This morning at South Platte Reservoir (Jefferson/Arapahoe Counties) there was more open water and noticeably fewer birds than a week or so ago (not counting white-cheeked geese, the numbers of which appeared to be approximately the same -- lots). But there were still some goodies, including the persisting two female Long-tailed Ducks, a Common Loon, and six Greater Scaup (4 females, 2 males) seen at very close range. Gull numbers were particularly reduced, with only a handful of Herring Gulls scattered among lots of Ring-billed Gulls. Other species seen included Ruddy Ducks, Hooded Mergansers, Common Goldeneye, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, and American Coot, along with a Golden Eagle seen flying over the east end of the reservoir.
At the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt there were several additional duck species seen in the river, including Ring-necked, Gadwall, American Wigeon, and Common Merganser. Also a nice flock of sparrows that included American Tree, White-crowned, and Song, along with assorted juncos. After much looking, a total of five birders also found a Virginia Rail (seen, not heard) and Marsh Wren (heard, not seen), but no Swamp Sparrow. David Gillilan Littleton -- 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 https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
