DFO field trip to southwest Metro Area spots Dec 13

[David Suddjian]

Today's Denver Field Ornithologists (dfobirds.org) trip began at Red Rocks Trading Post and vicinity (JEF) where we enjoyed one or two Golden Eagles, a Canyon Wren, a number Townsend's Solitaires, a Bushtit flock, and the parade of usual species at the feeding station. 

At Denver West Office Park (JEF) we found a dearth of song birds, so no hoped for rarity (there were some Bushtits and a flock of Cedar Waxwings went over). But the prize was a Merlin that remained perched for as long as we wanted, allowing primo views. It had some smudging of blood on the vent/tail area, so we think it had just had a meal and was happy to remained perched in the sun as it digested.

Blue Heron Park (JEF) had a Greater White-fronted Goose and a male Wood Duck.

Clement Park's fields near Bowles (JEF) had a big goose flock with 2 Ross's Geese, a Snow Goose that appeared to be an imm. blue morph, and a flying Bald Eagle.

South Platte Reservoir (ARA) had the continuing Black Scoter and a continuing Long-tailed Duck. Like yesterday the Black Scoter was maybe 100-200 meters off the east side of the reservoir, while the Long-tailed Duck was over near the RV property approaching the JeffCo line. Then minutes later at adjacent Blackrock Lake we had another continuing Long-tailed Duck, so there are two individuals in that local area. 16 Greater Scaup were there, too. The viewing of the Long-tailed at Blackrock is especially pleasing, as it is fairly close. Afternoon light is really nice if viewing from the northeast side where there is a platform. This is probably a really good photo op for CO, since it is much closer than Long-taileds tend to be on the big reservoirs.

David Suddjian

Ken Caryl Valley

Littleton, CO

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