Arapahoe / Jefferson Apr 30 - May 1

[David Suddjian]

May 1

The three wintering Long-tailed Ducks are still at South Platte Reservoir today, on the Arapahoe side. They are getting into some nice plumage and are worth a visit to see the transition to alternate plumage. I imagine they won't be there too much longer? Also there were 1 Common Tern and 2 Forster's Terns. About 500 swallows were of 6 species, with Violet-green most numerous (est 200). 

Chatfield Swim Beach had 1 Western Sandpiper, 4 Least Sandpipers, 1 Greater Yellowlegs, and about 400 swallows. Violet-green was again most numerous, with an estimated 300.

Hildebrand Ranch Park had 1 Lark Sparrow, 1 Clay-colored Sparrow, and 3 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. A check along part of the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail at Deer Creek Canyon Park had 1 Plumbeous Vireo, 1 Virginia Warbler, and 2 more Blue-gray Gnatcatchers.

7 Am. White Pelicans flying over Ken Caryl Valley were a bit west of normal for this local area.

Apr 30

The inclement weather moved a good number of Western and Mountain Bluebirds around and down into the Ken Caryl Valley, along with a number of Vesper Sparrows. Hildebrand Ranch Park had a male Lazuli Bunting and a Green-tailed Towhee, both FOS me me, plus a Sage Thrasher.

David Suddjian

Lilttleton, CO