Thick-billed Longspurs in Bent County, Co

[DUANE NELSON]

Birders, 

The historic cold spell has eased, and daytime temperatures are finally above freezing. Today, I ventured north from Las Animas CO on County Road 10 toward Adobe Creek Reservoir. At the small pond on the east side of Road 10, about 8 miles north of SH 194, I was rewarded with seeing multiple flocks of Thick-billed Longspurs coming to the pond in waves, and finding pockets of drinking water on the edge of the frozen pond. This winter, this is a great place to see these uncommon wintering birds. 

There is a major road construction project on Road 10, which made it impossible for me to reach Adobe Creek Reservoir. I don't think it's possible to combine the Longspur pond with Adobe Creek reservoir without a major detour. 

Duane Nelson

Las Animas, Bent County, CO