Scoters at Aurora Reservoir (Arapahoe)

[W. Robert Shade III]

Three of us saw 1 Black Scoter and 3 Surf Scoters, all female or immature from a point on the south side between the two inlets on the south. You can park on Calhoun Street and walk in one mile (no fee to walk in).  Also one Common Loon. I think next time I will bring my bike as it is 8 miles around the reservoir but the bike paths are excellent. Did not check the dam face or the southwest side swim beach area. 

Bob Shade

Lakewood

[David Dowell]

The Black Scoter and 3 Surf Scoters that Bob reported this morning were still present at Aurora Reservoir this afternoon.  Repeated scans with a scope turned up additional goodies:

3 White-winged Scoters

Pacific Loon

Red-necked Grebe

Glaucous Gull (adult)

2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (adults)

3 Thayer's Gulls (all immature)

Also, Herring Gull numbers have increased quite a bit since a week ago.

Note that Aurora Reservoir is CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day.

David Dowell

Longmont, CO