Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Cherry Creek Reservoir Loons

November 30, 2015

Richard Stevens:

While out doing chores, I managed to get to Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe County) around 3:00 pm.  Winds were 8 mph; temperature was 27 degrees.

Eventually I did find the Red-throated Loon reported this morning by Karl Stecher.  I also found a Pacific Loon, Common Loon & 12+ Bonaparte's Gulls.

The Pacific Loon used up a good 30 minutes of the daylight.  It would dive for almost a minute and come up for only a count of two or three, then dive again.  Finally, it surfaced and stretched its wings.  When it rose out of the water, I clearly saw a chinstrap (dark necklace).

The Red-throated Loon was not found until after sunset.  The raised bill and whitish face being unmistakable. 

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