Larimer County
Author(s): Nicholas Komar
County Seat: Fort Collins
County Size: 2,604 square miles
Low Elevation: 4,779 ft. - Cache la Poudre River on the Weld border
High Elevation : 13,560 ft. - Hagues Peak
Best Birds : Kelp Gull (2003), Tropical Parula (2005), Streak-backed Oriole (2007-2008)
Checklist : Download pdf | View HTML
Introduction: Larimer County is one of the largest counties of Colorado, and extremely varied in ecosystems, with high Rocky Mountain peaks, rivers, foothills, prairie grasslands and rich agricultural areas (map). The southeastern corner is populated by the growing cities of Fort Collins and Loveland, and this large human development provides an unnatural but attractive ecosystem to many species of birds. The reservoirs created to provide drinking and irrigation water also attract a great variety of birds, including many rarities. Most visiting birders will associate Larimer County with Rocky Mountain National Park.
Bibliography:
Komar, N. 2005. Sandhill crane nesting in Larimer County. Colorado Birds 39(1):15-16.
Rashid, S. 2005. Small owls of Rocky Mountain National Park. Colorado Birds *39(1):17-23.
Roederer, S. 2002. Birding Rocky Mountain National Park. Spring Creek Press: Estes Park, Colorado.
Please send corrections or suggested additional locations to Nick Komar, quetzal65@comcast.net.
Birding Locations
Rocky Mountain National Park (Larimer section)
Aliases - Trail Ridge Road (Larimer section), Medicine Bow Curve, Alpine Visitor Center, Endovalley, Bear Lake
Description - An entire book has been written to describe birding locations within this beautiful, majestic National Park (Roederer 2002). White-tailed Ptarmigan can usually be found in summer in tundra along Trail Ridge Road near Medicine Bow Curve. In summer, Brown-capped Rosy-Finches sometimes frequent the Alpine Visitor Center (look for these elusive birds near the edges of permanent glaciers). In sub-alpine forest, watch for Dusky Grouse. Endovalley is an excellent location for spruce-fir species. Red-naped and Williamson's Sapsuckers prefer lower elevations in Ponderosa Pine forest with good stands of older Quaking Aspen, which provide nest sites. These nest holes may also serve Northern Pygmy-Owl, Northern Saw-Whet and Flammulated Owls (Rashid, 2005). Three-toed Woodpeckers may be found anywhere with dead trees. Picnic areas throughout the park attract corvids including Gray Jays and Clark's Nutcrackers. Black Swifts and Band-tailed Pigeons can be seen high over Bear Lake.
URL - Rocky Mountain National Park (Larimer section)
Habitat - Alpine Tundra, Krummholz, Spruce-Fir Forest, Stream, Streamside Willow, Lodgepole Forest, Mountain Meadow, Aspen Grove, Mixed Conifer Forest, Ponderosa Forest, Pond/Lake/Reservoir
Directions - RMNP is reached from Denver and other Front Range cities via US 36 or US 34. Park entrance fee required. Park map available at all entrance stations.
Delorme - 29 A5-B6
Roads of Colorado - 39 E3-F4
Cameron Pass and upper Poudre Canyon
Aliases - Poudre Canyon (upper), Upper Poudre Canyon
Description - Subalpine forest along Colorado Hwy 14 can be accessed along the road, in campgrounds, and numerous hiking trails. Three-toed Woodpecker can be found anywhere where there are dead trees. From February to May, Boreal Owls often sing though the night. From late June to early September, hummingbird feeders along this route attract dozens of resident Broad-tailed hummingbirds as well as migrant Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds.
Habitat - Spruce-Fir Forest, Mixed Conifer Forest
Directions - Hwy 14/US 287 west from Fort Collins. Turn left at Ted's Place (CONOCO station) onto Hwy 14, continue west for >40 miles. Cameron Pass is about 65 miles from Ted's Place.
Delorme - 18 C4-D4
Roads of Colorado - 39 D3-E2
Laramie River Road
Aliases - Chambers Lake
Description - A 20-mile stretch of dirt road (CR 103) beginning in the north at the intersection of CR 80C (Four Corners) and ending in the south at Hwy 14 travels from high prairie sagelands to subalpine forest, and is accessible in the summer. Starting in the north, look for Sage Thrashers and Brewer's Sparrows in the sagebrush. At aspen groves intersecting the road, listen for singing Veery. Olive-sided Flycatchers sometimes sing atop dead snags bordering subalpine meadows. Lower-elevation meadows host Wilson's Snipe, Savannah Sparrow and sometimes Sandhill Crane (Komar 2005). Osprey and Three-toed Woodpecker nest near Chambers Lake near the south end of the route. Willow carrs host Wilson's Warblers, Lincoln's Sparrow and sometimes Fox Sparrow. Unusual warblers in summer have included Orange-crowned and Nashville. Campers often hang feeders that attract many hummingbirds.
