Piping Plovers at John Martin Reservoir

[Duane Nelson]

Birders,

I am no longer working with Piping Plovers and Least Terns at John
Martin or other Reservoirs in SE Colorado, and have taken on a new job.
However, I still like to get out and see what birds are around
occasionally.

I was able to observe at least two Piping Plovers today at John Martin
Reservoir. Since there are no closures set up, and fishermen have
unrestricted access anyways, it is hard to justify keeping birders away.
The easiest location to see a Piping Plover is on the point between the
east and west boat ramps on the north side of the reservoir near the
dam. Another plover can be seen on Three-pole Island, the prominent
island visible from State Park HQ, accessed by a campground loop on
Point Overlook. Other shorebirds are likely on Three-pole Island, as
well as terns (including Caspian) and gulls (Bonaparte's and Franklin's).

If the weather is bad, Lake Hasty can be good. The swim beach may have
shorebirds and waterbirds, and hundreds of foraging swallows.

Duane Nelson

Las Animas, CO