Rusty Blackbird, Larimer on 30October2019

[DAVID A LEATHERMAN]

In the general vicinity of North Poudre #3 Reservoir nw of Wellington there is a Rusty Blackbird.  It is in a flowing stream or irrigation ditch on the east side of Larimer County Road 11 north of Larimer 66 Road.  This is roughly the nw corner of Boxelder Reservoir #3 (also called Smith Res SWA).  Going n on CR11 from its intersection with 66 to the nw corner of the res you can park along CR11 by a green metal gate marked by a SWA sign that says "Foot Access Only".  From there, walk east a short ways on a dirt two-lane and check the trickle of unfrozen water north of the two-lane.  The blackbird was favoring a weir or little water drop area about 50 yards e of CR11 along with 3-4 snipe.  It is pretty wary and often flies with the snipe, which flush first.  With patience, it tend to keep coming back to the weir area.  It can looks quite different from one view to the next, depending mostly on the lighting, as the following pics illustrate.

      

Dave Leatherman

Fort Collins

 

[Derek Hill]

CObirds,

Rusty Blackbird still here, exactly as Dave described. Foraging in ditch immediately on east side of CR 11 @ 1:00pm 10/31. The only blackbird present. Thanks Dave, great bird, happy Halloween!

Derek Hill
Loveland, CO
derekt...@hotmail.com