Rio Grande County
Author(s): Virginia Simmons
County Seat: Del Norte
County Size: 913 square miles
Low Elevation: 7,591 ft. - SE border of the Monte Vista NWR at Alamosa
High Elevation : 13,203 ft. - Bennett Peak
Best Birds : Cerulean Warbler (1997), Vermilion Flycatcher (1950)
Checklist : Download pdf | View HTML
Introduction: Located in the San Luis Valley in south-central Colorado, Rio Grande County includes part of the flat basin, adjacent foothills, and mountains. Elevations range from about 7,600 feet to 13,200 feet and annual precipitation includes, on average, 6-8 inches to about 100 inches depending on the elevation. Habitat types vary from grassland and irrigated agricultural land in the Valley floor up dry foothills through montane and subalpine zones in the mountains. The Rio Grande and several of its tributaries offer riparian habitats, as well as road access to the higher country. Native vegetation types, from lowest to highest elevations, are grasses and greasewood, pinyon/juniper/shrubs in foothills, brush/willow/cottonwood in riparian areas, shrubs/aspen/ponderosa/fir on moist mountain slopes, and scattered scrub/aspen/spruce/bristlecone and meadows at the higher locations. Irrigation ditches, impoundments, small brooks and lakes, and rock outcrops add to the variety. Among human activities that have altered natural habitats are irrigation, extensive farming and grazing, mining, timber-cutting, towns and rural home development, while a National Wildlife Refuge has increased several species. Because political boundaries of Rio Grande County are irregular except on the east side, access to some areas requires routes through other counties. Several Forest Service roads and trails enter the San Juan Mountains from the east and north in Rio Grande County, and others reach the La Garita Mountains from the south, but Forest Service roads are not maintained in winter, and mud or high water may limit access in any season. Lakes, even on the Valley floor, are usually frozen over from December into March or May, depending on elevation. Many 4x4 roads exist, but most of the birding locations listed here can be reached in passenger cars.
Birding Locations
Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
Description - Year-round, paved highways around the perimeter of the Monte Vista refuge and an auto tour route through part of the refuge make viewing the waterfowl and wading birds quite easy. Since it is located in the Rocky Mountain Flyway, large flocks of migrating waterfowl are common, with Sandhill Cranes (mostly Greater, some Lesser, and fewer Canadian) drawing many birders. Occasionally American White Pelicans, Willet, and Snow Geese migrate through the refuge, but Ross's Geese are rare. Several of the more common waterfowl (dabbling ducks, teal, and coots) nest here, and rarities such as Greater Scaup have been seen here. Expect to see White-faced Ibis, Snowy Egret, Eared Grebe, Marsh Wren, and Virginia Rail. Bewick's Wren also has been recorded. Great Egret and Cattle Egret are uncommon, whereas American Bittern and Black-crowned Night-Heron are more common than sightings suggest. Among raptors, Golden and Bald Eagle are fairly common, and all of Colorado's common falcons appear occasionally; Short-eared Owl is a resident that is only infrequently seen in the NE portion of the refuge; Long-eared Owl has been reported in the past, but Great Horned Owl is by far the most common owl around the refuge and elsewhere in the area. On open ground, Grasshopper, Sage, and Lark Sparrow appear occasionally. In the wooded parking area on RG 8S Rd, various migrating warblers such as Tennessee and Virginia's gather, particularly in fall. The Alamosa-Monte Vista NWR Complex has a checklist that is available to the public.
Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Marsh, Wet Meadow
Directions - Take CO 15 south of Monte Vista to the refuge auto tour route on the east (signed). Also drive CR 8S along the refuge's southern border, CR 3E on the east, and other county roads in the area.
Delorme - 90 A2
Roads of Colorado - 134 B4-C4
San Luis Valley Floor (Rio Grande County portion)
Description - In open fields during migration, unusual birds have included Long-billed Curlew, Whimbrel, Eastern Kingbird, American Pipit, and Mountain Plover. Among plains-type species, look for Wilson's Snipe, Sage Thrasher, Blue Grosbeak, and Lark Bunting. Common raptors are American Kestrel, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk and, in winter, Bald Eagle and Rough-legged Hawk, including dark morph. A few Swainson's Hawks nest in summer. Burrowing Owl, Barn Owl, and Long-eared Owl would be lucky finds. Loggerhead Shrike is fairly common in summer. Small kettles of Turkey Vultures appear in early summer. Savannah Sparrow, Brewer's Sparrow, Song Sparrow, and White-crowned Sparrow are fairly common. In shallow standing water expect to find American Avocet and Wilson's Phalarope. White-faced Ibis and Snowy Egret are common.
Habitat - Sagebrush, Grassland/Prairie, Wet Meadow
Directions - Birding can be good along any U.S. or state highways in area and numerous county roads.
