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Eagle Day at Lake Pueblo State Park, led by Gary Conover

In spite of snow in the forecast, the day started quite nicely, with temperatures in the mid-40s, a light breeze, and cloudy-bright skies. Only ten of us braved the trip, and we were richly rewarded.

There was only one Bald Eagle to be found, but other birds included both the expected and the surprising. Highlights included three Sage Thrashers, a Curve-billed Thrasher (in the Visitor Center parking lot!), and a Black Phoebe.

We were also quite patriotic, with American Crow, American Coot, American Kestrel, American Robin, and an American Pipet!

Although the release of the rehabilitated raptor was cancelled due to the impending storm, the Air Force cadets flew their falcons, and several rehabbed birds were on view amid all the other booths and displays.

Thanks, Gary, for yet another successful and enjoyable trip to Lake Pueblo!

Photos (clockwise): Gary Conover being famous!, by Jeannie Mitchell; Curve-billed Thrasher, rehab Turkey Vulture "Lurch," AFA Gyrfalcon, by Leslie Holzmann

Air Force mascot Gyrfalcon, Swainson's Hawk rehab bird
Photos: Leslie Holzmann

Bird List

Reservoir:
Red-tailed Hawk, Horned Lark, Northern Harrier, Shrike sp. (northern?), Sage Thrasher, Curve-billed Thrasher, Canyon Towhee, Ring-billed Gull, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Double-crested Cormorant, Bald Eagle, Mallard, Red-winged Blackbird, European Starling, American Crow, Rock Pigeon, Black-billed Magpie, Eurasian Collared Dove, Black-backed Gull

Additional Birds at Valmont Ponds:
American Kestrel, Killdeer, American Pipit, Belted Kingfisher, Bufflehead, Black Phoebe, Canada Goose, Common Raven

Sage Thrasher - Jeannie Mitchell