Pueblo birds Oct 21 (Surf Scoters and Laughing Gull)

[Brandon K. Percival]

David Chartier found a single female/immature Surf Scoter at the SWA on NW side of Pueblo Reservoir this morning (21 Oct).  We also saw one Bonaparte's Gull and an Osprey.  Later on in the morning, I went back to this location with some Pueblo birders (Margie, Clif, and Pearle), and we saw a group of four female/immatures Surf Scoters, plus the single one, making a total of five Surf Scoters.  We also saw, the winter adult LAUGHING GULL, plus 11 American Avocets, and two Bonaparte's Gulls.  Around 20 or so American White Pelicans continue in the SWA, west toward Turkey Creek.

 

I forgot to post about a couple of birds, of some note from yesterday (20 Oct), Steve M., David D., and I saw a Black Phoebe along the Arkansas River, near and a little west of the Valco Ponds parking lot.  This is the second time I've seen one recently, in this area, maybe this is a bird is planning to winter.  We also saw a somewhat late Spotted Sandpiper, along the Arkansas River, further west, between Valco Ponds parking lot and the Fish Hatchery Ponds. 

Good birding,

Brandon Percival -- Pueblo West, CO

[Scott Cowan]

Hi Brandon,

 

Thanks for your post.  Did you access the area where you found the Surf Scoters from West Fishing road or did you enter the SWA via the dirt road near the park gate?  The Surf Scoters would be a life bird for me so I don't want to miss them!

 

Thanks for your help,

 

Scott Cowan - Pueblo, CO