As I have reported in past blog posts, waterfowl gather on the South Platte River when Front Range lakes and ponds freeze over. This winter is no exception, as I found out on this sunny, cool morning.
Competing primarily with joggers (in running shorts, of course), I ambled along the hike-bike path, still mostly snow-covered from our recent storm. Canada geese were abundant on the river, joined by smaller flocks of cackling geese and mallards; hooded mergansers and buffleheads were also fairly common. Small numbers of gadwall, American wigeon, northern shovelers, green-winged teal, common goldeneyes, ring-necked ducks, common mergansers and pied-billed grebes rounded out the wintering waterfowl. Other sightings included a great blue heron, a red-tailed hawk, magpies, flickers and a host of songbirds.
Of course, the brilliant sunshine, fresh air and snowy landscape also made my visit worthwhile, not to mention a bit of exercise. This annual assembly of waterfowl is one of many gifts that winter brings along the Colorado Front Range.
