Thanks, Nick, for checking out and reporting on Schaffer Reservoir, a privately-owned pond in Lincoln County and finding
-- such good shorebirds!
It is an eBird hotspot and marked "private, view from road." Actually there is a small place to
pull off to avoid parking on the shoulder, but good relations have been maintained with the rancher by not driving
or walking closer.
It can be dull or very good, mostly depending on the water level.
A Tundra Swan has been seen there, and usually there is a good variety of ducks and shorebirds. The thing I like about
it most is that you always have the place to yourself at this oasis on the dry plains, and there is little road traffic, making
for fine ambience And you are about the right distance to see the birds (scope required), but far enough away not to disturb them.
Directions; From Limon, go southeast on Hwy 287 through Hugo (caution - speed trap! When leaving town, do not accelerate until you pass
the speed limit sign). Continue southeast, watching for Lincoln CR 63, where you turn right and go due south,
The road there turns southeast again and becomes road 39, also called 44, near the bustling metropolis of Boyero. About 3 miles after Boyero, slow down
and watch for the water body to loom up on your left. From the crest of a small rise you can scope at a safe distance, then drive very slowly
to the unmarked pull-off. To get back to "civilization" continue on the gravel road south, then when you reach the hardtop (94), jog east to
rejoin 287.
Joe Roller, Denver
On Thu, May 4, 2017 at 8:14 PM, Nick Moore <sdhjuw@gmail.com> wrote:
Today I did a wrap around a few plains counties; Kit Carson, Cheyenne and Lincoln.
Starting at Flagler SWA I found land birds to be lacking in general. The most common migrants were Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Spotted Towhee. There is not much water remaining but a good number of ducks were hanging around not much room for shorebirds and none were present. The best bird was a GRAY FLYCATCHER in the cottonwood south along the stream bed.
The town of Flagler had nothing of note.
I poked around a few areas in Burlington and found just a few migrants. Best were three Broad-winged Hawks. The sewage treatment ponds were fun with both phalaropes, ducks and a smattering of shorebirds.
Attempts at finding any open water in Cheyenne county were unsuccessful. The sewage ponds in Cheyenne Wells had a new no trespassing sign. I had to work to get a view and wasn't rewarded my more than Blue-winged Teal and a Ring-necked Duck.
I ended the day at Shaffer Reservoir in extreme eastern Lincoln county. It was the best of the day. Plenty of peeps, Marbled Godwit, a WHIMBREL, and a PIPING PLOVER. Best I can do is say find my eBird report for directions it may be in the County birding site as well.
In all the warm weather and a few good birds kept me happy.
Nick Moore
Currently in La Junta for the night.
Sent from my iPhone
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