Wandering around sw. Weld County - WW Scoter, LT Duck

[Steven Mlodinow]

Greetings All

I spent a few hours today wandering around sw. Weld County

Highlights were 

a White-winged Scoter (first spring female) at St Vrain State Park (the pond just south and west of entrance station. Also an Eared Grebe there

Continuing Long-tailed Duck at Firestone Gravel Pits along with a Barrow's Goldeneye

The presence of open water, or lack thereof, is seemingly impossible to predict. One pond at Firestone was frozen on Sunday, and with only frigid temps since, is now partly open. I am baffled. 

Once waters open, the Redhead, Canvasback, goldeneye, etc will blast past to the north, I suspect.

Good Birding

Steve Mlodinow

[sarahs...@gmail.com]

Just wanted to say thank you for posting this, Steve! I've been to Milavec Reservoir in Weld County about half a dozen times this winter and missed the Long-tailed Duck every time. I stopped by the Firestone Gravel Pits yesterday afternoon and finally got to see her and watch her diving for a while. Didn't find the Barrow's Goldeneye, sadly, but I will try again another day.