January 24, 2019
Richard Stevens:
The high temperature today was only 25 degrees. Winds were 15-16 mph with gusts to 20 mph.
Fortunately, the streams flowing into the Cherry Creek Reservoir swim beach pond and the pond themselves are somewhat sheltered from the winds. It was quite pleasant for this Minnesota nature!
I was near Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe County) this afternoon and stopped for an hour.
Besides relishing the crunch of the unmarked snow under my boots, I enjoyed encountering a few interesting birds.
I usually park at the Dixon Grove Parking area and walk east along the main road back to the western stream that flows into the swim beach pond.
It was absorbing following the Rusty Blackbird that was kicking up leaves under the metal culvert just south of the road. The bird appeared quite skilled and deliberate at his task. Every now and then, the Rusty Blackbird would pick up a blackish 1/2 to 1 inch worm. Two Song Sparrows mimicked the behavior and success.
An additional three Song Sparrows were along the same stream just farther south of the main road. Half a dozen Robins also took advantage of the running stream and occasional damp areas to search for food.
I then circled north and east to the eastern stream flowing south to the pond. The Brown Thrasher was getting a drink of water perhaps 20 yards north of the pond.
No additional Rusty Blackbirds visited the pond itself. The Brown Thrasher eventually flew from the eastern stream and disappeared in the cattails along the southern end of the pond.
It was a superb way to enjoy this morning's snowstorm.
Later a ranger mentioned that Cedar Waxwings were feeding on the Russian Olive trees along the entrance road to the shooting range. Unfortunately, they were not around today.
Two Bald Eagles perched in the cottonwoods along the fishing "pier" at the southwest marina.
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