Douglas Reservoir - Larimer County

[Andrew Bankert]

I tried to find some count week birds for the Fort Collins CBC in case some of the open water freezes up later in the week.  I was surprised to find two birds that have never been reported on the Fort Collins CBC before.  One of them was one a continuing Bonaparte's Gull which has been around for a while and we were hoping would stick around until Saturday.  The second bird was a sleeping Red-necked Grebe.  Both were observed from the western side of the lake near the boat ramp.  I think I have identifiable photos of the grebe, but it had its head tucked for as long as I watched it. Other birds that are uncommon on the Ft. Collins CBC were Western and Pied-billed Grebe and Thayer's Gull. 

I also checked out the north side of Horsetooth Reservoir and the only interesting bird was a female Hooded Merganser.  College Lake was almost completely frozen, which could be why there was a Hooded Merganser on Horsetooth.

Good Birding!

Andy Bankert

Fort Collins