Sunday, February 28, 2010

Rocky Mountain Arsenal and South Platte River

February 16, 2010

Richard Stevens:

I returned to Rocky Mountain Arsenal at 7:30 am to see if the Harris's Sparrow was still there. He showed up just before 8:00 am. As usual, 20-30 Dark-eyed Juncos first come to the feeders and a few minutes later the Harris's Sparrow comes.

Afterwards, I hiked the South Platte River from 88th Avenue to I270 and back. Two Long-tailed Ducks were on the northern West Gravel Lake. A pair of Barrow's Goldeneyes was on the River about 20 yards downstream (south) of the green/white tower.

Another male Barrow's Goldeneye was on East Gravel Lake (formerly East Gravel Lake #4). East Gravel Lakes 1 through 3 were joined together and formed Tani Reservoir (south of East Gravel Lake).

Next, I decided to see what gulls were "lounging" around Broomfield and Boulder Counties in the afternoon. An adult Thayer's Gull and what others are calling a 2nd cycle Iceland Gull were at Parkside Center Pond, Broomfield County.

An adult Glaucous Gull was again at Erie Reservoir (Boulder). I did not stay in Boulder County, specifically Valmont Reservoir until the gulls return to roost after sunset. No uncommon gulls were there at 3:00 pm.

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