Delorme - 78 C7-D7; 80 C1-C2, D1-D2; 90 A1-A2
Roads of Colorado - 134 B2-C4
Del Norte
Description - Unusual sightings in this town have included species such as Rose-breasted, Evening, and Black-headed Grosbeaks, White-winged Dove, Lazuli and Indigo Buntings, Cedar Waxwing, White-breasted Nuthatch, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Great-tailed Grackle, and Lesser Goldfinch. Eurasian Collared-Dove is established here and in Monte Vista. Common visitors at bird feeders are House Finch, Cassin's Finch, American Goldfinch, Black-capped Chickadee, Pine Siskin, and Broad-tailed and Rufous Hummingbirds.
Habitat - Urban/Suburban, Park/Cemetery
Directions - Del Norte is at US 160 at CO 112, west of Monte Vista and Alamosa.
Delorme - 79 C7
Roads of Colorado - 134 A2
Monte Vista
Description - This town has most of the same common and uncommon species as Del Norte. Unusual sightings in Monte Vista have included Blue Jay, Northern Mockingbird, and Summer Tanager. There also is a nice cemetery with thick mature evergreens which have been known to attract crossbills in winter and could have goodies at any season. Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Black-and-white Warbler have occurred here.
Habitat - Urban/Suburban, Park/Cemetery
Directions - Monte Vista is along US 160 at its junction with US 285. The cemetery is just west of town on the north side of 160.
Delorme - 79 C7
Roads of Colorado - 134 B3
Home Lake State Wildlife Area
Aliases - Sherman Lake
Description - On some maps, Home Lake is marked as Sherman Lake. Many common waterfowl frequent this impoundment. Surprises like Eurasian Wigeon, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Loon, Tundra Swan and Double-crested Cormorant may turn up too. Franklin's Gull and terns (Forster's and Black) are occasionally seen. Belted Kingfisher and many swallows, including Bank, are found. Trees around the lake invite migrating warblers, including large flocks of Yellow-rumped (both subspecies) and Yellow Warblers; there have also been sightings of Ovenbird, Northern Parula, Cerulean, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Black-and-White, Blackpoll, and Black-throated Gray Warblers, Black Phoebe, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Plumbeous Vireo. This lake freezes over in winter and may be dry during severe drought.
Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Hedgerow/Shelterbelt
Directions - North of US 160, on CR 3E at east end of Monte Vista's Sherman Ave.
Delorme - 80 D2
Roads of Colorado - 134 C3
Rio Grande State Wildlife Area
Description - At the Rio Grande, cottonwoods and brush invite a variety of warblers, and Cassin's Vireo has been reported here. Bald Eagles sometimes roost above the river. Nearby wetlands south of the river host Great Blue Heron and common waterfowl. The west side of the road is in Rio Grande County, the east side in Alamosa County. This SWA is closed during nesting season.
Habitat - Lowland Riparian, Marsh
Directions - Drive north two miles from US 160 on County Line Road (Rio Grande CR 6E/Alamosa CR S-100) between Monte Vista and Alamosa.
Delorme - 80 D2
Roads of Colorado - 134 C3
Del Norte West to South Fork
Description - The Rio Grande attracts many swallows, including large numbers of Cliff Swallows under bridges (e.g., CR 19), plus many Barn, Tree, and Northern Rough-winged Swallows near the river. Violet-green Swallow is seen at ranch ponds north of the Rio Grande on CR 18. Along with common waterfowl at the ponds, Forster's Tern and Marsh Wren may occur. In the dry hills on the north side of the river both Pinyon Jay and Western Scrub-Jay are seen. Anywhere along the river and tributary streams, American Dippers dip, especially in winter. On a cliff at the east end of South Fork's Rio Grande Golf Club on CR 15, a White-throated Swift colony has nested for years. Watch for Willow Flycatcher in brush along river.
Habitat - Stream, Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Streamside Willow, Pinyon-Juniper, Cliff Face
Directions - CR 15 along north side of Rio Grande between Del Norte and South Fork, and connecting roads south across Rio Grande.
Delorme - 79 C5-C6
Roads of Colorado - 133 E2-F2, 134 A2
Alamosa River
Description - Most of this route lies in Conejos County, but a short stretch near Jasper is in Rio Grande County. The willows and alders along the Alamosa River below Jasper warrant a search for Willow Flycatcher. Black-headed Grosbeak is fairly common. This road eventually reaches high meadows and bogs around Summitville and Elwood Pass. Passenger cars should not attempt to go west from Elwood Pass into Archuleta County.
Habitat - Stream, Streamside Willow, Mountain Meadow, Mixed Conifer Forest, Spruce-Fir Forest
Directions - West on FR 250 from Terrace Reservoir in Conejos County (q.v.).
Delorme - 89 A4-A6
Roads of Colorado - 133 E4-F4
Rock Creek
Description - This gravel road passes through dry foothills, riparian areas, canyons, and evergreen forests. Along it, watch for Downy and Lewis's Woodpeckers, Gray, Cordilleran, and Willow Flycatchers, Bushtit, Townsend's Solitaire, Northern Waterthrush, and Yellow Warbler, followed by a sequence of montane species such as Warbling Vireo, Steller's Jay, Red Crossbill, Hairy Woodpecker and Swainson's Thrush, with Dusky Grouse, Gray Jay, and Northern Goshawk in the higher area.
