Spring migration ain’t over yet!

[Nicholas Komar]

Its June but spring migration ain’t over. And with the cool weather and snowy conditions at higher elevations, watch for altitudinal migrants as well as northbound migrants. Shorebirds in particular are still on the move. In Larimer County, many reservoirs have filled up reducing available habitat for migrating shorebirds. However Boyd Lake is as low as I have ever seen it, with extensive mudflats at the north and south extremes of the reservoir. The north end is more accessible via the State Park road system and bike trail on the west shore. I visited the north end yesterday evening and observed several rare species including a Snowy Plover, 10 Stilt Sandpiper and 13 White-rumped Sandpiper. Boyd Lake would be a good place to check regularly as migration winds down over the next week or so.

Nick Komar
Fort Collins CO