Folks,
I am working in southeast Colorado this week in the Comanche Grasslands of Las Animas County. This under-birded area is ripe with birds moving through. Grassland birds are plentiful including American Kestrel, Cassin's Kingbird, Chestnut-collared Longspur, Vesper Sparrow, and Western Meadowlark. Accipiters seem to be on the move, many observed in crazy plains and grassland habitats. A Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was photographed, likely one of the breeding pair observed there this past spring. A handful of Chimney Swifts were heard and observed flying over Lucy's taco stand in La Junta, a bit tardy on their southbound trek. Not unusual but still fascinating are the kettles of Sandhill Cranes flying to NM. But sea birding is what I said in the subject, so here goes...
During my second hour of work on Monday, I noticed an unusual bird flying towards me in the middle of nowhere. It was a Parasitic Jaeger, sallying around the gull-less expanse of Comanche Grasslands. The bird flew within 400 meters and I obtained some poor photos, included in the ebird list. What are the chances?
I would not start a cobirds post with 'sea birding' if all I had was one lousy Parasitic Jaeger. Today, on a smallish pothole pond, about the size of a football field in the middle of nowhere were 18 (eighteen) Surf Scoters. The birds continued throughout the day and were observed by several co-workers. I am thinking the mountain lakes may be worth a visit this weekend.
Glenn Walbek
Castle Rock, CO
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