A rough-legged hawk and a golden eagle were our first observations of
the day as we drove out to the Bluff Overlook at the Alamosa NWR. At
Hansen’s Bluff the only sign of life was a herd of elk, their dark brown hides contrasting
with the golden dried grasses and white ice of the frozen playas. Hiking down the trail south of the bluff we
saw a bald eagle in a tree and another on the wing. A little dark bird flew across the trail only
to be lost in the tall yellow grass and left unidentified.
We then headed east into Costilla County on Boulder Road and saw
several flocks of fast flying horned larks.
Our destination was Smith Reservoir, where Brian had found open water at
mid-lake and on the eastern shore while ice fishing on Feb. 17. Ducks were
plentiful and included mallards, northern pintails, lesser scaups, common
golden-eyes and a couple of redheads. Our spotting scope perched on the truck
tailgate was invaluable for identifying the birds. Canada geese mingled with about 100 sandhill
cranes – a surprise sighting. Driving back to Alamosa across Estrella Road we saw
more hawks, eagles and some really mean farm dogs.
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