Late this afternoon I found a Pacific Loon at Brush Hollow Reservoir which is about 10 mile northeast of Canon City. It is pretty rare to have this species at this reservoir. I did get some photos that I have uploaded to my BirdsAndNature <http://BirdsAndNature.blogspot.com> blog. The loon basically appears to be an adult- it has a distinct chin strap (that and lack of white flanks rules out Arctic) and sharply defined head pattern. However, there is some checkering pattern on it's back that was visible through my scope and comes up more clearly when I enlarge the photos a lot. *Birds of North America *online states that Basic Plumage "Worn from Nov to Mar. Acquired by complete Definitive Prebasic molt, beginning in Aug–Nov or later, with most feathers replaced by winter," So I guess it is not unusual for them to retain this portion of their Atlernate plumage this close to December?
Also had Bushtits at Brush Hollow. Saw a female Williamson's at both Lakeside Cemetery and Centennial Park this morning. SeEtta Moss Canon City http://BirdsAndNature.blogspot.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.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
