Monday, 10 December 2012

[cobirds] Redpoll, Merlin, Jefferson Cnty; long-tailed duck and other treats nearby in Arapahoe Cnty

Near Normandy Elementary School in Littleton: After seeing posts of redpolls all around the area, a futile trip to the Pawnee a few weeks ago, and staring out my window all weekend hoping to be invited to party, a female showed up on our feeder this morning.  She only stayed a moment before the yard was cleared of birds.  First impression was "that's too small for a sharp-shinned, and the kestrels never land in our apple tree" - a closer look revealed a merlin!  Got a few photos into the morning sun.  Spotted the merlin again 30 mins later, circling from the southeast up towards the school property while driving out to work.   These two new yard-birds bring us up to 70 in suburban Littleton!  Feeders suddenly filled with 4 varieties of juncos, 2 spp of nuthatch, scrub and blue jays on occassion, plus the usual suspects.   I'll post an invite/directions if she becomes any sort of predictable visitor.  I guess wishing CAN make it so!
 
Currently a rough-legged hawk is immediately west of the Carson Nature Center in S Platte Park, and both adult and first year bald eagles seen flying up river this morning.  A female long-tailed duck is being regularly photographed at decently close range from the river (posted by visitors on the South Platte Park facebook page), and several shrikes have been reported as well.  Happy cold-spell!
 
Skot Latona
Littleton, CO

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