South Platte Park's monthly winter waterfowl census confirmed a white-winged
scoter and a surf scoter hanging out together on the center of Eaglewatch Lake
this morning (last seen at 11:15, great lighting, calm water, close range).
Access via the Park's entrance off of Platte Canyon road, near C470 (opposite
intersection of Platte Canyon and Depew, marked as South Platte Park and
Reservoir) - drive in to the middle lot, then walk north on either side of the
lake, depending on lighting; or walk south, cross river, and continue south
from Carson Nature Center. Surf scoter was reported by a visitor on the
sightings board in the Carson Nature Center on 11/6, so both may have been here
a while. Both birds are rich chocolate color - white-winged has distinctive
wing patch plus high-contrast white in front and behind the eye. Surf scoter
has distinct white square on the back of the head, but dull bill and coloring.
You can also walk west on Mineral avenue sidewalk to view into the Cooley Lake
wildlife area which was hosting 640 common mergansers, 300 coots, and over 100
gulls this morning though nothing particularly unusual that we were able to
notice.
Enjoy!
Skot Latona, Supervisor, South Platte ParkLittleton, CO
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