All:
had a big surprise this at 7:35 am this morning at Lagerman Res in Boulder Co: 26 Long Billed Dowitchers and 3 Trumpeter Swans. I realize there have been many sightings of swans there, usually a pair of Tundra's seen at Swede Lakes, just across the road to the North. Here's my write up from my checklist:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S75307213
Was really surprised to see them, seen at approx 7:35 am. 3 very
large, all white swans in the middle of the reservoir. Have a passing
familiarity with TRUS vs TUSW as I've spent some time in the PAC NW for
work and have seen both. These were absolutely massive birds, dwarfed
nearby CAGO's. Got a good look at the biils: large, straight, smooth,
and all black. Not concave and "lumpy" like a TUSW bill. Was
reminiscent of the way a Canvasback bill is "strong" compared to the
shape (not color) of a Redhead bill. Black bill morphed into a black
mask that went to the eyes. Image search now that I'm home confirms
that the eyes were part of the black mask and did not stand out and
appear isolated as TUSW eyes are. They swam to the south side spit,
opposite the shelter, and 2of 3 were on shore and showed black legs & feet. Random observation also was they have very bulbous
knees. By the time I walked to the spillway on the south side they had
departed, so may still be in Boulder Co (or nearby).
Keep your eyes out for them, maybe they'll stick around with the weather turning for the worse tonight.
Also had 2 Red-tails, 2 Balds, 2 Golden's, a Ferrug and a Northern Harrier. FOS birds were a Hooded Merganser (displaying his full crest) and an American Tree Sparrow. Dipped on the Sagebrush Sparrow. And for the record: 22 degrees and a slight breeze makes for a very chilly morning.
Jay Hutchins
Longmont, CO