Saturday, 7 November 2020

[cobirds] Standley Lake (Jeffco) - A study in loons and a couple RNGR

What a treat today - four Common Loons and two Red-necked Grebes were feeding on the far edge of the weed beds about 75'-150' off the south shore (about midway east/west), allowing for close-up views and photos. There have been a variety of loons recently at Standley Lake, providing a great opportunity to study and compare them. We've had Common Loons, a Pacific Loon, and a Red-throated Loon.

I was introduced to birding about 18 months ago, but this is my first fall of serious birding. It turns out, there is a lot of variety in the coloring of Common Loons, as many of you know. I'm not sure if this always happens, but I seem to see the loons not just alone, but sometimes in pairs or even threesomes. It's been tremendously valuable to see several loons all on one outing so I can compare the coloring differences, as well as bill shape and size, and head shape. Earlier in the week, another birder and I saw six loons swimming in a line toward the dam!

The loons have generally been in the middle of the lake about midway east/west when I've seen them (I've been out 5 of the past 7 days since I live nearby and wanted to study them), although yesterday I had a common just past the weed beds like today, but on the north shore midway east-west. 

If you're interested in coming out, there are free parking lots on both the north and south shores, just know they lock the gates at sunset.

DSTU0778 - earlier COLOs together.JPG

Donna Stumpp
Westminster, CO

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