Field Trip Report: Laramie Plains Lakes, August 16, 2026

We had a beautiful, windless morning searching for shorebirds on Laramie Plains lakes. Starting at Blake’s Pond, we were welcomed by Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, American Avocets, and several Wilson’s Snipe and Killdeer. Western Wood-Pewees were heard in the nearby cottonwoods, and a Northern Yellow Warbler gave us a quick view perching on a fence wire. Swallows were still common, and we were able to pick out Bank, Tree, and Barn. On the return trip, two White-faced Ibis were observed foraging in the pond. On to Gelatt Lake, which had a fair number of shorebirds and good species diversity, including Baird’s, Least, Semipalmated, Western and Stilt Sandpipers. We also added Willets and Wilson’s Phalaropes for the morning and were treated to brief glimpses of Soras. The shorebirds were frequently flushed by a hunting Northern Harrier. Twin Buttes Lake was our last stop. Although shorebirds were scarce, we added a few waterbirds including Great Blue Heron, Eared Grebe, and American Coot. Several Bald Eagles were on patrol for prairie dogs, and we got great views of the local Swift Fox family. We got quick looks at young Lark Buntings and Vesper Sparrows before heading back to Laramie. Overall, we observed 52 species during the morning excursion, including 12 shorebird species. A list of the bird species seen is provided here. Participant and Stilt Sandpiper photos by Heather Johnson.