Birders,
While working at John Martin Reservoir (Bent County) on July 26th and
27th, I observed a sub-adult Laughing Gull within the south side
endangered species closure. It should be possible to see this bird by
walking around the perimeter of the closure. It frequents a small rock
bar on the extreme west end of the closure, approximately 1 1/2 miles
west of the dam. It will probably be with a handful of Ring-billed and
California Gulls (and, yesterday, some Franklin's Gulls). Do NOT enter
the closure.
On the extreme west end of the reservoir, I saw and photographed a Red
Knot today. It isn't bright red, but has some reddish on the chest, and
should be easy to pick out. From the main north side entrance east of
Road 19 on Road JJ, head south and east on a confusing network of two
tracks. When you arrive at the cliffs, head as far east as possible.
Drop down the cliffs, and head south along the lakeshore to where the
rivulets of the Arkansas River enter the lake. The bird forages both on
land and in shallow water. This will be a walk of less than one-half
mile. The mud is not too bad. Slippery in places, but you don't sink in
much.
There are many species of shore and water birds present, including at
least five of the Piping Plover young fledged locally this summer. Use
your skills to separate them from immature Snowy Plovers, which are also
here. I saw one basic-plumaged Black-bellied Plover and some returning
Semipalmated Plovers, as well as the more expected peeps, dowitchers and
Stilt Sandpipers.
Duane Nelson
Las Animas, Bent County, CO
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