December 24, 2014
Richard Stevens:
I celebrated this fantastic Colorado winter day by walking the 8.7 mile trail circling Aurora Reservoir (Arapahoe County). Conditions were quite different than yesterday's 24+ mph winds. Winds were calm and temperatures were in the high 40s.
Highlights included the Glaucous Gull, two Lesser Black-backed Gulls, and three Thayer's Gulls. Hundreds of Ring-billed Gulls, dozens of California Gulls and Herring Gulls were also around the lake. Several Ross's Geese were among the thousands of White-cheeked Geese; however, I did not pick out a Greater White-fronted Goose today.
I then drove the 8 miles to Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe) hoping to confirm a second Glaucous Gull in the area. Unfortunately, I did not find any uncommon gulls among the few gulls at the reservoir. I did relocate the White-winged Scoter that has been around since at least 11/20. Bob Righter found it earlier in the day. Another highlight was a adult female type Long-tailed Duck. She was just 15 feet off the parking area at the northeast marina. Of course, I did not have my camera. Never fails, I carry it for days and never take a photo. Then when I need it, ....................
I continued enjoying the beautiful day with a drive around the DIA Owl Loop. Calm and mild winds floated a serene feeling over the rolling hills west and north of the airport. Five Northern Harriers glided low over the fields. Unfortunately, no Short-eared Owls appeared tonight.
Eventually I had to return home to the noisy ruckos of Christmas.
Richard Stevens:
I celebrated this fantastic Colorado winter day by walking the 8.7 mile trail circling Aurora Reservoir (Arapahoe County). Conditions were quite different than yesterday's 24+ mph winds. Winds were calm and temperatures were in the high 40s.
Highlights included the Glaucous Gull, two Lesser Black-backed Gulls, and three Thayer's Gulls. Hundreds of Ring-billed Gulls, dozens of California Gulls and Herring Gulls were also around the lake. Several Ross's Geese were among the thousands of White-cheeked Geese; however, I did not pick out a Greater White-fronted Goose today.
I then drove the 8 miles to Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe) hoping to confirm a second Glaucous Gull in the area. Unfortunately, I did not find any uncommon gulls among the few gulls at the reservoir. I did relocate the White-winged Scoter that has been around since at least 11/20. Bob Righter found it earlier in the day. Another highlight was a adult female type Long-tailed Duck. She was just 15 feet off the parking area at the northeast marina. Of course, I did not have my camera. Never fails, I carry it for days and never take a photo. Then when I need it, ....................
I continued enjoying the beautiful day with a drive around the DIA Owl Loop. Calm and mild winds floated a serene feeling over the rolling hills west and north of the airport. Five Northern Harriers glided low over the fields. Unfortunately, no Short-eared Owls appeared tonight.
Eventually I had to return home to the noisy ruckos of Christmas.
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