Habitat - Sagebrush, Aspen Grove, Mountain Meadow, Wet Meadow, Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Spruce-Fir Forest, Streamside Willow
Directions - Take Hwy 14 west from Fort Collins about 50 miles to the Laramie River Road (south end of route). Head north towards Glendevey.
Delorme - 18 A3-C4
Roads of Colorado - 23 D4, 39 D1-D2
Estes Park
Aliases - Lake Estes, Reeser Wildlife Sanctuary
Description - This small city on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park is located in a valley that seems to funnel migrants. Lake Estes is particularly attractive to spring and fall migrating waterfowl. Migrating landbirds also frequent the lakeshore, especially the west-end Reeser Wildlife Sanctuary. Residential bird feeders in Estes Park attract hummingbirds in summer; in winter, large flocks of finches including Cassin's Finches, and all three species of Rosy-Finches.
Habitat - Urban/Suburban, Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Stream, Ponderosa Forest, Mountain Meadow
Directions - Estes Park is reached from Denver and other Front Range cities via US 36 or US 34.
Delorme - 29 A6-B6
Roads of Colorado - 39 F4, 40 A4
Big Thompson Canyon
Aliases - Viestenz-Smith County Park
Description - The 30-mile drive through the foothills from Loveland to Estes Park along US 34 provides excellent access to Ponderosa Pine habitat, although hiking trails are few. A stop at Viestenz-Smith County Park is worthwhile. American Dippers frequent the Big Thompson River. Watch for Golden Eagles in the lower part of the canyon.
Habitat - Cliff Face, Stream, Ponderosa Forest
Directions - From US 287 in Loveland, drive west about 8 miles on US 34 to mouth of canyon. Viestenz-Smith park is about 4 miles further west (entrance on right).
Delorme - 30 A1, 29 A7
Roads of Colorado - 40 A4-B4
Devil's Backbone
Description - Several miles of flat hiking trails transect lower foothills scrub habitat dominated by mountain mahogany. Lark Sparrows and Spotted Towhees are common in summer. Black-throated Sparrows nested in 2000. The rocky spires along the trail have hosted nesting hawks, ravens and owls (Great Horned and Barn). Watch for rattlesnakes.
URL - Devil's Backbone
Habitat - Foothills Shrub, Cliff Face
Directions - From US 287 in Loveland, drive west about 4 miles on US 34. Watch for signed driveway on right.
Delorme - 30 A1-A2
Roads of Colorado - 40 B4
Lower Poudre Canyon
Aliases - Poudre Canyon (lower), Young's Gulch Trail, Grey Rock Trail, Seaman Reservoir, Gateway County Park
Description - The 40-mile drive through the foothills west from Ted's Place along Hwy 14 provides excellent access to Ponderosa Pine habitat, and lower elevation spruce/fir forest, as well as hilly arid scrub and riparian canyons. Lazuli Buntings, Black-headed Grosbeaks and Western Tanagers are common breeders. American Dipper and Common Merganser nest in the river. Common Poorwill calls from dry hillsides on summer evenings. Flammulated Owls and Lewis's Woodpeckers use the large cottonwoods in the riparian canyons. Northern Pygmy-Owl and Northern Shrike hunt in the riparian habitat during winter. The canyon cliffs attract nesting Golden Eagle, White-throated Swifts and Violet-green Swallows. Popular hikes include Young's Gulch trail (about 10 miles west of Ted's Place) and Grey Rock trail (about 7 miles west of Ted's Place). Seaman Reservoir is an easy 1-mile hike from parking area of Gateway County Park (about 5 miles west of Ted's Place; County Park fee required).
Habitat - Ponderosa Forest, Spruce-Fir Forest, Foothills Shrub, Lowland Riparian, Stream, Cliff Face, Pond/Lake/Reservoir
Directions - To reach Ted's Place (a CONOCO station), drive about 10 miles north from Fort Collins on US 287.
