Cherry Creek Reservoir

April 21, 2018

Richard Stevens:

I was going to visit the three eastern Arapahoe County Reservoirs today, however, never made it past Cherry Creek Reservoir.

While scoping the reservoir from the lake loop I found four Bonaparte's Gulls (two adults in breeding plumage and two in basic plumage) and another birder.

Say's Phoebes numbered at least four at the Lake Loop.  Mike, never caught his last name, talked about a flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers and a yellowish warbler along the eastern side of the Lake Loop.

A flock of six Yellow-rumped Warblers was found in the willows along the sandy shore at the extreme southeast corner of the Lake Loop.  Following a bit behind the Yellow-rumps was indeed a "yellowish" warbler.

A beautiful male Nashville Warbler with blue gray head, white eye ring, yellow throat and belly popped out of the willows.  Also in this loose flock were two Song Sparrows, a Clay-colored Sparrow and two Savannah Sparrows.

The flock worked their way east along the shore.  When the sandy beach ended, I could not follow.  The nearby path was under water.

Later I walked to the north end of the 12-mile beaver pond.  The Sagebrush Sparrow photographed last week was not observed or expected, had to check it out anyway.

In willows below the Smoky Hill Picnic area (north side of reservoir), another flock of birds included two Brewer's Sparrows, many Chipping Sparrows and two additional Savannah Sparrows.

The Common Loon I found yesterday was not relocated.  Dozens of boats trying to win the walleye fishing contest filled much of the lake.