Jackson Reservoir & Prewitt Reservoir

September 18

It was a hot 90 degrees in the afternoon around Fort Morgan.  Winds were 9-10 mph with anomometer readings reaching 18 mph.

My target birds today were the Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Jackson Reservoir and the Dunlin at Prewitt Reservoir; neither would be found.

The woods along the western Campgrounds were quite birdy this morning at Jackson Reservoir (Morgan County).  I recorded a Cassin's Vireo and Red-eyed Vireo at Pelican Campgrounds.  Cove Campgrounds added a Blackpoll Warbler and two Townsend's Warblers to my day list.  

Be sure to look far ahead when walking the riparian area between the two Campgrounds.  One Long-eared Owl was found today.  They see you long before you see them.  No telling how many I missed.  A few weeks ago, we had six.

Shorebird action was disappointing.  I found two Least Sandpipers, one Western Sandpiper, and one Stilt Sandpiper.  The high winds most likely kept the previously reported Red-necked Phalaropes well hidden in the high waves on the lake.

No flycatchers or uncommon sparrows were run across.

Winds were just as strong at Prewitt Reservoir (Logan/Washington).

The Little Gull found by Bill Kaempfer on 9/13 was not relocated and probably long gone.  As was the Lesser Black-backed Gull reported on 9/15.

I was able to pick out two Red-necked Phalaropes bobbing up and down on the high waves.  A Common Tern flew by several times near the northwestern camping area.

Only common shorebirds were found.  These included Least, Western, & Semipalmated Sandpipers, American Avocets, several Stilt Sandpipers and Spotted Sandpipers.

I walked the eastern to southern end of the lake.  A Common Yellowthroat was the most interesting bird during that trek.  Two Great Horned Owls called back at the eastern parking area (and Campgrounds).

At dusk, I returned to the inlet area and heard one Eastern Screech-Owl.  I did not bother trying to see or disturb it.