SE Colorado Birding: Upper Arkansas birds

Sunday, January 29, 2006

Upper Arkansas birds

Yesterday I returned from a trip to the west slope via the upper Arkansas River area. I stopped at Sands Lake in Salida and was pleased to see that this small lake has been refilled with water after it was drained for maintainence this fall. There were several Buffleheads, about 25 Common Goldeneye in addition to some Gadwalls, Coots and many dark geese.

There were more Common Goldeneye on the Arkansas River as it runs west of Salida. As I drove just outside of the town a light phase Rough-legged Hawk was working a field. I also saw 3 Bald Eagles from just east of Salida to north of Buena Vista including one sitting on the ice in the Arkansas River.

I didn't get to do much birding today but did see a nice flock of 23-25 Bushtits along the Canon City Riverwalk.

SeEtta

Why bird southeast Colorado?

From our high montane areas to the riparian areas along the Arkansas River as it exits Colorado, southeast Colorado offers birding opportunities for beginners to those serious birders who seek out the less common species. We have great shortgrass and sandsage prairie birding including public areas on the Comanche National Grasslands. We have wetlands including playa lakes (playas are important shallow, depressional wetlands that provide essential habitat for waterfowl and many other bird species). We have small lakes (such as Lake Cheraw north of La Junta)and large lakes (such as John Martin Reservoir that encompasses 35 square miles) that host an impressive diversity of bird species. And we have large expanses of pinyon-juniper woodlands with their special birding opportunities.

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SE Colorado Birding

Sunday, January 29, 2006

Upper Arkansas birds

Why bird southeast Colorado?

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