American Avocets, Stearns Lake (Boulder County)

[Nancy Rynes]

Birding by bike again...I biked out to Stearns Lake, Boulder County, and was surprised to see 12 American Avocets in a little puddle/pond just abt 1/2 mi to the west of Stearns Lake (along the Cradleboard Trail). They were in a feeding frenzy and while they were not disturbed by runners and walkers on the path, my guess is they will not stick long. A few of the dog walkers in that area are fond of letting their dogs chase the ducks in this particular little pond, so the Avocets may move on this weekend. If you do go to see these birds, please stay back and try not to disturb them - they really need to feed as much as possible before continuing their journey. If you want photos, take a long lens

The usual suspects were there too: A few Grackles, Red-Winged Blackbirds, Red-Tailed Hawk, meadowlarks, killdeer, mallards, and a Great Blue Heron fishing on Stearns Lake.

A couple of pics of the Avocets:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/63892538@N04/8643460561/in/set-72157632085097698

Happy birding!

Nancy Rynes

Lafayette, CO