I did a lazy loop from my Broomfield home this afternoon that did not produce much in the way of variety. There were a few highlights worth mentioning, however.
Sienna Pond (Lowell & Sheridan, Broomfield County): Only Ring-billed and Herring Gulls there. There were also three Redheads Anthem Ponds (Broomfield County): California Gull (1 Adult) Thayer's Gull (1 1st winter) Cackling Goose - This was the smallest white-cheeked goose I've ever seen. It unfortunately took off as I opened the car to grab my camera. It may have been the Taverner's reported in the the Boulder/ Broomfield Counties area this past weekend, but I honestly don't know my Cackling/Canada subspecies as well as I should. It had the appearance of being half the size of the rest of the surrounding geese (if not smaller) Erie Res (Boulder County): Completely frozen over, only a few Ring-billed Gulls Valmont Res: TUNDRA SWAN 1 still in the front (Hillcrest?) res Canvasback 3 Didn't check for the the Red-necked Grebe, it might still be there Arapahoe and Foothills: I'm possibly confirming the possible GREATER SCAUP seen by Ted Floyd here on the 30th. Hardly any open water at all, but the tiny hole included: Scaup sp 10 Pied-billed Grebe 1 Common Goldeneye 2 Ring-necked Duck 4 Gadwall 2 5 of the 10 scaup were males. Three of those were clearly Lesser Scaup. A fourth one I was unsure of, but the 5th appeared to be a Greater. This bird was slightly larger (both length and width), whiter, and had finer barring on the back than the Lesser Scaup next to it. Both birds were right next to each other and in a "relaxed state" (as described by Sibley). The head shape difference was very noticeable. I did manage to get a few pictures, but they are distant and out of focus. If anyone can positively id the birds from the photos or has comments on the Id, I'd like to hear it. Am I positive it was a Greater Scaup? No, but I think its possible. Pics: http://williamhblackburniibirding.shutterfly.com/pictures/149#149 and the next 7 photos as well In the majority of these pics, the possible Greater Scaup is the rightmost male Scaup, with the Lesser Scaup male to its left. Bill Blackburn Broomfield, CO -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
