Boyd Ponds, R.I.P. Morgan County

[Tom Wilberding]

Hello, birders,

Sorry if this is old news, but was a surprise to me and maybe to you: Boyd Ponds SWA in Fort Morgan is kaput. The State sold it to a private individual who put up a shiny six foot high chain link fence all round it, locked up tighter than a drum. Disappointed to see this gem on the South Platte now off limits. Used to offer us birders Trumpeter Swan, Rusty Blackbird, Greater Yellowlegs in February, Snow Bunting, Northern Bobwhite, and Winter Wren. Why did the State sell it? From the web: "The Boyd Ponds State Wildlife Area (SWA) will close permanently Aug. 29, 2014. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has sold the property to a private entity. Boyd Ponds, a 176-acre wildlife area, has been available as a day-use hunting and angling site for many years. However, due to continued development in the area, it has outlived its designation as wildlife habitat providing recreation opportunity."

Barb and I did enjoy the rest of our day in Morgan County today--got up to 66 sunny degrees. The southeastern third of Jackson Reservoir is still frozen, but the northwestern two thirds is open with a lot of waterfowl, more Mallards than I have ever seen in one place, about 4,999 give or take one. A few Bald Eagles, a few of the  usual passerine species by the Visitors Center. Riverside Park in Fort Morgan had a Greater White-fronted Goose along with a lot of Cackling Geese. Rather quiet bird-wise today, but a few early signs of spring--grass getting slightly greener here and there. Red-wing Blackbirds shooting up over the marsh before dropping down to hide. A couple of Song Sparrows hopping around the cattails tentatively. Some American Robins tut-tutting, not quite ready to sing. Ready to sing: Western Meadowlark, never shy.

Best,

Tom Wilberding

Boulder, CO