Grouse Trip Day 7

April 23, 2009

Richard Stevens:

This concludes a 7 day grouse trip. Because of blog format, the days are reversed with newest on top. A barely had time to write these as most days we had four hours for a shower and some sleep. It was one of my most successful trips considering that migration has not started yet. I leave for another soon and migration should add birds to the trip. Enjoy!

Bob Bucci and I decided to "bite the bullet" and climb the 4 mile round trip to the top of Eagle's View at Reynolds Park, Jefferson County. The forest edge at the top and overlooking the clearing to the south is the best spot to find Dusky Grouse.

However, it is quite a climb! We had gone about a mile when we ran into the Babics (from Florida). It was day 2 for them in this search. After talking to us they went back up for a third search. Bob and I decided that if they could not find them, we would not either.

Bob and I did very briefly see a probably Dusky Grouse fly across the trail at about 0.2 miles south of the intersection of the service road and Raven's Roost trail. Dusky Grouse tracks were in the snow here. Also the Babics had heard a male Dusky Grouse at the top of Eagle's View, but were not able to find it.

Instead of the hike, Bob and I headed up to Pawnee National Grasslands area. When we arrived I was sorry to see that the rancher is running cattle in the field at highway 14 and Weld County Road 51. In the past this has been the most productive Mountain Plover nesting field. I can not believe that the Mountain Plover will nest under several hundred cows.

Burrowing Owls were found: 8+ at the northeast corner of Hwy 14 & CR 51; 2+ at CR 90 & CR 51; and several additional locations.

We found Mountain Plovers at two traditional and productive locations: the fields north of CR 94 & CR 61 and south of CR 96 at 1.7 miles west of CR 77 (CR 77 runs along the east side of Crow Valley Campgrounds).

Crow Valley CG was pretty quiet. No owls or Vermilion Flycatcher. We found many McCown's Longspurs along CR 96; did not have time to search for Chestnut-collared Longspur.

The wet field south of Lower Latham Reservoir (Weld County) was quite interesting. Three species of teal, 2 Least Sandpipers, a Solitary Sandpiper, White-faced Ibis, Willet, and Baird's Sandpipers. Many Great-tailed Grackle were around also.

Beebe Draw Ponds area added a Stilt Sandpiper, 3 species of teal, 4 Marbled Godwits, and hundreds of Yellow-headed Blackbirds to our trip list. That was all the time we had. We did see Burrowing Owls at the site along Tower Road at 0.4 miles north of 56th avenue as I took Bob to the airport.

Grouse Trip Day 6

April 22, 2009

Richard Stevens:

Mary Ewing, Bob Bucci, & I visited the 80 Route Leks this morning. We found 3 Sharp-tailed Grouse leks and 2 Greater Sage-Grouse leks. The air along 80 Route was filled with sounds of both. There were many birds and much fun watching.

Best locations from most birds to least (not necessarily how we visited them):

Drive down California Gulch Road to the red wooden gate on east side of road (see directions on CoBus website; under 80 Route Leks). We stopped just north of the red gate and scoped the field about 100 yards to the west side of the road. About 17 males and 3 female Greater Sage-Grouse were "doing their thing" here.

We then drove up the hill to the south, stopped just before the sign for Jimmy Dunn State Trust Lands. Sharp-tailed Grouse displayed in the sage right next to the east side of the road.

Returning south, we stopped up the hill across from the white sign for Wolf Mountain Ranch. About 14 Sharp-tailed Grouse displayed about 50 feet off the east side of the road. The birds were easy to hear but required some close inspection of the sage to see them.

We noticed the difference in technique. The Greater Sage-Grouse displaying in an open field; while the Sharp-tailed Grouse running in sage as tall as themselves, stomping and clucking along.

A second Greater Sage-Grouse is quite far from the road at 2.5 miles south of the second cattle guard.

Bob and I continued to Loveland Pass where we spent 3.5 hours searching for White-tailed Ptarmigan. We scoped the eastern and western slopes south of the summit; without success (hoping to not have to make the 0.8 mile climb up the western slope trail).

Finally resigning ourselves to make the climb, we started up the trail. When we got 15 feet off highway 6, I spotted two White-tailed Ptarmigan 20 feet below us! Thanks to the Ptarmigan for saving us from the long climb!

