Ruth was getting discouraged as we had seen less than 20 bird species the past three days. Seeing the Wood Duck was a real treat but there just weren't many bird added to the lists like it had been. Maybe we were spoiled, or maybe the birds just were't moving at all, with the 30 mph winds each day. If I were a bird I would "hunker down" as well.
But today was quite (Very much) different. But we will get to that later.
There were two sites near Lamar, that were on the "Colorado Birding Trail Guide" which we had studied in order to get to locations that were promising for seeing birds. One was just 4 miles from town called the Huston Wildlife Management Area. It had a few roads, a flowing stream , but little ground cover and nothing that was growing at all as the drought had killed all vegetation. In a little pond there were six Blue Winged Teal and we watched a Northern Harrier for a long time, Making lazy circles while hunting prey, but little else.
The second recommended site was in a town called Grenada some 12 miles down the road. We headed for it but I also knew that the Japenese Interment Camp -"Amache" was just before we came to the town so we drove down a dirt road into that site. It was a trip back into time and somewhat emotional as we stood on the ground that those people did some 73 years ago. Some of the children were my age, and now in the late stages of life. I wonder how they did , those that survived.? (There are many stories written one can find on this subject) The site is vast, covering in it's entrety some 9,000 plus, acres of land. This included not only the barracks for housing but the land that they were given permission on which to grow produce. This allowed them in some ways to return to their diet at times, that they were use to. I will let the pictures tell most of the story as it is self explanatory.
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The entry to tee Internment Camp |
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A map of the immense camp that housed over 7,000 people |
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The dedication plaque, 2006.
When we went into town this morning where we first started , I drove again to the woods behind the Community College, where we had been the day before. As we slowly drove and observed, a lady with a bag who was picking up litter, caught our attention and we began to converse with her. It seems she was a birder and must have lived nearby, and was on her walk through the woods. We told her of some places that were good birding as she was headed to South Texas this week. She also told us about a reservoir a few miles north of Lamar that might be good for waterfowl. Thank you Dorothy! (That was her name.)
So that brings us to the last part of the day. We did head north of Lamar onto a dirt road that led to what is called Thurston Reservoir. WHAT A SURPRISE! There were ducks and grebes all over this large lake. We were ecstatic, especially since we had not seen many birds for ahile. I told Ruth, "I'll get out the scope", and that was a big help as many of the birds were well out onto the Lake. We counted 12 species including ; Cinnamon Teal, Coot, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Widgeon, Ruddy Duck Three Grebes, (Eared, Western and Pied Billed) , Pintail, Lessor Scaup, Franklin's Gull, and on the way out ...a Magpie. Great birding for one spot.
Starting a controlled burn next to the Reservoir.
Note the birds in the Reservoir.
One half of The Reservoir (Thurston)
We were happy and headed home. It was Ruth's night to not prepare a supper so we went to a local Reastaurant called the Hickory House. Chicken for Ruth and a combo plate of ribs and brisket for Jim with salad and potato soup.
It was a good day and tomorrow we will visit four reservoirs that may or may not have water in them. Time will tell. The wind has pretty much abated to 10 mph , and tonight will be warmer than the 23 F this morning. My Propane had to be changed at 5:00 AM this morning when it got to 55 F inside the trailer. Tonight will be better as I have full propane tanks again.
Ruth's buddy, He would not leave her side.
Thursday evening sunset from the Park
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There were over 120,000 Japanese Americans Interned in these camps plus many other facilities were they were held. Some attempts at compensation were made in the late 1900's.
After driving through the Camp we continued on to Grenada where we ate lunch in a Park, where there were no birds as was thought. So it was back to a third site .This has a story that happened early in the morning
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