Bob Spencer and I went to Glenmere Park in Greeley to check out the YCNH today. We watched from about 11:00 to 1:00 from a much less obstructed vantage point on the west end of the pond. Find the culvert draining into the pond in the SW corner. To the left is a low row of willows. Stand to the left of that. Notice the Wood Duck nest box, currently being used by starlings. Go 12-15 feet to the left of that, pan up to about 3/5 the height of the nearest willow tree and you will see the bird incubating. Nearby a Black-crowned Night-Heron stood guard, presumably the mate.
I first saw this bird June 10 at 5:00 PM standing in plain sight on the big fallen trunk on the north side of the island. After all it is a *night* heron and will be more active morning and evening. The incubation period according to "The Birder's Handbook" is 21-25 days. If the eggs do not hatch by July 4 (anybody know when the bird started incubation?) it may be because they are infertile. No sign of the Little Blue Heron reported here. An unexpected bonus for me was a single Chimney Swift which circled the pond overhead for some five minutes on two different visits. A Colorado first for me. Bob Shade, Lakewood -- 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.
