Greater Yellowlegs, Cottonwood Marsh, Boulder

[Peter Burke]

COBirders,

Early migrants? There were two Greater Yellowlegs on the marsh Saturday, actively feeding and making their distinctive, high-pitched flight call. It's not often this bird shares scope-views with Common Goldeneye!

There are decent numbers of both diving and dabbling ducks out there. Also a cooperative Northern Shrike on the west side of Duck pond.

Good birding,
Peter Burke
Boulder, CO

Peter Burke

Editor, Colorado Birds

Colorado Field Ornithologists

935 11th St. Boulder, CO 80302

(973) 214-0140

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[Tom Wilberding]

Early migrants or Colorado over-wintering? Always great to see a shorebird in winter. Bob & Bob, Colorado Birds © 1992, mention GRYE as “occasional in winter.” Killdeer rated “rare in winter.” The only other shorebird with a winter mention is Wilson’s Snipe, “local in winter.”

But for the past two January's there have been quite a few eBird sightings of GRYE in January, particularly Boyd Ponds in Fort Morgan and Barr Lake. Open water is probably key. Prior to 2013 the only January GRYE sighting was at Wheatridge Greenbelt in 1988, 27 years ago. Click to see the eBird January map here. What to conclude? A couple of unusually warm winters, or evidence of serious climate change, for better or worse? Gulp.

Anyway, gotta love this shorebird with anti-freeze.

Tom Wilberding
Boulder, CO