Documentation of
Long-tailed Duck
2023-071
Observer Information
Reporter:
Heather McGregor
63 County Road 116,
Glenwood Springs,
CO 81601
E-mail:
mcgregor@rof.net
Other Observers:
Keith Giezentanner, Vic Zerbi, Tom McConnell, Kay McConnell, George Waaler
Species, Date, Time and Location Information
Species:
Long-tailed Duck
First Date/Time:
12/9/2023 12:35:00 PM
Last Date/Time:
3/12/2024 2:05:00 PM
Duration (total time in view):
3 hours
County:
Garfield
Specific Location:
Glenwood Springs
Number:
1
Age:
Adult
Sex:
Male
Plumage:
Non-breeding
Habitat
The first 6 sightings were on the Colorado River. The 7th sighting was on a large pond between Silt and Rifle that is commonly used by a variety of waterfowl.
Viewing Conditions
Optics:
Nikon ProStaff 7S 10 x 30 binoculars
Distance:
100 to 200 feet
Light:
Daytime viewing under clear or cloudy skies.
Description of the Bird
This solitary male LTDU was first seen by other birders on Dec. 6, 2023, on the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs. During its two-plus months of residence, the LTDU appeared at various points along a mile-long stretch running from Two Rivers Park west to the Midland Avenue Bridge. This stretch of the river has busy I-70 running along its north side and Devereux Road, a city street, running along its south side. A sidewalk extends along much of Devereux Road, affording good views of the river along this stretch. In winter months, this stretch attracts hundreds of waterfowl: primarily Common Goldeneyes, Mallards and Canada Geese, along with lesser numbers of Common Mergansers, American Wigeon, Ring-necked Ducks and the occasional Barrow's Goldeneye.
The LTDU was always seen with a group of COGOs, joining in their alternating pattern of resting as a group in eddies along the right bank and then paddling out into the current to actively dive for food. In this stretch of river, these COGO groups can number from a dozen to a hundred, and there are usually 10 or more of these groups scattered along this stretch of the river. During my six observations of the LTDU, on Dec. 9, 12, 21 and 22, 2023, and on Jan. 27 and Feb. 13, 2024, it turned up in various spots along the mile-long stretch.
Similar Species Discussion
The LTDU was unmistakeable and visibly different from the other diving ducks (goldeneyes, mergansers and ring-necks) using the area. Its white head with the black cheek patch, long black tail feather, and two-tone pink and black bill, as well as its smaller size and compact body shape, stood out as distinctive. I scanned each group, and if the group was diving, waited until all the ducks had popped up, to see if the LTDU was in that group. Of note, I was not successful in finding the bird every time I walked that stretch during that December to February time period.
Previous Experience
I had seen a female LTDU at a very long distance two years earlier at Rifle Gap Reservoir. I had never seen a male LTDU prior to this sighting. However, the bird was readily identified by a fellow birder, Keith Giezentanner, a retired Forest Service wildlife biologist who had spent almost a decade living in Alaska and routinely seeing LTDUs.
Notes
Notes made AFTER observation
Date Documentation Submitted
7/20/2025 8:00:00 PM
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Location Map
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