[cobirds] Swans and LB Dowitcher's, Lagerman Res. (Boulder Co)

All:

had a big surprise this at 7:35 am this morning at Lagerman Res in Boulder Co:  26 Long Billed Dowitchers and 3 Trumpeter Swans.  I realize there have been many sightings of swans there, usually a pair of Tundra's seen at Swede Lakes, just across the road to the North.  Here's my write up from my checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S75307213

Was really surprised to see them, seen at approx 7:35 am. 3 very large, all white swans in the middle of the reservoir. Have a passing familiarity with TRUS vs TUSW as I've spent some time in the PAC NW for work and have seen both. These were absolutely massive birds, dwarfed nearby CAGO's. Got a good look at the biils: large, straight, smooth, and all black. Not concave and "lumpy" like a TUSW bill. Was reminiscent of the way a Canvasback bill is "strong" compared to the shape (not color) of a Redhead bill. Black bill morphed into a black mask that went to the eyes. Image search now that I'm home confirms that the eyes were part of the black mask and did not stand out and appear isolated as TUSW eyes are. They swam to the south side spit, opposite the shelter, and 2of 3 were on shore and showed black legs & feet. Random observation also was they have very bulbous knees. By the time I walked to the spillway on the south side they had departed, so may still be in Boulder Co (or nearby).

Keep your eyes out for them, maybe they'll stick around with the weather turning for the worse tonight.

Also had 2 Red-tails, 2 Balds, 2 Golden's, a Ferrug and a Northern Harrier.  FOS birds were a Hooded Merganser (displaying his full crest) and an American Tree Sparrow.  Dipped on the Sagebrush Sparrow.  And for the record:  22 degrees and a slight breeze makes for a very chilly morning.

Jay Hutchins

Longmont, CO

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/2b6c164f-515d-4f72-8d54-1ff2b2e174d6n%40googlegroups.com.