I went over to Marston Reservoir this morning to look for Swallows. There were at least 1000 and probably more : Barn, Cliff, Violet-green, and Tree, skimming the water, and people's yards, and some Swallows were flying higher up over the lake.
Then I saw 3 Common Loons, [a bit late]. They were all in basic plumage, and feeding, and hanging tight together. One was lighter than the other 2. It looked like it was still in juvenile plumage, having much whitish scalloping on it's scapulars and mantle. I know it takes several years till Common Loons attain full breeding plumage. As to when a bird gets it's alternate plumage, verses staying in basic plumage, seems to depend on alot of different things. One of my bird books states juvenile Common Loons have a partial molt in spring, but this bird looked totally like it was in winter basic plumage. The large numbers of Swallows were very nice. I also had my first Common Nighthawk 2 evenings ago, flying over my house. Happy Birding! Tina Jones Littleton, Jefferson county, CO --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ Colorado County Birding: http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.as/group/cobirds?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
