Montrose County


Author(s): Coen Dexter
County Seat: Montrose
County Size: 2,240 square miles
Low Elevation: 4,695 ft. - Dolores River on the Mesa border
High Elevation : 11,453 ft. - Castle Rock
Best Birds : Common Black-Hawk (2001), Lesser Nighthawk (1987)
Checklist : Download pdf | View HTML
Introduction: Montrose County lies in west-central Colorado on the Utah border. An average-sized country, it represents a little over 2% of Colorado. Only 31% of the county is in private ownership. BLM is 42%, USFS is 23 % and other public entities comprise 4%. Most of the county's population is found in the southeastern corner of the county in the greater Montrose area. Montrose County has nearly all the habitats expected in western Colorado. However, only two square miles of water surface exists. The county makes up for lack of surface water by the miles and miles of riparian habitat along rivers and streams. When driving through the county, check all small ponds and reservoirs next to the road. A good bird could be lurking just about anywhere.

Birding Locations

  1. LaSal Creek
    Description - (submitted by Andrew Spencer) This riparian lined creek at the western edge of the Paradox Valley is among the undiscovered jewels of southwestern Colorado. Look for species such as Gray Catbird, Indigo Bunting, Yellow-breasted Chat, and migrants, all hard to find in this part of the state and Montrose County. Canyon and Rock Wrens, and White-throated Swift nest on the canyon walls, and species typical of montane shrubland can be seen here as well.
    Habitat - mid-elevation Riparian, Montane Shrubland, Cliff/Rimrock
    Directions - from the town of Bedrock in the Paradox Valley, head west for 10 miles along SR-90 to CR X4 on the left. This turn is inconspicuous and easy to miss. Follow this road along LaSal Creek for a couple of miles to the end, birding where the habitat looks good.
    Delorme - 64 D1
    Roads of Colorado - 112 B1

  2. Chipeta Lakes State Wildlife Area
    Description - This wildlife area lies along the Uncompahgre River. Small lakes, wetlands, and large cottonwood trees make this area attractive to birds. It can be good in all seasons. Access to the Uncompahgre Riverfront Trail is located just to the north of the wildlife area. The Ute Indian Museum is also located within the area. Many common birds are found in season. Gambel's Quail, Band-tailed Pigeon, Marsh Wren, Gray Catbird, and Bullock's Oriole can be found along the trails. Rarities have been found such as Chimney Swift and Northern Waterthrush in spring.
    Habitat - Lowland Riparian, Marsh, Pond/Lake/Reservoir
    Directions - From Montrose drive south on US 550 a short distance. Turn right (west then north) on Chipeta Road. Drive past the museum for about a quarter mile. The lake and parking lot is on the right side. The riverfront trailhead is a little beyond the lake along the same road.
    Delorme - 66 A2
    Roads of Colorado - 98 C4

  3. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
    Description - This national park is known for its scenery but birding is also good. There are many trails. A paved road runs to the bottom of the canyon and the Gunnison River. Common Merganser, Belted Kingfisher, Rock and Canyon Wren and American Dipper are just a few of the species that are encountered along the river. On the rim look for Chukar, Dusky Grouse, both Peregrine and Prairie Falcons, Common Nighthawk, White-throated Swift, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, woodpeckers, flycatchers, bluebirds, sparrows and many more. The park has a good bird checklist. Another section of the park can be reached from Crawford and gives great views of the north rim. Gunnison Sage-Grouse can be found along the road to the park. Long-eared Owls nest in the park.
    URL - Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
    Habitat - Lowland Riparian, Pinyon/Juniper Forest, Cliff Face, Sagebrush, Grassland/Prairie, Scrub Oak Forest
    Directions - From Montrose drive east on US 50 for six miles. Turn left (north) on CO 347 and drive until Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is reached. To get to the north rim, drive to Crawford. Take CO 92 south of town for three miles. After Crawford State Park and Reservoir turn right (west). Follow the signs to the north rim.
    Delorme - 56 D4
    Roads of Colorado - 99 D3-E4

  4. Gould Reservoir
    Description - This private reservoir is probably not worth a special trip. If one is in the area, however, the water can be checked for the road. Montrose County has a limited amount of lake acreage for waterbirds and this location can be a good one, if not the best.
    Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir
    Directions - Drive south from Crawford on CO 92 for eight miles. The reservoir is on the left (west) side of the road.
    Delorme - 57 D5
    Roads of Colorado - 99 E3

  5. Uncompahgre Plateau
    Description - The Uncompahgre Plateau runs northwest to southeast through the middle of Montrose County. This old mountain range has been eroded away by the many streams and rivers that drain the plateau. These streams and rivers are encased in deep canyons and ravines and have produced wonderful habitat for birds. Not only is the birding great--so is the scenery.