We ended our birding day at Genesee Mountain Park (Jefferson). A pair of Williamson's Sapsuckers was quickly found around the group picnic area.

Partially sunny skies, no wind, and a potential fantastic sunset convinced us to walk up to the top of the park. There we got great views of 2 male and a female Williamson's Sapsucker. Along the way we found many Western Bluebirds, Pygmy Nuthatches, and a White-breasted Nuthatch or two. A colorful sunset and great view of Denver were added bonuses.

Grouse Trip Day 5

April 21, 2009

Richard Stevens:

Mary Ewing, Bob Bucci, and I enjoyed another beautiful day and birding.

We started at the eastern (southern) entrance to the Monument. Specifically the subdivision of homes just outside the entrance. Many Gambel's Quail walked around the neighborhood. Several called from top of the scattered bushes.

Much success and target birds were enjoyed at the campgrounds. A dozen Pinyon Jays called from various parts. At least 5 Black-throated Gray Warblers gave us great looks! Juniper Titmice called and put on a show for us also.

At the Campground Overlook we watched the White-throated Swifts soar swiftly around below us. They put on quite a show zooming around the canyon, perhaps only 15 feet below us at times.

A Western Screech-Owl was observed and photographed at a private Grand Junction yard.

Our birding day ended at the 80 Route Leks north of Hayden (Routt). Just north of the 2nd cattle guard (see CoBus website) we found Sharp-tailed Grouse and Dusky Grouse.

The highlight for me was a calling Northern Saw-whet Owl in a nearby location. We heard it call for quite a while. However seeing it in our binoculars was not successful.

Grouse Trip Day 4

April 20, 2009

Richard Stevens:

Mary Ewing, Bob Bucci, and my birding day started at the Waunita Hot Springs Lek (Gunnison). Thirty one Gunnison Sage-Grouse danced around on a beautiful Monday morning.

On the way to Delta we stopped at several picnic areas to survey Blue Mesa Reservoir (Gunnison). There were few gulls around. At Stevens Gulch Picnic Area we found 2 Sage Thrashers and 2 Sage Sparrows.

Confluence Park (Delta) was slow. No Bonaparte's Gull only a few Ring-billed Gulls were found.

Fruitgrower's Reservoir was more interesting. As we watched a lone Marbled Godwit and 3 Greater Yellowlegs, a flock of 22 Marbled Godwit flew over our heads from the north and landed at the northwest corner of Fruitgrower's Reservoirs.

A flock of 19 White-faced Ibis did not have any Glossy Ibis.

At dusk we searched Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park (Gunnison) we searched for Dusky Grouse. Only one grouse was observed and just briefly at the Sunset View Overlook. Just west of the Sunset View Overlook I found a Northern Goshawk (that was reported to me 30 minutes earlier by Joe Bear and his Connecticut group).

After dark we drove the Grand Mesa where there was no wind and thousands of stars. On a most enjoyable night, we found 4 Boreal Owls (all calling as we stepped out of our car, no tape recordings required!).

As a bonus we found a Northern Pygmy-Owl at the Powderhorn Ski Area!

Grouse Trip Continued Day 3

April 19, 2009

Richard Stevens:

After watching 10+ male and 2 female Lesser Prairie-Chickens at the Kansas Lesser Prairie-Chicken lek outside of Elkhart, KS, we headed back to Colorado. (We also saw several Cassin's Sparrows in their mating flight. A Washington birder found a male Lark Bunting). We searched but found none in Colorado.

The rain had finally stopped; however winds were mild to strong. At Baca County Road W, just east of CR 23, we found 2 Long-billed Curlew and a Mountain Plover. A Cassin's Sparrow was doing its mating flight!

At the corner of Baca County Roads UU & 30 there was another Long-billed Curlew and a Burrowing Owl. Two Buttes Reservoir itself was quiet.

Mary Ewing heard a Northern Cardinal at Lamar Community College (Prowers). And the Lamar Great-tailed Grackles have moved up from Wal-Mart to the Safeway Store!

We searched the rail spot north of John Martin Reservoir for Black Rail; without success. An American Bittern called briefly! (The marsh area is located along CR JJ, 1.5 miles east of CR 16).

Nothing uncommon was found at Lake Holbrook or Lake Cheraw (Otero).

