This morning I drove over to Holcim Wetlands east of Florence after birding on private property in the area so didn't arrive until mid-morning. I first found a Green Heron then 3 Black-crowned Night-Herons. At least one of the Black-crowned Night-Herons was an adult and one a juvenile. Given that juveniles have been found at this location for several years I think it is likely they are nesting either in Holcim Wetlands or at least in the area.
As I was watching the Night-Herons I spotted a bird flying into the reeds and though I only had a glimpse I believe it was likely a LEAST BITTERN. The TRICOLORED HERON was in the shallow water on the far west side of the pond. For those unfamiliar with Holcim Wetlands, it is owned by Holcim Cement and was built as the alternative to a fine for a toxic air release. It is open to the public during daylight hours and has a dirt trail into the wetland area and around the pond. The trail sections to reach the area where I saw the TRICOLORED HERON is not in bad shape though not well groomed (some other sections are rougher). It is mostly level but does go down a slight slope under the railroad tracks and up again. It is almost a half mile walk to get to the west side of the pond and there is minimal shade so plan accordingly. Also be aware some cell service (like my Verizon) does not work there. Holcim Wetlands can be accessed by taking H115 from Colorado Springs through Penrose and to the turn going into Florence where CR120 comes in. Take CR120 easterly and it will wind around down a steep hill with a sign for Holcim Wetlands on the north side of the road. Be aware that they are still constructing a new bridge further east so anyone coming from the Pueblo area will need to go to take H115 off of H50. I got photos of the bird and have uploaded them to my Birds and Nature blog<http://birdsandnature.blogspot.com/>. I also schlepped back to my car (by then midday and hot) for my camcorder and got some video of the heron actively feeding and will get that up on my blog later tonight. SeEtta Moss Canon City Personal blog @ http://BirdsAndNature.blogspot.com Blogging for Birds an Blooms Magazine @ http://BirdsAndBloomsBlog.com -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAAUvckrwco2C34tj87BN1uYjS6-f1OiQMvh3pFdRGTLowvHRSA%40mail.gmail.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
