The Long-tailed Duck, discovered several days ago by Aran Meyer at the North Shields Pond Natural Area (NSPNA) in Fort Collins (Larimer), is still present. Today I saw it in an area of open water (how can this be?) along the north part of the pond that dominates the Sterling Natural Area (SNA). SNA is just north of NSPNA. From the NSPNA parking lot, walk west to the river and follow the dirt path north until you see a big mostly-frozen pond on your right (to the east). The long-tail was with about a dozen Common Goldeneyes, one male Hooded Merganser, and one sick-sounding Canada Goose.
In the vicinity of the "Green Bridge", which goes over the Poudre River about 200 yards north of the dam which is straight west from the NSPNA parking lot, were a group of 7 Common Goldeneyes and a pair of Hooded Mergansers. The Long-tailed Duck was seen in this area last Saturday (flushed from right under the Green Bridge according to a report). Much of the previously open water on the river has frozen of late and no doubt more will freeze tonight and tomorrow. Suffice it to say, the Long-tailed Duck could be on any open water in this area, whether it be the river or a pond. South of the dam which is due west of the NSPNA parking lot was an American Dipper, a male American Kestrel perched over the water like a kingfisher, and a Belted Kingfisher. Grandview Cemetery Addendum I checked for the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in the ne corner of Grandview Cemetery twice today and did NOT see it. My guess is it didn't want to be called a Yellow-bellied Sapchiseler, which is what it would have had to be today. It was seen yesterday and is very likely still around.] In contrast to most river water and pine sap, apparently Fox Squirrel hormones freeze at something less than a few degrees below zero. Male squirrel chasing of female squirrels, accompanied by the standard vocal protest from the gender being chased, was quite evident today at Grandview. Dave Leatherman Fort Collins -- 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.