We counted 5+ Scaled Quail along the highway 50 roadside (just north of Pueblo West).

Grouse Trip Day 2

April 18, 2009

Richard Stevens:

Mary Ewing, Bob Bucci and I were at the Yuma County Road Greater Prairie-Chicken Lek at sunrise. In spite of pouring down rain, 7 Greater Prairie-Chickens came out and displayed.

It continued to pour as we arrived at Bonny Reservoir (Yuma). A pair of Eastern Phoebes flew around Wagon Wheel Campgrounds (near the old boat ramp). Not much else was found in the downpour.

On the trip south to Burlington, we found 6-12+ Great-tailed Grackles at mile marker 194 of Highway 385. This is near a feedlot just north of Burlington.

We continued south as rain continued and found a new Burrowing Owl and Prairie Dog community at mile marker 164 of Hwy 385. This location is just south of Kit Carson County (hwy 385 runs east to west here).

Rain continued as we drove to Cottonwood Canyon. Four Long-billed Curlew were along Baca County Road M (at 0.1 miles north of CR U).

Rufous-crowned Sparrows, Western Screech-Owls, and Eastern Phoebes were found in Cottonwood Canyon (again in spite of the rain). A Common Poorwill was heard calling just west of the camping area at Carrizo Creek and CR M.

Grouse Trip Day 1

April 17, 2009

Richard Stevens:

Bob Bucci, Mary Ewing, & I had to head east today because of the snowstorm. Roads up to Loveland Pass were closed when we started out.

Just east of Orchard (Morgan County) we found many hawks including a dark morph Swainson's Hawk and a dark morph Rough-legged Hawk!

In the pond south of Jackson Reservoir (Morgan) were 2 pairs of Greater Scaup along with Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, and one female Canvasback.

Other highlights included 2 Loggerhead Shrike and Long-eared Owls.

At Tamarack Ranch Wildlife Area another Loggerhead Shrike, Vesper Sparrows, Brewer's Sparrows, and a Golden Eagle were found. We could not find any Northern Cardinals or Red-bellied Woodpeckers today.

At Red Lion Wildlife Area were many Blue-winged Teal as well as a male Cinnamon Teal and male Green-winged Teal. A flock of about 60 white geese included Snow Geese and Ross's Geese.

Jumbo Reservoir was quite slow. The only gulls were 2 Ring-billed Gulls. Swallows included Tree, one Violet-green, Cliff Swallows, and Northern Rough-winged Swallows.

There were plenty of Canvasbacks, Northern Shovelers, Buffleheads, and American Coots. About 80 Western Grebes did not include any Clark's Grebes. Several Horned Grebes in alternate plumage added some color to the drab day. Again the rain continued to pour.

Rain continued most of the day, at least we missed seeing snow after driving east of DIA.

Birding Foothills and Plains

To be filled in later!

Arapahoe County Burrowing Owls

April 14, 2009

Richard Stevens:

I looked at my email and telephone calls too late to drive up to Loveland to search this morning for the probable Black Vulture. Instead I drove over to Aurora and 6th avenue and found and photographed the Arapahoe County Burrowing Owls reported yesterday by Jamie Mullin.

In the afternoon, Rebecca Kosten and I decided to walk around the Rocky Mountain Arsenal (Adams County). We hoped to find a scoter on Lake Lenore or a late American Tree Sparrow fluttering about the surrounding bushes.

There were no scoters on Lake Lenore, but we did find a Greater Scaup among a dozen Ruddy Ducks in breeding plumage, dozens of Lesser Scaup, and several dozen Common Goldeneye.

Anemometer readings were 16 mph with gusts to 24 mph. This kept the number of sparrows seen down to 2 Song Sparrows and 5 White-crowned Sparrows.

We returned to the thickets where last month I found a Long-eared Owl; it was not around today. An adult Bald Eagle and 3 Red-tailed Hawks were our total rapture count. A pair of Barn Swallows added some interest to our 2.6 mile hike.

Search for Owls, Gulls, & Scoters, Boulder County

April 13, 2009

Richard Stevens:

Stan Roth, Henry Nagy and I drove up to Boulder County at around 2:00am this morning. Our target birds were Long-eared and Flammulated Owls.

