Our overnight was at Castle Rock on the edge of Denver – less than an hour away from the airport. Luckily our route took us passed the excellent birding hotspot of Cherry Creek State Park – where we spent our final couple of hours of US birding. The wetlands which surround the reservoir hold a variety of species but we were after two in particular – Sora in the reedy margins and ibis sp feeding on the open pools. The rail called loudly but it took awhile before we managed to see it. The ibis on the other hand were evident from the start but their constant feeding actions meant obtaining conclusive views of eye-colour was difficult! White-faced, which is the default, have pink eyes whereas the much rarer Glossy have dark eyes. There are also other subtle difference in bare-part colouration – around the face, the bill and legs. We eventually got good enough views, with id confirmation later from photos. Our 197 and 198* additions to our Great American Midwest Birding Roadtrip. We handed in the car, checked in and departed on time arriving back in the UK at 11.00am on Friday.

Matt’s 40th birthday weekend celebrations before back to Norfolk and Cley on Monday. Posting will now revert to Cromer Nature Notes

* totals subject to recount – we’d missed moving several from the State lists to the Trip list!