Boulder Reservoir (Boulder Co.) and Barr Lake (Adams Co.)

[David Dowell]

Yesterday, I stopped by Boulder Reservoir early in the day and Barr Lake late in the day.  Some birds have finally arrived at Boulder Reservoir after rather quiet times there lately.  Swimming in the northwest part of the reservoir was a gadwall-like duck that had a long bill and a pale lower face.  I think it might be a GADWALL X NORTHERN PINTAIL hybrid, but I would love to get a second opinion.  Some pelicans and California gulls have arrived, and a Common Redpoll flew by while I was there.

It seemed like a perfect winter evening at Barr Lake.  An early Rock Wren, several American Pipits, and over 250 nesting Double-Crested Cormorants indicated instead that the season is changing.  I see on ebird that pipits are being reported at several locations in northern Colorado now.

David Dowell

Longmont, Colorado