Shorebirds at Blanca Wetlands

[John Rawinski]

A recent visit there by wife Lisa and I found about a dozen species of shorebirds present. Total numbers were quite low for this time of year. Some of the highlights included Snowy and Semi-palmated Plovers, Bairds, Western, Least and Semi-palmated sandpipers, Black-necked Stilt, and Red-necked Phalaropes. Pond 114 is the hottest place to check. It is the first alkali wetland on the right after you turn left toward North Mallard at the "T". 

On a trip to Pikes Stockade, Lisa found a family of Eastern Kingbirds as well as a mother Wood Duck with young (at the only place they are "confirmed"  to breed in the San Luis Valley). 

John Rawinski

Monte Vista, CO