Chukar at Wellington: Cobb Lake Unit

[john haycraft]

Very unexpected evening last night.  After seeing the Common Gallinule north of CO 60, I went to check out Cobb Lake at Wellington.  Found a nice Palm Warbler, but after doing a large loop and walking back to car at dusk, a Chukar came out between the hedgerows near main parking lot and walked along foot path.  Bird would walk a few steps, look around, walk a few steps, look around. Could not see legs.  Larger than a Bobwhite, pale gray back, orange bill with a small hook on the end, stripes on the flank.  Did not have time to get photos with scope, but probably not enough light anyway. I had been hearing what I thought was a Ring-necked Pheasant earlier, but it didn't sound quite right. I now think I was hearing the Chukar.  I would not be surprised if this was a an escaped game bird from a nearby property.  

John Haycraft