Delorme - 20 B1, 19 C5
Roads of Colorado - 40 A2-B2
Lory State Park
Description - Numerous hiking trails skirt arid hillsides and delve into Ponderosa Pine and lower Spruce/Fir as they climb about 2,000 ft in vertical elevation. Riparian canyons near the entrance road feature Lazuli Bunting and Yellow-breasted Chat in summer. In winter, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Mountain Chickadees, Pygmy Nuthatches and Brown Creepers might harass a Northern Pygmy-Owl. State Park fee required.
URL - Lory State Park
Habitat - Ponderosa Forest, Spruce-Fir Forest, Lowland Riparian
Directions - From Fort Collins, north 4 miles on US 287 and continue west on CR 54G through LaPorte to Rist Canyon Road. (3 miles). Left on Rist Canyon Road 1 mile to Bellvue, then left on CR 23 1.5 miles, then right on CR 25G about 1 mile to park entrance.
Delorme - 20 D1
Roads of Colorado - 40 B3-C3
Rist Canyon
Description - Rist Canyon (52E) Road climbs about 2500 vertical feet over 10 miles of curvy road, through a variety of riparian, meadow and forest habitats, hosting about 70 species of breeding birds. Local highlights are Western Bluebird, Virginia's Warbler, Ovenbird, Green-tailed Towhee, Common Poorwill and three species of small owls (Northern Saw-Whet, Flammulated and Northern Pygmy). Western Scrub Jay, Lesser Goldfinch and sometimes Lewis's Woodpecker prefer the lowest part of the canyon.
Habitat - Lowland Riparian, Mountain Meadow, Ponderosa Forest, Foothill Shrub, Mixed Conifer Forest
Directions - From Fort Collins, north 4 miles on US 287 and continue west on CR 54G through LaPorte to Rist Canyon Road (3 miles). Left on Rist Canyon Road about 3 miles to mouth of canyon.
Delorme - 20 C1, 19 C7
Roads of Colorado - 40 B3
Bellvue
Aliases - Watson Lake
Description - This small town at the base of the foothills features rich farmland, the Cache La Poudre River, Watson Lake and massive cliffs. Pasturelands here attract nesting Bobolinks annually and occasionally Grasshopper Sparrow and Lark Bunting. Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, Canyon and Rock Wrens and White-throated Swifts nest in the cliffs by Watson Lake. The lake features a nesting colony of Bank Swallows and waterfowl in migration.
Habitat - Grassland/Prairie, Cliff Face, Stream, Pond/Lake/Reservoir
Directions - From Fort Collins, north 4 miles on US 287 and continue west on CR 54G through LaPorte to Rist Canyon Road (3 miles). Left on Rist Canyon Road 1 mile to Bellvue.
Delorme - 20 C1
Roads of Colorado - 40 C2
Bobcat Ridge Natural Area
Description - This large tract of Lower Foothills features meadows, arid hillsides, ponderosa pine and riparian canyons. Birdlife is similar to Rist Canyon; trail-hiking only. Lewis's Woodpecker frequents residences near parking area.
URL - Bobcat Ridge Natural Area
Habitat - Mountain Meadow, Foothill Shrub, Ponderosa Forest, Lowland Riparian
Directions - From Loveland, go west on US 34 about 6 miles. Then turn right on CR 27 (at Thompson Valley School). Proceed north towards Masonville about 5 miles and turn left (west) on entrance road (just past quarry, before entering Masonville). Not yet open to public.
Delorme - 30 A1
Roads of Colorado - 40 B3
Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch
Description - Spacious dude ranch along the Big Thompson River in the lower foothills. Large winter concentrations of American Dipper and Wild Turkey. Northern Pygmy-Owl is resident. Birders are welcomed as paying ranch guests (http://www.sylvandale.com/birding/birding.html).
Habitat - Stream, Foothill Shrub, Ponderosa Forest
Directions - From US 287 in Loveland, take US 34 west about 8 miles, then turn right on CR 22H and follow signs to ranch office.
Delorme - 30 A1
Roads of Colorado - 40 B4
Carter Lake County Park
Aliases - Flatiron Reservoir, Pinewood Reservoir
Description - Lower foothills ponderosa pine forest and arid mountain mahogany hillsides surround Carter Lake. The deep reservoir attracts waterfowl and roosting gulls in winter when other water bodies are frozen. A few Barrow's Goldeneye are found here most winters. Check also for waterfowl at nearby Flatiron Reservoir and Pinewood Lake (also good for Northern Pygmy-Owl) to the north and west along Pole Hill (18E) Road. County park fee required.
