a trip to visit the Greater Sage-Grouse lek north of Laramie.  The lek is on private property and is accessed via an unimproved two track road.  Many years, weather/range conditions prevent access to the site (snow drifts, mud, etc.).  What will happen this year?"  

Well, we now (Tuesday, April, 4th) have the answer to that question.  The lek will not be accessible this year.  Tune in again next year.  

If you are itching to see some lekking grouse, you could participate in the Cheyenne-High Plains Audubon Society's April 15th trip to a Sharp-tailed Grouse lek near Hillsdale:  https://cheyenneaudubon.org/  

With snow falling today, we are not optimistic.  However, a spate of warm, sunny, windy weather could dry the roads out in time for the trip.  So pencil it in on your calendar: Saturday, April 8th, departing from the Eppson Center (1560 N. 3rd Street) at 5:30 a.m.  Check this website on Friday April 7th to find out whether we are going!!   

We will be taking precautions to avoid disturbing the grouse as they strut upon their stage, including parking at a distance from the lek and quietly viewing the birds using binoculars or (hopefully!) a spotting scope from the parking area.  This trip requires no walking.  Dogs are not allowed on this trip.

Field Trip - Laramie Plains Lakes (Saturday, March 25)

Join us on Saturday for a driving tour of the lakes in the Laramie Valley with a focus on migrating waterfowl.  Bundle up, because the time along the lake shores will likely be quite chilly.  This trip will involve minimal walking within the dirt/gravel parking lots at the various lakes.  We typically visit a selection of the following, depending on ice conditions: Blakes' Pond, Gelatt Lake, Meeboer Lake, Twin Buttes Reservoir, and Lake Hattie.  

We'll meet at 1st Street Plaza (corner of 1st Street and Grand Avenue) at 8 a.m. and caravan from there, with participants arranging informal carpool groups if there is sufficient interest.  We typically spend about 3 hours on this trip, but attendees are free to leave sooner (or stay longer) if they have their own transportation. 

Centennial "Bird Hop" - Saturday, February 25

 The Laramie Audubon Society is excited to resume one of our pre-Covid winter traditions next weekend (Saturday 2/25): the Winter Bird Hop!  We will meet in downtown Laramie (in First Street Plaza at the corner of 1st & Grand Ave) at 9 a.m. and then caravan/carpool approximately 30 miles west to Centennial, where we will wander the protected aspen groves in the downtown area.  Many Centennial residents put out birdfeeders in the winter, sometimes attracting species that are less common in Laramie, such as Rosy-Finches, Common Redpolls, Pine Grosbeak, and Evening Grosbeaks.  

When the group is ready for a break, we'll warm up at the Bear Bottom Bar and Grill with (no-host) coffee, hot chocolate, lunch, etc.  The cafe has large plate glass windows and several bird feeders, so we will continue "bird watching" while we enjoy our beverages/food.

123rd Annual Christmas Bird Count - Volunteers Needed!

The Laramie Audubon Society will again take part in a 100-year-old Christmas tradition, the annual Christmas Bird Count. Volunteers are welcome to join in the count with the Laramie Audubon Society chapter of the National Audubon Society as it conducts the Albany County Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, December 17. This will be the 45th count of the Albany County circle. Volunteers are needed to help count every bird observed in the 15-mile diameter circle around Laramie on the day of the count. All levels of bird watchers, including feeder watchers, are welcome. Although this international event was named the Christmas Bird Count more than 100 years ago, it is is a secular program, with Christmas indicating the season of the annual count. Volunteers for the Albany County circle need to pre-register or attend one of two drop-in zoom calls to receive a route assignment. There will not be any in-person meetings prior to the count.
Contact Shay Howlin (307-286-1972; wolfhowlin@gmail.com) for information and to pre-register. National Audubon Society guidelines for COVID-19 include an option for participants to choose to mask at any time. Additionally, people with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.

Volunteers are the backbone of the Christmas Bird Count! Some teams walk, while others drive through the territory. Volunteers should wear warm, layered clothing and boots, and bring water, snacks and binoculars if you have them. Feeder watchers are also welcome.

Volunteers are invited to a chili supper where results will be compiled beginning at 4 pm the home of Shay Howlin. Potluck items welcome, but not required. Please contact Shay Howlin if you would like to be assigned a route early, would like forms for feeder watching, or have any questions (307-286-1972; wolfhowlin@gmail.com).

Additional Information - Drop-in zoom calls to assign routes on:

Wednesday December 14th from 2:00 to 3:00 pm

Wednesday December 14th from 5:30 to 6:30 pm