    The top of the plateau is just over 10,000 feet elevation. Most spruce/fir birds can be found on top of the plateau especially around the radio towers located near Divide Road also known as FR-402 and Transfer Road also known as FR 508. This may be the best place to find American Three-toed Woodpecker in the county. Other alpine species include Northern Saw-whet Owl, Gray Jay, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Pine Grosbeak and Red Crossbill as well as all the more common species. Purple Martins can be seen especially where the spruce/fir give way to large stands of aspens. Keep in mind that the roads on top may not be open until around the 1st of June.

    Descending the Uncompahgre 2000 feet will change the habitat completely. The alpine and aspen forest will give way to ponderosa and mountain shrubland. Grace's Warbler may be the most sought after species but many other interesting birds use this habitat. Dusky Grouse, Flammulated Owl, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Dusky Flycatcher, White-breasted and Pygmy Nuthatches, Western Bluebird, Orange-crowned Warbler, Virginia's Warbler MacGillivray's Warbler, Western Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee and Black-headed Grosbeak are all expected, as well as Nashville, Townsend's and Wilson's warblers in fall migration.

    Descending to 7000 feet the dryer, hotter pinyon/juniper forests become dominant. Now it is time to look for Black-chinned Hummingbird, Gray Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, Pinyon Jay, Bewick's Wren, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Spotted Towhee, and many other common birds. A good day on the Uncompahgre Plateau either starting low and moving up or starting high and moving down can produce over 100 species in mid May. Seven species of woodpeckers, nine species of flycatchers, eight jay species, six swallow species, eight chickadees through creepers species, five wrens and dippers, five thrushes, seven to ten warbler species depending on the season, and a dozen sparrow species would be expected on a full day trip on the plateau.
    Habitat - Spruce-Fir Forest, Mixed Conifer Forest, Ponderosa Forest, Aspen Grove, Scrub Oak Forest, Lowland Riparian, Pinyon/Juniper Forest, Sagebrush, Grassland/Prairie
    Directions - If coming from Nucla take CR 25 northeast out of town and stay on this road to Columbine Pass. Twenty Five Mesa Road as it is called locally will become FR 503 at the Uncompahgre National Forest Boundary. If coming from Montrose take CO 90 west out of town. At the forest boundary the road becomes FR 540. In three plus miles an intersection is reached. To stay left on FR 540 also known as Old Highway 90 will take a route back down to Nucla. If the right fork is taken, FR 402, this route will connected with FR 503 near Columbine Pass. Be sure to note that there are lots of ways to get up on the plateau. FR 402 in mostly flat and runs the full length of the mountain. Study a map well before planning a trip. It is possible to come from Grand Junction, Delta, and Norwood.
    Delorme - 65 A4-B7
    Roads of Colorado - 97 E4-F4, 98 A4, 113 E1-F1, 114 A1

  6. Nucla
    Description - This little town at the base of the Uncompahgre Plateau can have good birding. In the last two years a feeder in Nucla has produced White-winged Dove, "Red" Fox Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Harris Sparrow, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Black Rosy-Finch and Purple Finch.

    Nucla has sewer ponds west of town two miles. The area north of the ponds is land that has been reclaimed after coal was strip-mined. Snow and Ross's Geese can be seen during November and December. In the spring Long-billed Curlew use the area.

    Nucla Town Reservoir is the largest lake in the area and is a good magnet for waterbirds during migration. Large cottonwood trees around the reservoir attract passerines. The water can be viewed from the county road right-of-way.
    Habitat - Urban/Suburban, Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Lowland Riparian
    Directions - To get to the sewage ponds, drive west from Nucla on CR CC. Turn north on CR 27.00 for 1/2 mile. Turn east a short distance to the ponds. To get to the town reservoir, take CR CC east out of Nucla. This is 10th Avenue. Drive for two miles to the end of CR CC. Turn right (south) for half a mile. The reservoir is on the left.
    Delorme - 65 B4
    Roads of Colorado - 113 E1

