Local birders Don Marsh and Kent Nelson spotted some unusual visitors at Ridgway State Park last month â a group of four long-tailed ducks. It's the first time that species of duck has been confirmed in Ouray County. Long-tailed ducks can be quite vocal, and they have a complex plumage pattern that changes from summer to winter. Adobe Stock photo
A new duck species for Ouray County
Water is the most
Important element
For life
– Anonymous
Don Marsh, an excellent local birder, was out birding at the viewpoint near the marina in Ridgway State Park on Nov. 17 when he spotted a large raft of approximately 150 mixed ducks that could be seen from far away.
Within the group, he was unable to identify a light grayish-brown duck. He wanted a better look, so he carried his camera and scope up the Enchanted Mesa Trail more than two miles.
After hiking to that vantage point, he was able to...
