First Winter Franklin's Gull at Barr Lake

[John Tumasonis]

All:

        Observed a first winter plumage Franklin's Gull at Barr Lake on 11/11/24.   Near the shoreline to north west of the main boat ramp.  What caught my attention of this bird, was its behavior - it was flying in a pattern similar to a jaeger - twisting and turning and jinking.  It spent most of its time doing this an only occasionally landing on sand spits for short rests.  Good looks.   This species should be on its way to Central and South America - so this is rather late sighting.  

Notes on Barr Lake construction:  The berms are being rebuilt all around the lake, section by section.  Many trees and bushes are being cut down due to erosion from root systems.  The work is going on all fall \ winter (?)  so you should call before you go there, as sections of the main trail are or will be closed.  Note also there is dredging going on in the lake - I was told this was to make the lake deeper.   Barr Lake is less than 1/5 full - it looks like a desert.  

Other stuff at Barr: 

Lots of white-crowned sparrows,  

One tree sparrow, 

Song sparrows,  

Some gold finch and junco flocks, 

Thousands of Northern Shovelers

Ring Billed Gulls

Raptors are lacking - 1 kestrel, 1 harrier, 2 red tailed hawks

Animals by sign:  white tailed deer, raccoons, coyotes, eastern cottontail.   One raccoon was sleeping in a hole in a dead snag.  

John T (Tumasonis)  Broomfield CO

"I'm not a real birder.  I only pretend to be one on CoBirds."