Rusty Blackbirds and Barrow's Goldeneyes, Denver

[Peter Gent]

All,

This morning I ventured southeast to the Denver area, and had a successful trip.

First, with the help of several local Denver birders, I saw two males and a female Rusty Blackbirds.  These birds have been along the creek at the First Creek at DEN Open Space since at least January 1st.  The quickest way to the location is to take East 56th Ave east under the light rail bridge, and turn immediately left onto a track.  Go 1/4 mile north and park.  The birds are along the creek to the east and before the bridge where the creek goes under East 56th Avenue.

I then went to the South Platte River, and saw a pair of Barrow's Goldeneyes in their usual winter location in Adams County.  This is in the river about 300-400 yards upstream (south) of the green and white tank and by two benches along the paved trail.  The quickest way to get there is to walk north from the parking lot at the east end of East 78th Avenue. This location provides beautiful close comparisons between Barrow's and Common Goldeneyes.

Peter Gent,

Boulder.

[Tom Wilberding]

Hi Peter,
I went on this scavenger hunt today. Your directions were very clear. I arrived at both destinations, and fortunately, the birds were still there. Gracias! Some of my photos below.

Tom Wilberding
Littleton, CO