Common Loon, Long-tailed Duck, Gulls Galore, Big Johnson Res., El Paso Cty, 4/3

[mel...@comcast.net]

Hi, cobirders.

 

Following Mark Peterson's eBird report of yesterday, I made my way out to Big Johnson Reservoir on the southeast side of Colorado Springs this evening. I did not seee any of the swallows Mark saw, but the lake was crazy active otherwise.

 

As I drove up there was a beautiful Common Loon just about 50 feet from the near shore. I saw five species of grebes: Pied-billed, Horned, Western, Eared, and Clark's. Hunting through the throngs of gulls produced a couple of Bonaparte's and Franklin's. There was a Bald Eagle, two American White Pelicans and plenty of the usual suspects among the ducks and coots. Just before I left a got a glimpse of the Long-tailed Duck that came out from behind the point to the left of the parking area.

 

Good birding, everyone.

 

Mel Goff

Colorado Springs