We found (heard) 1 or 2 Long-eared Owls at their traditional nesting site (do not ask for directions). We struck out on Flammulated Owls at several sites suggested by Steve Jones. It is a little early for them to return from their wintering grounds. However, I do have three Boulder County Flammulated Owl records before April 10th (in the past 20 years, one even in March).

The Mew Gull was not at Walden Ponds at around Noon. The only gulls were two Ring-billed Gulls. A Greater Yellowlegs walked the gravelly mudflats. The two White-winged Scoters on Baseline Reservoir were easy to see as they dove for food along the eastern dam.

We checked several bodies of water for the Mew Gull; without success. Those included: Valmont Reservoir, Prince Lake #2 & #1, Erie Reservoir, Jim Hamm Park, & Union Reservoir.

After dropping Henry off in Denver, I birded Barr Lake (Adams). I walked along the eastern dam. Plenty of ducks and geese were out on the water; the previously reported Common Loon was not found among them. The most uncommon duck was a lone male Ruddy Duck among many Gadwall, Lesser Scaup and Northern Shovelers. No Greater Scaup were picked out of the crowd.

I then parked off 144th Avenue and walked from mile marker 5.0 to 3.0 and back in search of Great-tailed Grackles and Yellow-headed Blackbirds; neither were found. A Common Loon was off mile marker 5.0. No Clark's Grebes were picked out of the dozen of so Western Grebes.

Three Great-tailed Grackles flew west across Picadilly Road from the southern end of the Tree Nursery at 152nd and Picadilly Road (observed on previous visits also).

My birding day ended along the DIA Owl Loop hoping a Short-eared Owl would fly out of the airport when there was enough daylight to see it; none did.

Burrowing Owls were again observed at two sites: 3.4 miles east of Tower Road and 96th Avenue and along Tower Road, 0.4 miles north of 56th Avenue. One finally appeared at the third site: 128th Avenue & Powhaton Road.

A Rainy Easter Day of Birding

April 12, 2009

Richard Stevens:

Henry Nagy, Bryan Ehlmann, and I ventured into the mountains on Easter morning. We visited a friend's home (Summit County) where he had been seeing a White-throated Sparrow since 4/7. The sparrow was quite cooperative and visited the feeders several times.

Afterwards we stopped at Loveland Pass (Clear Creek) and again were quite fortunate. We spotted 2 White-tailed Ptarmigan walking around south of the ragged rocky ridge below the east side Summit parking area off highway 6.

Our next stop was Genesee Mountain Park (Jefferson) to see if we could find any Williamson's Sapsuckers; without success (access is still seasonally limited).

At Wheat Ridge Greenbelt fortune again shined on us as it only took 10 minutes to relocate the Harris's Sparrow reported yesterday by Hugh Kingery. The wet Harris's Sparrow walked below the bushes southwest of the gravel path and north of the paved path about 200 feet west of the Prospect Park western parking area.

When the others departed, I walked down to the eastern end of the park searching for Eastern Screech-Owls; without success.

I then drove down to Marston Reservoir (Denver). Two adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls were with a dozen California Gulls and many Ring-billed Gulls on the mudflats at the northwest corner of the reservoir. Many of the gulls disappeared down a small ridge/ditch and at times could not be seen. Patience might be needed to relocate this birds.

My final stop was Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe). It poured down rain most of my time there. I did hike over to the eastern sand spit to get better looks (and a few photos) of the 14 California Gulls there.

Two Baird's Sandpipers and two Killdeer ran along the shore. Yesterday's, Caspian Tern and Lesser Black-backed Gulls were not relocated.

Chatfield & Cherry Creek Reservoirs

April 11, 2009

Richard Stevens:

After hearing about the Sage Sparrow at Walden Ponds this week, I decided to search at Chatfield Reservoir (Jefferson County). They have shown up at Chatfield in past years during the last week of March and first two weeks of April. Unfortunately, none did today.

A Peregrine Falcon flew along the dam (from north to south) as I looked around the southeast sand spit. South at the Discovery Pavilion area, two Barn Swallows and 4 Tree Swallows flew around.

At Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe) there were only 25 gulls (all Ring-billed) at the eastern sand spit. Anemometer readings were 28 mph with gusts to 36. The highlight was a Caspian Tern trying to fly from east to west into the strong winds (observed from the handicapped fisherperson dock). Not much else was found in the strong winds. Topped off a great day that started with owling at Cameron Pass!

