Chatfield SP and Ken Caryl Valley

[David Suddjian]

I was at Chatfield SP soon after sunrise this morning. Here are some highlights in addition to the aforementioned Red-Throated Loon. The reservoir was more birdy than in recent weeks, with lots of flocks birds flying around and more birds on the water in some areas of the lake. From the North Boat Launch (JEF) A flock of 6 Swans flew south. I suspect they were Tundra Swans, but they were backlist and somewhat distant so I could not be sure. Then a group of white geese flew south, comprised of 4 Ross's Geese leading 2 Snow Geese. A female Long-tailed Duck was foraging near the dam, remaining under water most of the time and sticking right along the rocks where she blended in well during her brief surface time. Also noted from here were a Thayer's Gull and a Red-breasted Merganser. Birds seen from the Marina Sandspit (DOU) included 2 Greater Scaup, a Merlin, a Bald Eagle, another Red-breasted Merganser and a decent variety of other ducks.

South Platte Reservoir had few birds and none unusual, with a Killdeer being the best there.

At Ken Caryl Valley (JEF) I had a Northern Shrike between the Lyons and Dakota hogbacks, a Golden Eagle, a Prairie Falcon, 4 Evening Grosbeaks in a Russian olive along South Valley Drive, and a Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Harris's Sparrow in my yard.

Three Red Crossbills (Type 2) flew over my house on Dec 5.

David Suddjian

Ken Caryl Valley

Littleton, CO

[David Suddjian]

Addendum: 

A late male Mountain Bluebird was at the southern part of South Valley Park today (JEF).

David Suddjian

Ken Caryl Valley

Littleton, CO