Red-necked Grebe at John Martin Reservoir, Bent County

[Duane Nelson]

Birders,

I was lucky enough to spot an alternate (breeding) plumage Red-necked Grebe very close to the road as I drove across the dam of John Martin Reservoir today. It was just offshore, and within 100 feet of the rocky face of the dam, about 1/2 mile north of the north pullout on the dam. This plumage is very rarely seen in this part of the world, and Red-necked Grebes are always uncommon in Colorado, even in their drab basic plumage.

From the dam, I saw that the adult Brown Pelican is still present in the stilling basin below the dam.

Two new Piping Plovers appeared today, bringing the John Martin population up to six. I would much prefer if birders contact me if they are wanting to see this endangered nesting species.




Duane Nelson
Las Animas, Bent County, CO

[Kerry Hargrove]

Thanks for posting this Duane! Good find and I was able to get some shots of the grebe.

Kerry Hargrove
Thornton