Horseshoe Reservoir, Larimer, gulls

[Nick Komar]

This morning, the goldeneye-gull show was impressive in the northwest corner of Horseshoe Lake, observed at fairly close range through scopes from Elm Court (looking north). Highlight was a textbook adult Siberian Herring (Vega) Gull. Details below (with ebird checklist). I hope my photos came out ok, as this taxon has yet to be accepted to the state list. It is considered a full species by many.

Horseshoe Reservoir
Traveling
1 miles
105 Minutes
Observers: 2
All birds reported? Yes
Comments: With Ken Pals
15 Canada Goose
120 Mallard (Northern)
1 Bufflehead
120 Common Goldeneye
10 Common Merganser
1 Bald Eagle
1 Red-tailed Hawk - looked like dark phase Harlan's with red tail (perched along Monroe St.
12 Bonaparte's Gull
200 Ring-billed Gull
20 California Gull
30 Herring Gull (American)
1 Herring Gull (Vega) -- Classic adult. Digiscoped photos pending. Darker gray mantle, thicker white tertial crescent, eye appeared dark, strong pink legs, head streaks limited to lower nape.
1 Thayer's Gull -- Adult
2 Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii) -- 4th cycle both
20 Eurasian Collared-Dove
1 Belted Kingfisher
2 Northern Flicker
1 Blue Jay
1 American Crow
1 Common Raven
1 Black-capped Chickadee
15 American Robin
3 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)

Nick Komar
Fort Collins CO


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