Shorebirds, Weld and Morgan Counties

[Charles Hundertmark]

I birded Ireland Reservoir 5 (Weld Co) and the Morgan County Playas yesterday.

At Ireland 5, Water levels were down considerably leaving extensive shore. Along with Killdeer, there were two Spotted Sandpipers and a Solitary Sandpiper.

Morgan County playas were considerably drier than on a June 24 visit with good shorebird conditions on some. 

Playa at Morgan CR JJ & Hwy 71: The small southern pond was dry, while the larger pond had good water and little shore. 3 Wilson’s Phalarope.

Playa at Morgan CRs 26 & JJ: All mud. No shorebirds. This playa had much water on June 24.

Playa on CRII between 26 and 23: This small playa had good water. 15 American Avocet and 1 Spotted Sandpiper.

Playa at Morgan CRs 23 & HH: Jackpot. Water level was down significantly on two of the three pools, but good shorebird conditions. Most activity was on the small pond north of CR HH. 30 Baird’s Sandpipers, 3 Least, 2 Semipalmated Sandpipers, 2 Western Sandpipers, 2 Greater Yellowlegs, 1 Lesser Yellowlegs, 1 Solitary Sandpiper, 6 Long-billed Dowitcher, 2 Wilson’s Phalarope.

Chuck Hundertmark

Lafayette, CO