A Brant had been reported on Colorado Birds (cobirds) the local Google Group on the 20th of December and again the 21st. It was first seen at Lake Arbor and then at Pomona Lake #2 which are less than three miles apart. I had not seen a Brant in nearly two years and I was eager to reacquaint myself with this oceangoing Goose!
When we arrived at Pomona lake #2 we were greeted by hundreds of Canada and Cackling Geese. As we sifted through the white-cheeked geese we wondered if the Brant was still among them. Within ten minutes we spotted the bird. He was happily sleeping among the group of geese. Eventually he woke up and began walking around the ice. This was one of those rare times where we easily got the bird we were looking for and had great views of it!
After our satisfying looks at the Brant we headed to Clear Creek trail at I-70 and Golden Freeway. Our target was a Swamp Sparrow. The Swamp Sparrow is a small and skulky bird that lives in marshes and along rivers. It is uncommon in Colorado in winter and has eluded me within the state though I have seen it in Michigan. Unfortunately my bad luck with the Sparrow continued and we missed it again. We did see lots of cool ducks which are always fun to photograph.
Camera: Nikon COOLPIX P1000, SONY Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V
Optics: Celestron