November 7, 2019
Richard Stevens:
High temperature today was 48 degrees. Winds measured at 6-7 mph, enough to keep medium sized waves on the reservoirs.
I spent about two hours scoping Aurora Reservoir from the lower parking area. Today most of the gulls were on the shore at mile 2.0 and mile 4.5. I was not up the walking that distance today. A Lesser Black-backed Gull stood among hundreds of gulls at mile 2.0.
Later I walked to the northwest corner of the dam by way of the western parking area. Nothing uncommon, gulls or waterfowl was found.
Next I scope Cherry Creek Reservoir for over three hours; target bird was the Red-necked Grebe (was never found).
Two Common Loons and a third loon that I thought was a Yellow-billed Loon on 10/28 swam in the middle of the lake. The mystery loon was bigger than the two Common Loons, held its bill upward while the Common Loons held theirs level, had a larger bill than the Common Loons and appeared to have a light & yellow bill. The two Common Loons bills were definitely darker even at sunset.
At least six Bonaparte's Gulls flew around the reservoir. Look first for gulls that are diving constantly, then the white leading edge on the wing and then the black ear spot. A Little Gull would have more black on its head and dark underwing.
Once again no Short-eared Owls were observed at the DIA Owl Loop.
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