Cherry Creek State Park, Dec 3, Rusty Blackbirds, Thayer's and Mew Gull

[Scott Somershoe]

All,
I didn't get a chance to post since yesterday afternoon, although I've been awake most of the night (kids). Anyway, yesterday afternoon my 4 yr old daughter and I relocated 2 rusty blackbirds along the shoreline south of the parking lots on the east side boat ramp where they've continued. We didn't walk out there, but scoped from the shoreline bluff. The rusty's were on what I'm thinking is called Pelican Point. They had no fear of 3 guys with cameras and tripods on the point! Very well may have been more rusty's down there but I had limited time and kid in tow.

I never refound the Glaucous gull but there were thousands of birds on the water. If it was still around and in view, I'd think I'd see that beast though! Anyway, at the marina, thanks to Cheryl Teuton & Dan Brooke for pointing out the adult Mew Gull that I'd missed. I think it was hidden from my scanning perspective by ring-billed gulls and some equipment on the marina. Thanks! A first cycle Thayers was at the marina, at least 1 Lesser black-backed gull (Bill K noted there were 2, which was my suspicion but not my focus), and a common loon were also seen from the marina. More time scanning without a singing and dancing kiddo may have yielded more goodies but a 6 gull species stop is nice regardless!

Maybe the cold (or anticipation) brought waterbirds in. There were impressive numbers of gulls and common mergs on the water, which maybe were here a few days ago, but Chatfield has been a real desert lately. I'll eventually get some photos in my eBird list.

Good birding,
Scott Somershoe
Littleton CO

Sent from my iPhone