I've been out to the South Platte Reservoir Park (South Suburban Parks) area
for the past two days -- access is from the west via Platte Canyon Road just
north of C-470.
South Platte Reservoir -- this is the big old gravel pit from my childhood
(dates me) and the first "lake" you see (with the marine "seadoo" sales company
on the northwest side -- it is accessed by the first obvious parking lot upon
entering the park). This old quarry lake is deep and has not frozen over. Out
in the middle carelessly crossing between Arapahoe and Jefferson counties are
three Long-tailed Ducks. I think they are all immature (at least one male --
no long tail to be seen but clear bill markings). These ducks are very small
and dive for long periods -- scanning patience is a virtue. Interestingly at
this reservoir, as others have noted, there is little other waterfowl. The
banks are lined with rocks and boulders and this may be limiting for other
waterfowl. There are a few Canada Geese, Common Goldeneye, Ruddy Duck and
Ring-billed Gull -- but only small numbers of these as well. Today, most of
the action was on the Arapahoe County side -- but yesterday, it was in the
little southwest cove on the Jefferson County side.
Further to the east of South Platte Reservoir (served by the second and third
parking lot areas) -- my observations over the past two days:
Eaglewatch Lake -- Common Merganser (10 pair), Great Blue Heron and many
Ring-billed Gull (>50) on the ice edge -- I did not search the gulls very
carefully, however
Red-tailed Lake -- Hooded Merganser (probably 6 pair), Northern Shoveler
(likely 40), and Common Merganser (10 pair) -- and yes, I did see one
Red-tailed Hawk!
Blackrock Lake -- American Coot, Mallard and Lesser Scaup (20 pair), Bufflehead
(2 pair)
The only public access to South Platte Reservoir is on its south side. This is
perfect for the winter sun as you are looking north with the sun mostly at your
back. I have seen Long-tailed Ducks before in Colorado, but this venue is
particularly nice (with scope or binoculars) because you have the benefit of an
unobstructed view, unfettered public access, and the dam berm which gets you
above the water level about 10-15 feet.
Ben Kemena
Denver
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