Huerfano County Update: Rusty Blackbird, Surf Scoter, Wilson's Snipe, Harris's Sparrow

[Polly Neldner]

Yesterday for the Spanish Peaks CBC Paul and I found a Surf Scoter on Daigre Lake. Have pics on CFO Facebook page.

This morning we followed Dave Silverman's excellent directions to stalk the 2 Rusty Blackbirds he found yesterday. We flushed a Wilson's Snipe. We were actually headed back to the car thinking one more hour wasted looking for a nemesis bird when one walked out from under a small footbridge! A lifer for both of us on the first day of 2017! No pics this time, but will go back!

After an absence of over a week, our Harris's Sparrow made an appearance yesterday just as the light was fading. Just in time to be counted for the CBC. It was there again this morning.

Had a very good count yesterday. Unofficial total was 59 species...with three new species, the Surf Scoter, Scaled Quail and a Canyon Towhee!

Happy New Year from Huerfano County!

Paul and Polly Wren Neldner

La Veta, CO