John Martin Reservoir, Bent County

[Duane Nelson]

Birders,

Today, there were two Greater Yellowlegs in the catchment basin below
the dam just south of the Hasty Campground. They undoubtedly are
wintering farther downstream on private property, but this is the first
time in almost two months that they have been seen on public property.

Two Long-tailed Ducks were seen together from a point between the two
north shore boat ramps just west of the dam.  As both appear to be
females / immatures, I think there are at least three Long-tailed Ducks
on the reservoir. It may take time or luck to find them, since there are
nearly quintuple-figures of Common Mergansers currently on the
reservoir, extending in loose groups all the way from the dam to the
west edge of the reservoir.

A previously-reported adult Great Black-backed Gull loafed today with a
few Herring Gulls on the ice shelf in the bay just north of Clayton
Point, about 4 miles west of the dam on the north side of the reservoir.

Duane Nelson

Las Animas, Bent County, CO