URL - Carter Lake County Park
Habitat - Ponderosa Forest, Foothill Shrub, Pond/Lake/Reservoir
Directions - From Berthoud, take Hwy 56 west 4 miles, then CR 23 north 0.5 miles, then CR 8E west 3 miles to CR 31 which follows the eastern edge of Carter Lake in both directions. To reach Pole Hill Road go north on CR 31 about 4 miles.
Delorme - 30 B1
Roads of Colorado - 56 B1, 40 B4
Horsetooth Mountain County Park
Description - Lower foothills ponderosa pine and arid grassy hillsides. Birdlife similar to Lory State Park. Common Poorwills can be heard from the parking area on summer nights. Hike to Horsetooth Mountain is very popular. Watch for rattlesnakes. County Park fee required.
URL - Horsetooth Mountain County Park
Habitat - Ponderosa Forest, Grassland/Prairie
Directions - From Fort Collins, go south on US 287 4 miles then west on Hwy 68 (Harmony Road.) which becomes CR 38E. Watch for parking area on right after passing Horsetooth Reservoir, about 6 miles from US 287.
Delorme - 20 D1
Roads of Colorado - 40 C3
Horsetooth Reservoir
Description - Arid mountain mahogany hillsides surround this deep water reservoir. Wintering waterfowl (including Barrow's Goldeneye) and gulls feed and roost here (usually at the south end) when shallower lakes are frozen. In winter, communally roosting Bald Eagles fly westward over the reservoir at dusk. Feeders in the small town of Stout at the south end of the reservoir often attract interesting birds in winter.
URL - Horsetooth Reservoir
Habitat - Foothill Shrub, Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Urban/Suburban
Directions - From Fort Collins, go south on US 287 4 miles then west on Hwy 68 (Harmony Road) which becomes CR 38E. Upon reaching the reservoir, follow CR 38E to the south end, or turn right across the dam on CR 23 to reach various overviews along the east side of the reservoir.
Delorme - 20 D1
Roads of Colorado - 40 C3
Dixon Reservoir/Pine Ridge Natural Area
Aliases - Pine Ridge Natural Area
Description - A variety of lower foothill habitats (ponderosa pine, mountain mahogany, prairie dog town, riparian woodland) associated with a lake attract many birds in migration. The riparian woodland at the north end of the lake is a favorite migrant trap of Fort Collins' birders. Rarities turning up here in spring migration include dozens of warbler species, White-eyed Vireo, Ash-throated, Great Crested and Gray Flycatchers, White-throated Sparrow, Broad-winged Hawk, Caspian Tern and many others.
URL - Dixon Reservoir/Pine Ridge Natural Area
Habitat - Ponderosa Forest, Foothill Shrub, Lowland Riparian, Hedgerow/Shelterbelt, Pond/Lake/Reservoir
Directions - From Fort Collins, go south on US 287 (College Ave.) 1 mile and then turn right (west) on Prospect Road (CR 44) 3 miles then turn left (south) on Overland Trail about three quarters of a mile, then right (west) on CR 42G about 1 mile. Turn left into signed driveway for Pine Ridge N. A. for parking.
Delorme - 20 D1
Roads of Colorado - 40 C3
Hamilton Reservoir
Aliases - Rawhide Energy Plant
Description - This large heated reservoir surrounded by prairie and pastures serves the Rawhide Energy plant and attracts numerous waterfowl and gulls, especially in late fall. Birding here can be fabulous when other water bodies further south are frozen. It is one of the few overwintering locations for Horned Grebe in the state. After 9/11/2001, the only public access to this location (the Visitor's Overlook) was closed, but it is now open to birders with some restrictions. Each December, a Christmas Bird Count team is granted access.
Habitat - Grassland/Prairie, Pond/Lake/Reservoir
Directions - Interstate 25 N from Denver/Fort Collins to Buckeye Road. exit 288, west on Buckeye Road. about 2 miles to entrance to Rawhide power plant. If accessible, the driveway to the Visitor's Overlook is on the left prior to passing through the security gate.
Delorme - 20 B2 (note-reservoir not shown)
Roads of Colorado - 25 D4 (note-reservoir not shown)
Douglas Reservoir
Description - This large reservoir is stocked for fishing by the DOW, and often attracts numerous waterfowl and gulls in late fall and winter. The surrounding shrublands attract sparrows during fall migration, and in winter, northern shrike and a variety of raptors.
Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir
Directions - North from Fort Collins on US 287 to Hwy 1. Proceed north about 3.5 miles and turn left on CR 15. Continue north on CR 15 1 mile and turn left on CR 60 for about 0.3 miles then right on CR 15A to reservoir. Parking areas can be accessed on both east and west sides.
