Baca County
Until recently Baca County, in the south east corner of the state, was the best place in Colorado to see Lesser Prairie Chicken. At present the major site has been closed indefinitely. However, that may change. For the latest information on these birds, which are best seen on the lek in April, contact the Comanche National Grassland office 1 mile S. of Springfield, CO; phone: 719/523-6591
Birding around Denver
Denver and adjacent towns have numerous Greenbelt Trails, many of which can be very productive for birding. On the north- west side of Denver is the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt Trail, on Denver's northwest side, which is good for waterfowl in fall and winter and passerine migration in summer. On Denver's southwest side is the Bear Creek Greenbelt Trail, again at its best during spring migration. Mount Falcon County Park to the south-west of Denver is at a higher elevation and is especially good in summer. Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a few miles west of Denver and with elevations from 7400 feet to 10,400 feet offers varied habitats and most higher elevation birds. In the heart of the Denver metro area is the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. In the heart of metro Denver, this area is fenced in and under the direction of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Birders have to make a booking to take a tour there. The Denver Audubon Society can advise who to speak to for this. Over 225 species of bird have been recorded here and, if time permits, a trip there is recommended, particularly in spring and early summer when migrants are passing through.
For specific information on the locations of the sites listed above see Holt, A Birder's Guide to Colorado
Bonny Lake State Park
This state park, in eastern Colorado near the border with Nebraska, is located east of Highway 385 south of Idalia (and north of Burlington). To find the visitor center turn east onto Road 2 and follow the signs. The park, which has camp grounds, a swimming area, a nature trail at the north end, and reportedly good fishing, is a migration haven for White Pelicans, geese, a variety of ducks, some shorebirds, passerines in the wooded areas, and raptors.
Eastern Colorado
The eastern parts of Colorado are plains and grasslands. East of Denver is Interstate 76, and along here are a number of State Wildlife Areas, including Tamarack Ranch (3a), Duck Creek, Red Lion and Jumbo Reservoir(3b), and Sand Draw(3c). During the summer months many grassland birds can be found, and in fall and winter look for waterfowl.
For specific information on the locations of the sites listed above see Holt, A Birder's Guide to Colorado
Gunnison area
The most famous bird of this area, and the only Colorado near-endemic (a small remnant population is also found in Utah), is the Gunnison Sage Grouse, a recent split. Between mid-April and mid-May is the best time to see these birds. They are than on lek, with the males displaying even when there is snow on the ground. The most accessible lek is close to the town of Gunnison. It is located on County Road 887, the Wuanita hot springs road, about a quarter of a mile north of Rte 50, at 38°27'838N, 106°36'690W. If you continue up the Wuanita hot springs road beyond the lek you will come to public lands where you can walk around in search of other sage birds, such as Sage Thrasher and Sage Sparrow.
Other noteworthy sites around Gunnison are Crested Butte, an upscale town about 40 miles from Gunnison, where rosy finches visit the feeders (Blue Grouse are also sometimes seen in this area), and Blue Mesa Reservoir, west of Gunnison on Rte 50, where shorebirds and waterfowl including Barrows's Golden-eye can be found at the appropriate seasons.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (970 641 7060) has the most up-to-date information on the Sage Grouse.
North Park area
The North Park area, centering on the town of Walden, is arguably the best place in Colorado to see the Greater Sage Grouse. Between late March and May, snow and other conditions permitting, the birds are on the lek displaying. The closest lek to Walden is a short distance west of town beside country road #8. Turn right up the county road and stop after the sharp turn to the left. The sage area is on the right side of the road. There are also several other leks in the surrounding area. Check with the Colorado Department of Wildlife office in Walden for current conditions. Be forewarned that the roads are unpaved and if muddy may not be passable for vehicles without 4-wheel drive and studded tires. Walden is also known as a breeding area for White Pelicans. Finally, the area has a good selection of raptors, birds such as Northern Shrike, and a variety of ducks on the surrounding ponds.
Rocky Mountain National Park
In the northern part of the state, the Rocky Mountain National Park offers birders some of the most impressive mountain scenery on the continent, as well as some excellent birding. The higher elevations of the park are inaccessible during the winter months. Many birds, including Gray Jay, Clark's Nutcracker, and Pine Growbeak, are found in the Ponderosa Pines at lower elevations, although specialities like ptarmigan and rosy finches are at higher elevations. Trail Ridge Road is the most accessible place to look for White-Tailed Ptarmigan and Brown-capped Rosy-Finches. This road is closed for almost all of its length until May. Those hardy souls who would at least like to try finding the ptarmigan in April might try driving from the east on either Rte 34 or 36, entering Trail Ridge Road, driving to the gate, and hiking beyond that point. The road beyond the gate is plowed but often snow covered. In winter the ptarmigan live on the shoots of low growing willows. Therefore they will be at higher elevations where the wind blows the snow off the willows.
For specific information the best guide is Scott
Roederer's Birding Rocky Mountain National Park which has detailed and current information on all the best birds and sites.
Wray and the Greater Prairie Chicken
The town of Wray,located near the Nebraska state line, is the leading Colorado area for Greater Prairie-Chicken. The best way to see these birds is to join one of the tours run, between late March and May, by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Further information is available at www.wraychamber.net/prairiechicken2.html or by writing or phoning Prairie Chicken Tours, c.o Wray Museum, 205 East 3rd, Wray, CO 80758. Tele. (970) 332-5063. Reserve your place well in advance, and be forewarned that you will be sitting in a trailer with an open area facing the lek, and it will almost certainly be very cold. Furthermore, you will not be permitted to leave the trailer, so don't drink too much fluid before you go.