Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Banner Lakes, Rocky Mountain Arsenal & Cherry Creek Reservoir

March 8, 2017

Richard Stevens:

I sought a place to stretch my legs today selected Banner Lakes Wildlife Area (Weld County).  Temperatures reached 66 degrees although it did not feel that warm.  Winds were mild at 4-5 mph with gusts to 13 mph.

American Robins are presently the majority bird at the Wildlife Area.  A few dozen Dark-eyed Juncos are still hanging around.  I do not believe that the juncos nest there?

Only one Long-eared Owl was encountered today.  Check the windbreak west of Ponds 7-8.  No sign of migration taking place here.  The hike was still enjoyable.  Little wind and little noise besides birds calling is a pleasant change from birding spots in Denver.

Later, I passed by Rocky Mountain Arsenal (Adams).  The previously reported black backed Gull was again at Lake Ladora.  I watched it for 20 minutes, looked away, and it disappeared.  It is an interesting Gull, most likely a Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Photo at: http://coloradobirdingsociety.net (recent witness photos)

I had business near Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe) and stopped at the State Park.  No Rusty Blackbird or any bird walked the Pelican Point shore. 

The Long-eared Owl was not found either.  I stayed until sunset looking a Short-eared Owl flying over the cattail fields east of the Gun Range; none showed up this evening.

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