Burrowing Owls were out at both sites (3.4 miles east of Tower Road & 96th Avenue and along Tower Road at 0.4 miles north of 56th Avenue).

Search for Owls, Cameron and Pennock Passes

April 10-11, 2009

Richard Stevens:

After dark, Henry Nagy and I drove up to Cameron Pass to search for Boreal Owls. I was more interested in Flammulated Owls while both were lifebirds for Henry.

The lack of wind was surprising. I have not found a good way to estimate (guess) what the winds will be doing up at Cameron Pass while I am in Denver. The only yard stick I have is that if it is windy on the plains, then sometimes and only sometimes, the winds at 10,276 feet may be calmer. This was the case this night.

We stopped and listened for Boreal Owls every 0.2 miles for 1.5 miles either side of the summit. This night we were quite fortunate as three owls were heard. I was even able to get one of the owls briefly in my spotlight. Write me through the Colorado Birding Society if you would like hints on how to locate these fascinating birds.

Afterwards (by now it was 1:00am) we drove up to Pennock Pass by way of Prairie Stove Road. The road is still blocked by snow at the turn east (Larimer CR 44H) toward the pass. This is usually the case into the middle of May and sometimes into June.

I do have an early date of 3/16 in 2004 and one other date before May of April 21 of 2006. The median of first dates of reports is May 17th. I have always thought this quest warrants a snow shoe or cross country ski trip up in late April or early May for further study. One problem is that the trip is 7.4 miles one way and would end in the dark. Got to find someone interested in the trek!

On the way back down to Highway 14, we stopped every 0.2 miles for the first four miles and listened for Flammulated Owls. None were heard this night and not necessarily expected. Finding an early date for Flammulated Owls returning to Colorado is quite difficult. Access to many of their nesting locations is always limited by our winter snow fall.

Birding Around Denver on Friday

April 10, 2009

Bryan Ehlmann;

Sue and I visited Prospect Park, Jefferson County to search for yesterday's Greater Scaup on Tabor Lake. Unfortunately all we could find to photograph were 3 male and a female Lesser Scaups. We did enjoy watching the many nesting Double-crested Cormorants. There appears to be two pairs of Great Blue Herons that are also attempting to nest. Bass Lake, Tabor Lake and Prospect Lake were all checked for Greater Scaup; without success.

Afterwards we drove by the pond at Buckley Road and 132nd Avenue, Adams County. One of the ten Great-tailed Grackles reported by Hyde on April 3rd was at the southeast corner of the cattails. We checked for additional grackles in the campgrounds to the northeast but didn't find any.

Along the DIA Owl loop we found 5 Burrowing Owls at the site, 3.4 miles east of Tower Road and 96th avenue and 1 Burrowing Owl at the site along Tower Road, 0.4 miles north of 56th avenue. Anyone looking for Eurasian collared-Dove these days? There were plenty at Tower Road just north of Colfax Avenue.

Nagy Grouse Trip April 4-10, 2009

Leaving Space for Henry Nagy to Add His Grouse Trip Report

Windy Day Around Colorado

From: Gary Weston
Date: Sat, 4 Apr 2009 15:56:57 -0600

Someone had to do it. So I went to Cherry Creek State Park Arapahoe County in winds of 34+ mph and gusts to 52 mph. Of course I found few gulls and yesterday's Lesser Black-backed Gull was not for me to find.

Richard Stevens and all report missing White-tailed Ptarmigan on Loveland Pass Clear Creek County this morning. Winds described as so strong it was difficult to stand. Scopes were useless.

Around Denver April 3rd

April 3, 2009

Richard Stevens:

While out purchasing supplies for a grouse trip that is supposed to start tomorrow, I drove over to Buckley Road and 132nd Avenue. Two of the ten Great-tailed Grackle reported earlier were still around the pond there. They eventually flew to the campgrounds at the southeast corner of Buckley Road and 136th Avenue.

Along the DIA Owl Loop we saw 4 Burrowing Owls at the site 3.4 miles east of Tower Road and 96th Avenue. Another 2 Burrowing Owls were at the site along Tower Road at 0.4 miles north of 56th Avenue. A Rough-legged Hawk stood in the middle of the Prairie Dog Village at site one above.

