Birds Close to Home

Most of my posts so far have been about remote locations and chasing rarities in the wild places of Colorado. Not all good birding happens in far-flung locations. Many of us have great birds close to home, we just have to slow down enough to see them. With the current situation in our world today, staying at home has become an all too real reality. This is a post about a few hours of birding on March 15 when Mom and I explored a local trail leading to a small neighborhood pond that has been made into a nature preserve.

Mallard
A male Mallard. I often take these common ducks for granted but enjoyed watching this bird feeding very close to us.
Townsend's Solitare
Townsend’s Solitare.
European Starling
This European Starling confused me by imitating a Killdeer. After several minutes I realized Killdeer do not perch in trees and that the only bird in the tree was a Starling. Starlings are well known mimics, imitating up to 20 different bird calls.
Hooded Merganser
A male Hooded Merganser.
Belted Kingfisher
Any fish down there?
Can you spot The Belted Kingfisher hunting in this short video?
Belted Kingfisher
After diving into the pond the Belted Kingfisher shakes off water sending droplets into the air.
Belted Kingfisher
The Kingfisher sat in a tree overlooking the pond before flying away.
Great Blue Heron
A Great Blue Heron hunting along the cattails.
Watch this Heron go 4 for 4 catching minnows!
Cooper's Hawk
After careful consideration I have decided that this bird is a Cooper’s Hawk. The very similar but slightly smaller Sharp-shinned Hawk is the only other option. The light colored nape of its neck is indicative of a Cooper’s Hawk.
Ring-necked Duck
A male Ring-necked Duck swimming along.
Ring-necked Duck
A little splash. What on earth is he doing!?
Spring is in the air! Watch the male Ring-necked Ducks (the ones with black heads and white bodies) chase the females (brownish overall). Keep an eye out for the males displaying for the females by tipping their heads back in the air.

As you can see it is not difficult to find cool birds close to home. I encourage you to take a moment and appreciate the birds that we often take for granted.