After a slow start to the autumn waterfowl migration, a large flock of ring-necked ducks appeared in the South Platte Valley this morning. Whether they are just stopping by or will spend the winter here will depend on the weather in the coming weeks and months.
Other waterfowl sightings included mallards, American wigeon, gadwall, green-winged teal, hooded mergansers, buffleheads, a lone common goldeneye and, of course, Canada geese. A steady north wind kept songbirds in the thickets and few were encountered on my walk.
That wind was courtesy of a Pacific cold front that may bring the first snow of the season overnight or tomorrow. Perhaps it will also bring down more ducks!
