For the first time since mid October, a friend and I were able to explore all of Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area this morning. Restrictions related to duck hunting and wintering waterfowl habitat were lifted yesterday; all roads and trails are now open.
On our morning tour, under clear skies, we encountered 27 avian species, dominated by 150 American white pelicans and thousands of ducks (primarily mallards but a good number of northern shovelers, northern pintails and green-winged teal as well). A flock of greater white-fronted geese stopped by, joined by two snow geese, and the usual mix of winter songbirds were observed. Raptors were limited to red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks; for the first time in quite a while, no bald eagles were encountered, despite the influx of waterfowl.
I will be out at our Littleton, Colorado, farm for most of the month but anticipate a return to Eagle Bluffs in late March. By then, thousands of American coot and blue-winged teal will grace the refuge and early shorebirds will be racing along the mudflats.