Delorme - 20 C2
Roads of Colorado - 40 C2
Wellington Lakes
Aliases - North Poudre Reservoir #3, Wellington Reservoir #4, Bee Lake, North Poudre Reservoir #6
Description - Seven large lakes all within 3 miles of Wellington sometimes attract a wide variety of waterfowl and gulls, especially in fall and winter. North Poudre Reservoir #3 is usually the best for birds, but others worth checking are Wellington Reservoir #4, Bee Lake, and North Poudre Reservoir #6.
Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Hedgerow/Shelterbelt
Directions - Wellington can be reached by driving west on Hwy 1 from I-25 exit 276. To reach N. Poudre Reservoir #3, go west from Wellington on Hwy 1 about 0.5 miles, then right on CR 9 0.5 miles, then left on CR 64 one mile, then right on CR 11 for 1.5 miles. Reservoir is on the left.
Delorme - 20 C2
Roads of Colorado - 40 C1-C2, 41 D1-D2
Wellington State Wildlife Area/Cobb Lake State Wildlife Area
Aliases - Cobb Lake State Wildlife Area
Description - Grassy shrublands interspersed with juniper and Russian olive shelter belts, small ponds and cattail marshes make these two state wildlife areas east of Wellington very attractive to migrating passerines, waterfowl, and raptors. Short-eared, Long-eared and sometimes Barn Owls winter in these shelter belts. Shorebirds such as American Avocet sometimes nest here. Cobb Lake to the south of Cobb Lake SWA may also be worth checking for shorebirds and waterfowl.
Habitat - Grassland/Prairie, Hedgerow/Shelterbelt, Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Marsh
Directions - From I-25 Wellington Exit (exit 276) go east to frontage road then left on frontage road for 0.5 miles then right on Nunn Road. (CR 64) which passes through Wellington SWA. Check ponds on left for waterfowl. At CR 3 turn left to access parking areas of SWA, or right 3.5 miles to parking area for Cobb Lake SWA.
Delorme - 20 C3
Roads of Colorado - 41 D1-D2
Long Pond and surrounding lakes
Description - About a dozen lakes on the north side of Fort Collins sometimes attract a variety of waterfowl and gulls, especially in fall and winter. Long Pond traditionally is the best birding location among these. Recent rarities at Long Pond include Barrow's Goldeneye, Great Black-backed Gull and other good birds. The ornamental plantings in the neighborhood on the south side also attract many landbirds. The neighborhoods around Long Pond are among the best areas for Bohemian Waxwing in the state.
Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Urban/Suburban
Directions - To reach Long Pond, take I-25 exit for Mulberry Road/Hwy 14 (Exit 269), go west on Hwy 14 3 miles then right on N. Lemay Road. 2.5 miles, then right on Country Club Road about 0.5 miles; lake is on left.
Delorme - 20 C2
Roads of Colorado - 40 C2
Poudre River Trail (Ft. Collins section)
Description - The Cache La Poudre River features a wooded riparian corridor. A 6-mile bike trail along this corridor in Fort Collins provides access to this habitat, which attracts flocks of migrating thrushes, warblers, tanagers, etc. in spring and fall. In summer, Green Heron may be glimpsed along this trail.
URL - Poudre River Trail (Ft. Collins section)
Habitat - Lowland Riparian, Urban/Suburban
Directions - Numerous access points to the trail are available. On the northwest side of Fort Collins, access the trail from Lyons Park on Overland Trail about 0.5 miles south of the town of LaPorte; on the southeast side of Fort Collins, access the trail from the CSU Environmental Learning Center parking area off the east end of Drake Road.
Delorme - 20 D2
Roads of Colorado - 40 C2-C3
Fort Collins City Park/Grandview Cemetery
Aliases - Grandview Cemetery, Sheldon Lake
Description - Large spruce and fir trees in the park and especially the cemetery attract high-elevation species such as Golden-crowned Kinglets, Brown Creepers, and winter finches that are wandering in search of better food supplies. Most winters the pines here host a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker or two. During migration and winter, Sheldon Lake attracts numerous waterfowl and gulls. Watch for an occasional Mew Gull among the numerous Ring-billed Gulls. In June 2005 this place became famous as the site of a singing male Tropical Parula, one of the best birds ever found in Colorado.
Habitat - Park/Cemetery, Pond/Lake/Reservoir
Directions - From US 287 (College Ave.) in the center of Fort Collins go west on Mulberry Road. 1.5 miles. Sheldon Lake is on the right. Parking is available here, or drive around the lake to access other areas of the park. The Cemetery is accessed from the west end of Mountain Ave (0.5 miles north of Mulberry Road).
