[cobirds] Scoters, Loons -- Cherry Creek State Park -- Arapahoe County

 

Folks,

 

Loch Kilpatrick and I observed an adult female and first year male Black Scoter at Cherry Creek.  The male is showing a hint of orange in the upper mandible.  A 'nearly' breeding plumage, adult Pacific Loon was also seen with as many as 5 Common Loons.  The Pac Loon has a pale gray head with white lines on the sides of the neck and a dark throat.  White on the rear flanks could be seen only when the bird rolled in the water to preen.  Some distant photos of a Common and Pacific Loon together can be seen here.

 

http://www.pbase.com/gwalbek/image/161803780

 

Glenn Walbek

Castle Rock, CO