Possible Willet (?) at Cherry Creek State Park--Arapahoe County
Jean Stevenson
Around noon today, May 24, Steve and I were walking on the cement trail beside the recently re-worked Cottonwood Creek pond east of the road on the west side of Cherry Creek State Park. We got good looks with binoculars at an unusual, medium-sized wading bird which was walking slowly along the edge of the pond nearest to the trail periodically poking its long bill into the mud. Looking through the possibilities in Sibley, we agree that it looked most like a Willet, albeit an adult in “non-breeding plumage.” Black, or maybe dark grey, bill and legs (bill estimated at six inches, legs ten inches)—overall light grey feathers, lighter underneath, and with very faint brownish tinge on the side—small black area centered at the point of the tail—overall smooth look—no sound heard and it did not take flight. I hope someone else gets a chance to see this bird and to help us identify it.
Jean Stevenson
Aurora CO
Arapahoe County
Karl Stecher Jr.
greater yellowlegs in the pond to the south of the main park road, near
Belleview and Peoria. It took off to the north (possibly just to the
northern ponds, being reworked), and gave its full four-note call. I can't
speak to the leg color you saw, as we studied the bird to particularly point
out the easily visible yellow legs.
I haven't seen a willet at CCSP this year...but in past years, they have
almost always been along the shore of the main reservoir.
Also in that south pond (and nearby) were both blue and green-winged teal,
mallards, two killdeer, and a yellowthroat right next to the road.
Karl Stecher
Centennial
Jean Stevenson writes:
> Around noon today, May 24, Steve and I were walking on the cement trail
> beside the recently re-worked Cottonwood Creek pond east of the road on the
> west side of Cherry Creek State Park. We got good looks with binoculars at
> an unusual, medium-sized wading bird which was walking slowly along the edge
> of the pond nearest to the trail periodically poking its long bill into the
> mud. Looking through the possibilities in Sibley, we agree that it looked
> most like a Willet, albeit an adult in "non-breeding plumage." Black, or
> maybe dark grey, bill and legs (bill estimated at six inches, legs ten
> brownish tinge on the side-small black area centered at the point of the
> tail-overall smooth look-no sound heard and it did not take flight. I hope
>
> Jean Stevenson
>
> Aurora CO
>
> Arapahoe County
>
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