Trappers Lake-possible Barrow's Goldeneyes

[Robert Righter]

Hi 

Just back from a 4 day trip to Trappers Lake, Garfield Co.

On June 28, in the middle of the lake saw a train of small ducks, 4-5 ducks following a leader, as one would expect to see with a family of ducks traveling through  the water. My 7X binocs just couldn’t confirm any field marks. The ducks were smaller than a nearby Mallard. Conjecture implied a bufflehead-like head shape. Since Common Goldeneye is not expected to breed in Colorado that left the Barrow’s as a logical choice. Of course it is feasible those ducks were something totally different is also likely.

Anyone know if Barrow’s is confirmed nesting at Trapper’s Lake?  

Bob Righter

Denver CO