CFO shorebird trip - Park County Reservoirs

[David Suddjian]

Our group had gorgeous weather for our visit today to the thee large reservoirs in South Park. Temperatures were deliciously cool as we began early working the west side of Antero Reservoir. This area had most of today’s shorebirds, including 2 Snowy Plovers and 16 Sanderlings (1 along the shore, and a flock of 15 flying south). Baird’s were plentiful, their flocks blending with brown Horned Larks in an Antero dry mud medley. Eared and Western Grebes had young of varied ages, well studied from our western walk and the glassy calm waters. Also 4 Hooded Mergs.

Later, after a memorable surprise delay (yay Kip’s tow strap and CFO field teamwork) we went to the south end of the Antero dam. The young Long-tailed Jaeger made a dramatic and long flyby, before settling way out there and paddling around. The pale head and long winged look were distinctive in far off views, as it swam picking items from the surface.

Spinney Reservoir had a 3rd cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull at the north tip, near the road. Most everything else was not near the road.

The best part of Eleven Mile was the area off Cross Creek Campground at the north end. Just a nice gathering of birds, with big coot flicks harboring hidden ducks of varied kinds, including three seasonally rare Bufflehead. Also 10 Hooded Mergansers in various interesting end of summer garb.

David Suddjian
Ken Caryl Valley
Littleton, CO

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