Delorme - 20 D2
Roads of Colorado - 40 C2
Spring Creek Trail
Description - This Fort Collins city bike trail courses through about 5 miles of residential property and some open space and ponds from the edge of the foothills eastward until it intersects with the Poudre River trail. In winter, fruiting trees attract waxwings, Townsend's Solitaire and an occasional Yellow-rumped Warbler. Watch bird feeders along the trail for bird-eating raptors such as Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin and Prairie Falcon.
Habitat - Lowland Riparian, Urban/Subruban, Pond/Lake/Reservoir
Directions - The east end of the trail is accessed just north of where Prospect Road. crosses the Cache La Poudre River. Exit I-25 at the Prospect Road. exit (Exit 268), travel west about 1.5 miles, crossing the river. Parking is available outside of business hours in the industrial park on the north side of Prospect Road west of the river. The west end of the trail is best accessed from Cottonwood Park at the south end of Overland Trail on the southwest side of Fort Collins.
Delorme - 20 D2
Roads of Colorado - 40 C3
Colorado State University campus
Description - In the center of Fort Collins, the campus provides arboretum habitat that attracts migrating warblers in spring, waxwings in winter. A resident pair of Great Horned Owls entertains students and birders alike.
Habitat - Park/Cemetery
Directions - Reach the CSU Visitor's Center by taking the Prospect Road exit from I-25 (Exit 268) 4 miles then north on US 287 (College Ave.) to next left on W. Lake St. Visitor Center is on left.
Delorme - 20 D2
Roads of Colorado - 40 C3
Warren Lake
Description - In southeast Fort Collins, this private lake sometimes attracts phenomenal numbers of waterfowl and gulls, especially in fall and winter. Numerous rarities have turned up here, such as Lesser Black-backed and Mew Gulls, Barrow's Goldeneye, and Long-tailed Duck.
Habitat - Pond/Lake/Cemetery
Directions - Go west on Hwy 68 (Harmony Road.) from I-25 Exit 265 3.5 miles then right on S. Lemay Road. Take second left (Breakwater Road.) and drive until lake is in view on the right. Private lake is viewable only from the public neighborhood Rds around the lake.
Delorme - 20 D2
Roads of Colorado - 40 C3
Timnath Reservoir
Description - This private reservoir in eastern Larimer County can be viewed from public roads on the east and northwest sides. In addition to attracting numerous waterfowl, gulls and shorebirds in migration periods, the reservoir also attracts breeding grebes (Eared, Western, and Clark's) and in some years, a multi-species heronry.
Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir
Directions - Go east on Hwy 68 (Harmony Road) from I-25 Exit 265 2.5 miles then left on Weld CR 13 (County Line Road) 1.8 miles. East bay of lake is on left.
Delorme - 20 D3
Roads of Colorado - 41 D3
Riverbend Ponds Natural Area
Description - This Fort Collins city natural area comprises a section of the Cache La Poudre River riparian corridor and adjacent recovered gravel pit ponds. Breeding birds include wetland specialists such as Sora, Virginia Rail, Marsh Wren, Wilson's Snipe, and Yellow-headed Blackbird, and eastern plains residents such as Eastern Kingbird and Blue Grosbeak. Green Heron lurks here in summer. Warblers, sparrows and other migrants are numerous in late spring and early fall.
URL - Riverbend Ponds Natural Area
Habitat - Lowland Riparian, Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Marsh
Directions - Take Prospect Road exit (Exit 268) from I-25, go west 1 mile, parking area on the right.
Delorme - 20 D2
Roads of Colorado - 41 D3
Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area
Description - This small Fort Collins city natural area comprises two ponds with associated wetlands along the Cache La Poudre River corridor. Birdlife is similar to adjacent Riverbend Ponds Natural Area. Great-tailed Grackle nested here in 2001.
URL - Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area
Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Marsh
Directions - Take Prospect Road exit (Exit 268) from I-25, go west 1 mile, parking area on the left (signed as CSU Environmental Learning Center North). Walk south about 100 yards along closed gravel road, then turn right across ditch to enter the Natural Area.
Delorme - 20 D2
Roads of Colorado - 41 D3
CSU Environmental Learning Center
Description - This Cache La Poudre River natural area is one of the biggest in Fort Collins and is administered by Colorado State University. In recent years, it has hosted Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory's bird monitoring station. It features numerous ponds, wetlands, secondary growth forest, towering cottonwood trees, and shrub/grassland. Birdlife is similar to Riverbend Ponds Natural Area. Summer residents feature eastern birds such as Brown Thrasher, Blue Grosbeak and sometimes Orchard Oriole. Rare migrants have included Black-billed Cuckoo and Little Blue Heron.
