[cobirds] Loon on Wellington Lake, Jefferson County

Wellington Lake (160+ acres) is located at 8,000 feet in Pike National Forest 11 miles S.E. of Bailey on C.R. 68/Wellington Lake Road.  Some people are familiar with The Castle, the impressive Pikes Peak granite spire just west of the lake.  Some years Peregrine Falcons nest on The Castle.

Yesterday's birds:

Canada Geese

Mallards

Common Mergansers

Common Loon

2 adult Bald Eagles

Various land birds

For a number of years I have had a theory that Wellington Lake is large enough, productive enough, and situated in the right place to attract loons and scoters during migration.  These birds, of course, show up just "Over The Hill" in South Park every year.  

So, for the last few years I have been looking for these birds Spring and Fall at Wellington.

YESTERDAY I WAS REWARDED !!!  There were two adult Bald Eagles AND a gorgeous breeding plumage Common Loon casually diving and fishing right out in the middle of the lake!  I was thrilled!  Theory proven correct.

Thanks, Chris

Chris A. Blakeslee
Centennial, Colorado
CorvidColo@aol.com