  7. Paradox Valley
    Description - Paradox is a broad valley formed by salt doming. The Dolores River cuts perpendicularly across its middle--hence the name Paradox. The valley has a couple of farm reservoirs and some good sagebrush and grassland habitat. It is the best place in the county to find Loggerhead Shrike, Northern Mockingbird, Sage Thrasher and Lark, Black-throated and Sage Sparrows.
    Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Sagebrush, Grassland/Prairie
    Directions - The best reservoir can be reached by driving west of Bedrock on CO 90 for three miles. Turn right (north) on CR W5. In a quarter mile the road turns left (west) and the reservoir is on the right side of the road. View this water from the road. To visit a second reservoir continue on a short distance until CR W5 intersects with CO 90. Drive west on CO 90 for ¼ mile. Turn right (north) on CR 6.75 and drive about ½ mile. This reservoir is on the right side and can also be viewed from the road. Paradox Valley has several good sagebrush spots. Drive along CO 90 until the highways runs through good sagebrush. Look for roads or tracks that leave the highway and drive or hike in the sagebrush. One good spot is CR BB 16 about 10 miles east of Bedrock. This road runs north a couple miles.
    Delorme - 64 B1-B2
    Roads of Colorado - 112 B2-B3, 96 B4-C4

  8. Buckeye Reservoir
    Description - The reservoir sets in a mostly pure ponderosa stand near the Utah/Colorado State Line. By midsummer the reservoir is pulled down and then has good shoreline for waterbirds. The pines have Williamson's Sapsucker, nuthatches, bluebirds, Grace's Warbler and many common species.
    Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Ponderosa Forest
    Directions - Drive to Paradox at the west end of Paradox Valley. Take CR U5 west from Paradox until it becomes FR 371 at the border of the Manti-La Sal National Forest. Continue for 10 miles until Buckeye is reached.
    Delorme - 64 A1
    Roads of Colorado - 96 A3

  9. San Miguel River
    Description - The San Miguel River from Naturita to its confluence with the Dolores River has some of the best lowland riparian habitat in southwest Colorado. More than 30 pairs of Black Phoebe nest along this stretch of river. Say's Phoebe, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Yellow-breasted Chat, Spotted Towhee, Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Bullock's Oriole, and Lesser Goldfinch are other species that nest here. A walk up any side canyon will encounter Black-chinned Hummingbird, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Gray Vireo (Plumbeous are here also), Western Scrub-Jay, Pinyon Jay, Violet-green Swallow, Rock and Canyon Wren, Virginia's and Black-throated Gray Warbler.
    Habitat - Cliff Face, Lowland Riparian, Pinyon/Juniper Forest
    Directions - CO 141 runs along the stretch of the San Miguel River from Naturita to Uravan. Much of the land is public and access is easy. Nature Conservancy owns some of the land next to the river. A stop at any bridge over the San Miguel River should give good views of Black Phoebe but for more viewing sites drive just beyond Uravan (north) and take CR Y11 left and drive to the confluence of the San Miguel and Dolores Rivers. Continuing on CR-Y11 will connect to CO-90 and Paradox Valley. As the road breaking out into the valley the lowest elevation juniper trees have a fair population of Gray Vireo.
    Delorme - 64 B3-B4
    Roads of Colorado - 96 C4, 97 D4, 113 D1-D2

  10. Montrose
    Description - Montrose's river trail system is good birding any time of the year. There are several gravel pits in the Montrose area that have common waterfowl.
    Habitat - Urban/Suburban, Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Lowland Riparian, Stream
    Directions - Montrose is along US 50 between Grand Junction and Gunnison.
    Delorme - 66 A2-A3
    Roads of Colorado - 98 C3

  11. Redvale Reservoir
    Description - Just west of the village of Redvale a small farm reservoir can be viewed from CO 145. If the water level is pulled down it can be great for waterfowl and shorebirds.
    Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir
    Directions - The pond is on the north side of CO 145, roughly nine miles west of Norwood and nine miles east of Naturita.
    Delorme - 65 C5
    Roads of Colorado - 113 E2

  12. San Miguel River Tabeguache Preserve
    Aliases - Naturita Canyon
    Description - This Nature Conservancy Preserve contains a seven-mile stretch of the San Miguel River just northwest of the town of Naturita. It has a visitor's area with restrooms, a kiosk, a short walking trail and a picnic area. In between the pinyon-juniper hillsides, it also contains some excellent lowland riparian forest of cottonwood and willow, although part of this has burned. Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons are two of the higher-profile birds to look for in this area; Black Phoebes are a good bet too. Keep an eye out for River Otter when you're near the river.
    URL - San Miguel River Tabeguache Preserve
    Habitat - Lowland Riparian, Mesa/Rimrock, Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Stream
    Directions - From Naturita, head north/west on CO 141 to mile marker 74, where you will find the visitor's area on the right (north) side of the road. The preserve extends along the river from here to mile marker 67.2.
    Delorme - 64 C3
    Roads of Colorado - 113 D1