[cobirds] DFO field trip to southwest Metro Area spots Dec 13

Today's Denver Field Ornithologists (dfobirds.org) trip began at Red Rocks Trading Post and vicinity (JEF) where we enjoyed one or two Golden Eagles, a Canyon Wren, a number Townsend's Solitaires, a Bushtit flock, and the parade of usual species at the feeding station. 

At Denver West Office Park (JEF) we found a dearth of song birds, so no hoped for rarity (there were some Bushtits and a flock of Cedar Waxwings went over). But the prize was a Merlin that remained perched for as long as we wanted, allowing primo views. It had some smudging of blood on the vent/tail area, so we think it had just had a meal and was happy to remained perched in the sun as it digested.

Blue Heron Park (JEF) had a Greater White-fronted Goose and a male Wood Duck.

Clement Park's fields near Bowles (JEF) had a big goose flock with 2 Ross's Geese, a Snow Goose that appeared to be an imm. blue morph, and a flying Bald Eagle.

South Platte Reservoir (ARA) had the continuing Black Scoter and a continuing Long-tailed Duck. Like yesterday the Black Scoter was maybe 100-200 meters off the east side of the reservoir, while the Long-tailed Duck was over near the RV property approaching the JeffCo line. Then minutes later at adjacent Blackrock Lake we had another continuing Long-tailed Duck, so there are two individuals in that local area. 16 Greater Scaup were there, too. The viewing of the Long-tailed at Blackrock is especially pleasing, as it is fairly close. Afternoon light is really nice if viewing from the northeast side where there is a platform. This is probably a really good photo op for CO, since it is much closer than Long-taileds tend to be on the big reservoirs.

David Suddjian

Ken Caryl Valley

Littleton, CO

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