Standley Lake (Jeffco) - A study in loons and a couple RNGR

[Donna Stumpp]

What a treat today - four Common Loons and two Red-necked Grebes were feeding on the far edge of the weed beds about 75'-150' off the south shore (about midway east/west), allowing for close-up views and photos. There have been a variety of loons recently at Standley Lake, providing a great opportunity to study and compare them. We've had Common Loons, a Pacific Loon, and a Red-throated Loon.

I was introduced to birding about 18 months ago, but this is my first fall of serious birding. It turns out, there is a lot of variety in the coloring of Common Loons, as many of you know. I'm not sure if this always happens, but I seem to see the loons not just alone, but sometimes in pairs or even threesomes. It's been tremendously valuable to see several loons all on one outing so I can compare the coloring differences, as well as bill shape and size, and head shape. Earlier in the week, another birder and I saw six loons swimming in a line toward the dam!

The loons have generally been in the middle of the lake about midway east/west when I've seen them (I've been out 5 of the past 7 days since I live nearby and wanted to study them), although yesterday I had a common just past the weed beds like today, but on the north shore midway east-west. 

If you're interested in coming out, there are free parking lots on both the north and south shores, just know they lock the gates at sunset.

Donna Stumpp

Westminster, CO

[Donna Stumpp]

Here are the Red-necked Grebe pics. I'm curious if more experienced birders know if the bill size difference is just variation in adults in basic plumage, or if one might be a first winter.

[Brandon]

Seems like a good movement of Red-necked Grebes in Colorado yesterday.  I saw my first one of fall, at Pueblo Reservoir, Pueblo County yesterday as well.  It very windy right now down here, so I doubt I will look at Pueblo Reservoir at all today, unless the wind slows way down.  More gulls are coming in for the winter at Pueblo Reservoir yesterday, more Lesser Black-backed Gulls it seems.  

Over at Pueblo City Park, continuing birds continue there yesterday, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 3 White-throated Sparrow, and Snow Goose.  A female Black-throated Blue Warbler was seen there on Friday briefly.

Good birding,

Brandon Percival
Pueblo West, CO

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