Birds and Nature

I spotted this pair of Common Mergansers on the Arkansas River in Canon City yesterday. They took advantage of the swift flow to move them quickly downstream with little effort. SeEtta

I took the photo above from the property of Holcim Cement (they own the Holcim Wetlands and I am on their citizen advisory committee). The bridge visible in the photo is the newly constructed vehicle bridge for CR120 to cross the Arkansas River. Behind that the railroad bridge is visible showing the flood waters coming to about 4 feet under that bridge (I believe it rose a short distance more before receeding). The area flooded directly in the front is the water intake works for the Holcim Plant and it is under a few feet of water (they shut off their intake of water when it's got all the debris and mud in it). This short video clip really shows the strength of the river flooding. SeEtta

These two Common Mergansers were taking advantage of a spot in the Arkansas River where they could rest and do some grooming. I stayed in my car and shot just a few photos so as not to disturb them since there are now a lot of fishermen on the river making it difficult for birds like this to be undisturbed. I was pleased to see them staying put as I drove away. SeEtta

I spotted this pair of Common Mergansers loafing in a slow section of the Arkansas River near Coaldale (west of Canon City) a few days ago. I think they make a handsome couple. SeEtta

Greater Scaup are quite uncommon in the Canon City, CO area so I was pleased to find this female 2 days ago swimming in the Arkansas River adjacent to my friend's property. I seldom see these close enough to get a reasonable pic so was pleased to get this opportunity. I like the pic at the top as that angle shows off the very large size bill on this species. SeEtta

The lower pic shows about 40-50 crows in the larger flock that are taking advantage of the water in the Arkansas River. Others perched in nearby trees, shaking water from their feathers and grooming while others flew between the river and the trees. SeEtta

These American Crows were part of a large flock of about 125-150 that I found just east of Canon City, CO today. Many of them were on a gravel bar in the Arkansas River where they could get a long drink of water and a refreshing bath--both harder to come by in this area due to moderate drought conditions. We don't see such large numbers of crows in this area often and their presence may be due to the drought as they can find more food and more reliable water in lower elevation area than in the Wet Mountain Valley. SeEtta

I drove up the Bighorn Sheep Canyon that runs along the Arkansas River west of Canon City a few days ago.  This view was taken looking west from Texas Creek.  It was a beautiful day and the water sparkled just like in this pic. 

This immature male Barrow's Goldeneye has been hanging around the Arkansas River just east of Canon City,CO since July 25. As this goldeneye stretches and grooms, it provides nice views of it's plumage which I think is Alternate I that is found on first year birds. Most Barrow's Goldeneye are found in the far western mountains up to Alaska with a small breeding population found in Colorado in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area in nw part of the state. This young goldeneye is too young to breed (couldn't find anything about when males start breeding but most females of this species don't start until they are three years old according to All About Birds.org). Nevertheless it is far from where it should be at this time of year His lack of balance when he exercises his wings causing him to fall off the rock into the water may be an indication of his youth as younger birds often display poorer coordination than adults. SeEtta.

These are still pics of the immature male Barrow's Goldeneye in the video clips below. I think he's quite a looker and will be a hit with the goldeneye ladies when he's old enough to find a mate. SeEtta