There were about 200+ Ring-billed Gulls and 2 adult Franklin's Gulls (alternate plumage) in the cultivated field north of the Landfill at Tower Road and 88th Avenue.

We arrived at Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe) around 5:30 pm. There were only a few gulls at the reservoir. At the eastern sand spit we counted 9 California Gulls, 17 Ring-billed Gulls, and 1 adult Lesser Black-backed Gull. When a photographer walked down to take photos we and the gulls departed.

There were no gulls at all at the southwest marina. Seven Ring-billed Gulls were along the shore below the picnic area (tables with overhangs that look like Gull wings). Where are the gulls this spring? Aurora Reservoir must have many?

Northern and Eastern Plains

March 29-April 2, 2009

Richard Stevens:

March 29, 2009

Bryan Ehlmann and I ventured up to Pawnee National Grasslands (Weld County) . Our search for Mountain Plovers was quite successful.

We found a lone Mountain Plover along the west side of Highway 392 at 2.0 miles south of Weld County Road 67. Another Mountain Plover was found in the field behind the Briggsdale School. No Common Redpolls, but the Mountain Plover was a nice consolation. Another 2 Mountain Plovers were at a friend's ranch along Highway 14 east of Briggsdale. No Mountain Plover were found at Highway 14 and Weld County Road 51, but we did briefly see one bird in the field north of Weld County Road 94 between CR 63 and 61 (traditional nesting location).

Our search for longspurs was not as successful. One Prairie Falcon, 4 Red-tailed Hawks, 1 Ferruginous Hawk, 9 American Kestrels, 2 Rough-legged Hawks and 1 Golden Eagle were spotted.

March 30, 2009

Bryan Ehlmann and I birded around Logan County this morning. An Eastern Screech-Owl was heard at its usual location in the eastern sections of Tamarack Ranch Wildlife Area.

We only found a few Gull species at Jumbo Reservoir (Herring, California, & Ring-billed Gull). There was no sign of last week's Black-legged Kittiwake. The male Barrow's Goldeneye found last week was still around.

Earlier in the morning we had stopped at Prewitt Reservoir (Logan/Washington). We relocated Eastern Screech-Owls both at the western end of the property and east of the ranger's home/office.

March 31, 2009

Bryan Ehlmann, Roger Danka, and I spent most of the day searching for Eastern Meadowlarks, longspurs, and owls in Logan & Sedgwick Counties; mostly without success.

We did relocate the 2 Eastern Screech-Owls on Roger's ranch (Sedgwick). A search for Greater Prairie-Chickens or Sharp-tailed Grouse on the southern sections of Tamarack Ranch Wildlife Area were also unsuccessful. No Short-eared or Long-eared Owls came out at dusk at Jumbo Reservoir/Red Lion Wildlife Area.

April 1, 2009

At first light, Bryan Ehlmann & I found 11 Greater Prairie-Chickens visiting a lek south of Yuma (Yuma County). Afterwards we rushed to a second ranch and found another 9 Greater Prairie-Chickens still displaying.

After sunset we visit several friends of ours in Wray and added five Northern Cardinals (three different yards) to our trip list. An eastern Fox Sparrow was visiting what we refer to as private yard #2.

A stop at the Wray Fishing Unit found their resident Barn Owl! We could not relocate the male Northern Cardinal that has been around for months now.

We ended our birding day at Bonny Reservoir & Hale Ponds. Bonny Reservoir added Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Eastern Bluebirds, and an Eastern Phoebe to our trip list; Hale Ponds added additional Red-bellied Woodpeckers.

April 2, 2009

Before sunrise, Bryan Ehlmann and I hiked the Republican River from Yuma County Road LL.5 to Kansas and back. Along the trek we heard 3 Eastern Screech-Owls!

We had to get up quite early so as to be at another friend's ranch 30 minutes before sunrise. Here we found 10+ males and 3 female Greater Prairie-Chickens in Kit Carson. Our fifth Greater Prairie-Chicken lek of the spring (Yuma & Kit Carson Counties; counting all the birds along Yuma CR 45 as one lek; though I believe there are actually at least 3 leks along the road).

Not much was "happening" at Flagler Reservoir when we made a quick stop on our way back to Denver.