Tag: Hooded Merganser

Brant Winter Solstice Chase

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!

Brant
The Brant.
Brant
Cool white ring on his neck.
Brant
Another fun shot of the Brant. And what is the ‘white cheek’ yelling about!?
Brant
Flapping.
Brant
Calling away.
Hybrid Goose
We also spotted an interesting hybrid goose which was mixed in with the flock.

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. 

Hooded Merganser
Pair of Hooded Mergansers.
Hooded Merganser
Swimming away.
Green-winged Teal
Green-winged Teal.
Hooded Merganser
Three Gadwalls.
Gadwall
A male Gadwall.
Common Goldeneye
A female Common Goldeneye.
Mallard
A male Mallard.

Camera: Nikon COOLPIX P1000, SONY Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V

Optics: Celestron

Sunday Afternoon at Cherry Creek State Park

Because there were no rare birds in the area, and we had a free afternoon Dad and I decided to head to Cherry Creek State Park. We birded the West Shades, Lake Loop, Pelican Point, and the Swim Beach. The lake was only frozen around the edges so there were still good numbers of waterfowl on the water. Although we didn’t see any rare birds on this trip, we saw several fun birds and their interesting behavior! Its’s nice having such a wonderful birding location just ten minutes from my house.

Kingfisher

As soon as we arrived at the lake Dad saw something drop out of a tree towards the water. He thought it must have been a Magpie. When I looked over, I saw a Belted Kingfisher with a fish almost as big as him fly into a tree near us. He repeatedly smacked it into a branch. He eventually ate the fish whole!

Belted Kingfisher with a Fish
Kingfisher with the fish.
Belted Kingfisher with a Fish
Look how big that fish is!
Belted Kingfisher with a Fish
Whack!!!
Kingfisher with his fish.
Belted Kingfisher with a Fish
Just got to move it around a little.
Belted Kingfisher with a Fish
Post meal smile.

Diving Ducks

On the lake we had good views of several common winter ducks. They were all diving ducks and continuously dived in search of prey.

Hooded Merganser
Male Hooded Merganser.
Common Merganser
Large group of Common Mergansers.
Common Goldeneye
A pair of Common Goldeneye.

Raptors

We spotted a juvenile Ferruginous Hawk perched on the ground in an open field. After sitting in the field for several minutes he took flight into the distance. There was also a Red-tailed Hawk perched nearby. 

Ferruginous Hawk
Ferruginous Hawk in prairie dog town.
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk.

Great Horned Owl

While walking through the woods we spotted an owl fly into a tree just above us. We slowly backed away so we didn’t spook him.  He eventually fell asleep as we watched him.

Great Horned Owl
What are you people doing down there?
Great Horned Owl
Time for a nap.
Great Horned Owl
Look at those talons!

What an awesome afternoon of watching the local bird life at Cherry Creek State park!

Camera: Nikon COOLPIX P1000, SONY Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V

Optics: Celestron