Habitat - Lowland Riparian, Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Marsh
Directions - Take Prospect Road exit (Exit 268) from I-25, go west 1 mile, parking area on the left (north entrance). Also accessed from south entrance at east of Drake Road. Also can be accessed by walking about 0.5 miles on a marked trail from the Colorado Welcome Center just off Exit 268 (west side of interstate).
Delorme - 20 D2
Roads of Colorado - 41 D3
Fossil Creek Reservoir
Description - This large irrigation reservoir in southeastern Larimer County was opened as a county park, Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space, in fall 2004. The reservoir attracts thousands of migrating waterfowl and gulls, as well as thousands of wintering ducks and geese. Over 2000 Cackling Geese (Richardson's form) roosted here during the 2004-5 winter. Rarities on the reservoir have included jaegers, scoters, and rare gulls. Grasslands on the south side attract Horned Larks, American Pipits (migration) and an occasional longspur. Cattail wetlands (especially on the west end, accessed along Timberline Road) host breeding rails and Marsh Wrens, shorebirds such as Killdeer and American Avocet, Great-tailed Grackle and Yellow-headed Blackbirds, and Savannah Sparrow in adjacent fields. Watch for Golden Eagle and Ferruginous Hawks over prairie-dog towns on the east and west sides. In winter, numerous bald eagles perch in the large cottonwoods along the shores. Bathroom facilities available at parking area.
URL - Fossil Creek Reservoir
Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Grassland/Prairie, Marsh
Directions - Take Windsor Exit from I 25 (Exit 262), go west on CR 32 (Carpenter Road) 1 mile to paved entrance on right. To reach west end wetlands, continue west on CR 32 about 2 miles, then north on CR 11 (Timberline Road). View birds in marshes and saltpans on the west side from your stopped vehicle. Parking is prohibited here.
Delorme - 30 A2
Roads of Colorado - 41 D3
Duck Lake
Description - This shallow lake adjacent to Fossil Creek Reservoir attracts numerous waterfowl and shorebirds in migration. Eared Grebe can sometimes be found here in summer. Savannah Sparrow inhabits moist grasslands on the east side of the lake. Rarities here have included Red Phalarope, Tundra and Trumpeter Swans, Glaucous and Sabine's Gulls.
Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Wet Meadow
Directions - Take Windsor Exit from I 25 (Exit 262), go west on CR 32 (Carpenter Road) 2 miles and pull over to view the lake on the left side. Beware of high-speed traffic.
Delorme - 30 A2
Roads of Colorado - 41 D3
Nelson Reservoir
Description - This private lake is similar to Duck Lake in attracting numerous migrating and breeding waterfowl and sometimes shorebirds. The wetlands at the west side host Marsh Wrens and Yellow-headed Blackbirds.
Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Marsh
Directions - Take Windsor Exit from I 25 (Exit 262), go west on CR 32 (Carpenter Road) 1.5 miles, then left on CR 9. Nelson Lake is on the left after about 0.8 miles. Stop here to check for marsh birds. Continue 0.2 miles to CR 30 and go left to private driveway on left, where a better view of the lake is available.
Delorme - 30 A2
Roads of Colorado - 41 D3
Donath Lake
Description - This private lake attracts loafing gulls when the water level is reduced in early spring and late fall. Rarities have included Slaty-backed, Glaucous-winged, Great Black-backed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. The lake can be viewed from public roads.
Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir
Directions - Take Windsor Exit from I 25 (Exit 262), go west on CR 32 (Carpenter Road) 1.5 miles, then left on CR 9 one mile, then right on CR 30 1.6 miles, then left on CR 13, and park in dirt pull-off on right to view lake.
Delorme - 30 A2
Roads of Colorado - 40 C3
Boyd Lake State Park
Description - Water levels at Boyd Lake fluctuate and attract numerous diving waterfowl, gulls and shorebirds in migration. Adjacent riparian forest and grasslands attract a variety of migrants. Rarities have included Yellow-billed and Red-throated Loons, Long-tailed Duck, jaegers, Black-legged Kittiwake and Laughing Gull.
URL - Boyd Lake State Park
Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir
Directions - Take Windsor Exit from I 25 (Exit 262), go west on CR 32 (Carpenter Road) 1.5 miles, then left on CR 9 1 mile, then right on CR 30 1.2 miles, then left on CR 11C 2.2 miles to paved entrance on left. State Park fee required.
