Royal Tern back at John Martin Reservoir
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Duane Nelson
Jul 18, 2015, 1:55:26 PM7/18/15
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Hey birders,
The adult Royal Tern that spent 20 minutes on Plover Island on the north
shore of John Martin Reservoir (Bent County) on July 10th returned today
after an eight day absence. This time it was far more cooperative.
Although it got up and took distant fishing forays, and disappeared a
couple of times, it returned to loaf on the island after each trip. I
now think the odds of re-finding it are considerably better.
This viewing was much more fun for me, because I got to share the bird
with others. I called Janeal Thompson, and she arrived with Jane Stulp.
This time, the bird was loafing on the island when they arrived. Janeal
surely got better photos than I am capable of on my best day. This was a
state bird for both of them, and a life bird for Jane.
Entry will have to be through John Martin State Park south of Hasty.
Wind through the state park until signs point the way to the State
Wildlife Area. Turn west. At a cattle guard you will see the island.
Wind around a flooded bay, and drive south. I recommend parking atop the
bluff instead of at the bottom, as birds will be more relaxed and may
not fly off as readily. Pause for a second to consider that this island
is man-made for the benefit of another kind of tern (not present), and
that the lack of vegetation is the result of manual habitat recovery
efforts. My short-term reward was the Royal Tern, but I'm hoping for
better things in the future.
Duane Nelson
Las Animas, CO
The adult Royal Tern that spent 20 minutes on Plover Island on the north
shore of John Martin Reservoir (Bent County) on July 10th returned today
after an eight day absence. This time it was far more cooperative.
Although it got up and took distant fishing forays, and disappeared a
couple of times, it returned to loaf on the island after each trip. I
now think the odds of re-finding it are considerably better.
This viewing was much more fun for me, because I got to share the bird
with others. I called Janeal Thompson, and she arrived with Jane Stulp.
This time, the bird was loafing on the island when they arrived. Janeal
surely got better photos than I am capable of on my best day. This was a
state bird for both of them, and a life bird for Jane.
Entry will have to be through John Martin State Park south of Hasty.
Wind through the state park until signs point the way to the State
Wildlife Area. Turn west. At a cattle guard you will see the island.
Wind around a flooded bay, and drive south. I recommend parking atop the
bluff instead of at the bottom, as birds will be more relaxed and may
not fly off as readily. Pause for a second to consider that this island
is man-made for the benefit of another kind of tern (not present), and
that the lack of vegetation is the result of manual habitat recovery
efforts. My short-term reward was the Royal Tern, but I'm hoping for
better things in the future.
Duane Nelson
Las Animas, CO
Douglas Kibbe
Jul 18, 2015, 8:27:06 PM7/18/15
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Exploring rural portions of Denver County (i.e., the farmland area surrounding DIA) today, Judy Henderson, Jeff Dawson and I were fortunate enough to find an Ash-throated Flycatcher on Gun Club Road, where it crosses Third Creek, approximately 2 miles south of its intersection with E. 112th Ave. The bird, only the second reported from Denver, was photographed extensively by Judy as it foraged in Scotch Thistle on the east side of the road.
Nearly as rare, for July at least, were a Sage Thrasher and a Cassin's Kingbird found along Hudson Road on the east side of the airport.
Doug Kibbe
Littleton
Nearly as rare, for July at least, were a Sage Thrasher and a Cassin's Kingbird found along Hudson Road on the east side of the airport.
Doug Kibbe
Littleton
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