Brandt pics, Larimer County

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Tom Wilberding

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Nov 3, 2013, 7:30:42 PM11/3/13

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Here are 4 photos few from today: http://bit.ly/170JMgL.

I had trouble finding Houts Reservoir from its east side, crowded with office buildings and apartments, but discovered an easier way from its west side. Exit 257 on I-25, then go west on highway 34 to Boyd Lake Avenue, turn right or north and travel 0.9 miles to an unmarked dirt road on your right or east side. On maps it is called Medford Rd. This road is south of 37^th.. Wooden utility poles line its south side. Just drive east to Houts and parking, right where I saw the Brandt, thanks to Jon Rouse, who spotted it in the meadow north of the parking area. The Brant soon walked to the water for some paddling with two Canada geese and an Eared Grebe. It took a bath by doing a complete forward somersault; looked pretty frisky. If this is a new subspecies I nominate the name Branta bernicla mlodinowii.

Tried for the Little Gull at Terry Lake but believe I saw, looking into the sun, three or four Bonaparte’s Gulls on the spit by the private property with house, east bay. Dark ear spot but no cap. They all looked little, but if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.