Hello Colorado Birders:
I had the opportunity to do some birding on Tuesday and Wednesday in Hinsdale and Mineral Counties and given the dearth of reports from that part of the state, I thought I better share some highlights.
The numbers and diversity of waterfowl at Williams Creek Reservoir in southeastern Hinsdale County on Tuesday tripped the eBird filters all over the place so I will share the checklist. At least one hen Barrow's Goldeneye was exciting. The most surprising high count to me was the concentration of Bald Eagles in the NE corner of the reservoir. I had 21 in view at one point but there were probably more. I wonder what food source over there attracted so many Bald Eagles?
Just after sunrise on Wednesday morning I found no birds at Wolf Creek Pass on 160 in southeastern Mineral County but just east of the ski area I encountered Pine Grosbeak, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Red Crossbill and Brown Creeper.
The only open water I came across in Mineral County all day was at Big Meadows Reservoir. I found a pair of Hooded Mergansers and some American Wigeon among the more expected species.
Unexpected surprises in Mineral County were a Canyon Wren and a Sage Thrasher.
The ponds along 149 in Mineral County, just east of the county line with Hinsdale, were frozen over except for tiny open water patches that a few desperate Pied-billed Grebes were keeping open.
Road Canyon Reservoir #1 back into Hinsdale County held a number of ducks. Most interesting among them was a Mexican-x-Mallard looking drake. A few photos of "it" and the other ducks can be viewed here:
Browns Lake was frozen over.
Good birding,
Eric
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Eric Hynes
Telluride, CO
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Field Guides Birding Tours
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