South Platte River, Adams County

[Tom Wilberding]

Hello birders,

Biked the South Platte River Trail today from 64^th to 104^th and back. Saw three well-hidden Black-crowned Night-Herons at the sewage cascades near 64^th and York. Along Sand Creek at the Suncor Refinery noticed two cabbage white butterflies, first of the year for me. At about 86^th street saw a male Barrow’s Goldeneye. Some beautiful ducks still on the river, including my favorites Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, and Green-winged Teal. Glorious weather today--industrial Denver never looked so good!

Tom Wilberding
Littleton, CO

[Ben S]

On Sunday, I visited this area of the south platte. Along 88th, I did not see an adult male Barrow's, but I did see what appears to be an immature male Barrow's. Also nine Northern Pintails. Nice seeing the adult male Barrow's! Where exactly was it?

Also near 64th I got my year bird Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) and two Black-crowned Night-Herons (immatures). I checked and this is pretty much the only part of the Denver area they overwinter. Another highlight was a flyover Double-C Cormorant. 

Ben Sampson

Centennial, Co