Delorme - 30 A2
Roads of Colorado - 40 C4, 41 D4
Horseshoe Lake
Description - This large private lake adjacent to Boyd Lake is most attractive to migrating and wintering gulls, shorebirds and waterfowl when water levels are low. Rarities have included Slaty-backed, Great Black-backed, Lesser Black-backed, Glaucous-winged, Glaucous, and Mew Gulls, Piping Plover, American Golden-Plovers, Long-tailed Duck and scoters. The lake is viewed from numerous vantage points along public roads.
Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir
Directions - Take Windsor Exit from I 25 (Exit 262), go west on CR 32 (Carpenter Road) 1.5 miles, then left on CR 9 1 mile, then right on CR 30 1.2 miles, then left on CR 11C 2 miles. Lake is viewable on the right. Numerous other access points are located on public Rds around the lake. The best view from the west side (ideal in afternoon light) is from the end of Engelman Place off Monroe Road.
Delorme - 30 A2
Roads of Colorado - 40 C4
Silver Lake
Description - This private lake in central Loveland is one of the best locations to find Canvasback, Greater Scaup and Hooded Merganser in winter in Larimer County. View from the paved bike trail on the west side.
Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir
Directions - On US 287 in Loveland, go north from US 34 0.5 miles, turn right and drive to east side of cemetery. Park along east edge of Cemetery. Lake is viewable to the east.
Delorme - 30 A2
Roads of Colorado - 40 C4
Loveland Cemetery
Description - Tall spruces and other coniferous trees attract mountain birds such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Townsend's Solitaire and finches.
Habitat - Park/Cemetery
Directions - On US 287 in Loveland, go north from US 34 0.5 miles, turn right and drive to east side of cemetery. Park along east edge of Cemetery.
Delorme - 30 A2
Roads of Colorado - 40 C4
Lake Loveland
Description - This large lake in the center of suburban Loveland attracts a great variety of diving and dabbling waterfowl, loafing and roosting gulls, and sometimes shorebirds (when the water level is low). About 200 Cackling Geese (Richardson's form) wintered here in 2004-5. Rarities have included Trumpeter Swan, Caspian tern, and almost all gulls. Parkland on the north side attracts waxwings and other landbirds in migration and winter.
Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Park/Cemetery
Directions - From I-25, take US 34 (Exit 257) 5 miles and watch for the large lake on the right side. Parking is available in 3 locations along the south shore (off US 34). To reach North Lake Park on the north side, continue on US 34 1 mile then right on Taft Road at the traffic light 0.7 miles to paved entrance on right.
Delorme - 30 A2
Roads of Colorado - 40 C4
Southwest Loveland lakes
Description - About a dozen lakes in southwest Loveland attract gulls and waterfowl in migration and winter. Best birding lakes are Cattail Pond (overwintering Trumpeter Swans in recent years), Lon Hagler Reservoir ($3 DOW fee), and Lone Tree Reservoir.
Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir
Directions - To reach Cattail Pond from US 287 in Loveland, go south from US 34 2 miles then left on Hwy 402 (14th St) about 1.3 miles. Proceed past Taft Road (traffic light) and take next left onto gravel road. Proceed 1 mile and watch for Cattail Pond on the right.
Delorme - 30 A2
Roads of Colorado - 40 C4
Big Thompson River Trail
Description - This Loveland City bike trail follows the Big Thompson River riparian corridor for about 2 miles through southwest Loveland. Migrating landbirds are the attraction, but interesting summer residents have included Yellow-billed Cuckoo and breeding American Dipper.
Habitat - Lowland Riparian, Stream, Urban/Suburban
Directions - Access the trail from the west end by parking along Wilson Road about 0.5 miles south of US 34 (Eisenhower Blvd) in Loveland. Access the trail from the east end by parking at the softball fields on the west side of US 287 (Cleveland Ave) about 1.5 miles south of US 34.
Delorme - 30 A2
Roads of Colorado - 40 C4
Larimer County Landfill
Description - The county landfill attracts numerous gulls year-round, as well as corvids. All the rare gulls of Larimer County have occurred here. At the entrance station, request permission for birdwatching.
Habitat - Urban/Suburban
Directions - Head south from Fort Collins on Taft Hill Road, or north from Loveland on Wilson Road and watch for the landfill on the west side of the road (this is CR 19).
Delorme - 20 D2
Roads of Colorado - 40 C4