Monday 2 January 2017

[cobirds] Trumpeter Swan continues at Chatfield SP (Douglas County) & an easy route to it.

Cygnu-philes, enjoyers of beauty and year listers.
In order to see this handsome swan without trudging south for 2 km over hill and dale from
the Kingfisher Bridge parking lot, I sussed out a handicap accessible route.

From Hway 85 (Santa Fe) go west on Titan Road and continue west past the south entrance to Chatfield SP.
Follow Titan it as it bends south and becomes N Rampart Range Rd and within a few yards crosses the High Line Canal.
There are "No Parking" signs guarding the trail gates.
I chose to make a U turn, recross the canal and park at a wide spot on the east shoulder of N Rampart Range Rd, facing north. 
The area is not signed. 
Stroll west on the High Line Canal Trail for about 6-8 minutes to where it bends south. From your perch above the river valley, 
scan the south end of the large lake spread out below you for the swan.

You will not be close enough for photographs, but the adult Trumpeter Swan can be seen well; a scope is optional. 
It was on display at 1:30 on Monday, January 2, just as a stiff north wind ushered in a cold front. The swan was majestic, 
surrounded by a flotilla of American Coots for contrast, much as I'd imagine the alabaster Queen Mary ocean liner surrounded by tugboats 
(if tugboats were black, with ivory bows).
Use the eBird hotspot, "High Line Canal Trail--Platte Canyon Res. to W. Titan Rd."

If you are not comfortable with the parking scene, consider having a chauffeur drop you off and return later.

Good swanning!

Joe Roller, Denver



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