Habitat - Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Lowland Riparian, Rimrock/Mesa, Mixed Conifer Forest
Directions - Two miles south of Monte Vista on CO 15, turn right (west) onto CR 2S, then turn left (south) at T onto CR 28.
Delorme - 80 D1, 89 A6-A7
Roads of Colorado - 134 B3-A4
Dry Creek
Description - In the lower portion of this route and in similar habitats in the area, expect Mountain Bluebird, Western Bluebird, Western Kingbird, possibly Bewick's Wren and Ferruginous Hawk, and other species that like dry, open foothills. Higher up, Northern Pygmy-Owl and Northern Saw-whet Owl have been reported. Like several other 4x4 roads into the South San Juan Mountains, this road is not recommended for passenger vehicles, even in its lower portion.
Habitat - Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Mixed Conifer Forest
Directions - Two miles south of Monte Vista on CO 15, turn right (west) onto CR 2S. At the T, enter BLM land on FR 700.
Delorme - 79 D7; 80 D1
Roads of Colorado - 134 B3-A4
Pinos Creek
Description - A paved road passes through a sequence of dry scrub, pinyon/juniper, and cottonwood along Pinos Creek and then becomes an all-vehicle gravel road climbing up through thin forests to Summitville, offering a wide variety of habitats and birds en route. Along the way watch for Great Blue Heron, Yellow and Wilson's Warblers, Willow and Cordilleran Flycatchers, Western Wood-Pewee, Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Nighthawk, Sharp- shinned and Red-tailed Hawks, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock's Oriole, Western Tanager, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Northern Flicker, Downy, Hairy, and Lewis's Woodpeckers, Red-naped Sapsucker, Spotted Towhee, Vesper Sparrow, Warbling Vireo, Red Crossbill, Pine Grosbeak and Gray Jay. Band-tailed Pigeon is possible. Local owl experts believe that Boreal Owl is present in the higher area, which is usually closed by snow in winter.
Habitat - Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Stream, Streamside Willow, Lowland Riparian, Mixed Conifer Forest, Mountain Meadow, Spruce-Fir Forest
Directions - On the west edge of Del Norte, turn south from US 160 on CR 14, to FR 330.
Delorme - 79 C7, D6; 89 A5-A6
Roads of Colorado - 134 A2, 133 F2-E4
Beaver Creek Reservoir State Wildlife Area
Description - This pleasant trip on paved and graded road, along a pretty mountain stream, will please both birders and non-birders as it passes through mixed forest of juniper/fir/Ponderosa/Bristlecone/aspen. Watch for Northern Oriole, Western Tanager, Bushtit, Orange-crowned and Yellow Warblers, various woodpeckers and American Dipper. The reservoir may not be free of ice until mid-April or later, after which it attracts many fishermen and common waterfowl, but expect vagrants, too. Avoid weekends. Beyond the reservoir, the road continues upward to the Summitville area.
Habitat - Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Ponderosa Forest, Mixed Conifer Forest, Aspen Grove, Stream, Streamside Willow, Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Spruce-Fir Forest, Mountain Meadow
Directions - West of the town of South Fork, turn south from US 160 across bridge over the South Fork of the Rio Grande and follow FR 360.
Delorme - 79 D4, 89 A5
Roads of Colorado - 133 E3-E4
Park Creek
Aliases - Summitville
Description - Park Creek Road, which begins in Mineral County but soon enters Rio Grande County, starts at about 8,500' el. and climbs through moist coniferous forest to high meadows. This route is the best to Summitville from the north side of the South San Juan Mountains. Along the way expect typical species of the montane and subalpine zones. In addition, watch for Dusky Grouse and Northern Goshawk. In the high meadows, White-crowned Sparrow and Cassin's Finch are common, and rosy-finches may be present too.
Habitat - Mixed Conifer Forest, Stream, Streamside Willow, Mountain Meadow, Spruce-Fir Forest
Directions - On US 160 in Mineral County just west of the Rio Grande line, cross bridge over South Fork of Rio Grande on FR 380.
Delorme - 78 D3; 79 D4; 80 A4
Roads of Colorado - 133 D3-E4
South Fork to Coller State Wildlife Area
Description - The town of South Fork is in the montane zone, with Ponderosa Pine and Quaking Aspen and bird species such as Steller's Jay and Broad-tailed and Rufous Hummingbirds being common around homes and bird feeders. From South Fork, Colorado 149 follows the Rio Grande upriver, passing several housing developments which limit access to the river. At the boundary between Rio Grande and Mineral Counties, where Rio Grande National Forest begins, turn left into Coller SWA on dirt road and drive down to the river. In the open grassy meadow, Green-tailed Towhee and Mountain Bluebird abound. Along the brushy river bank, look for Song and Lincoln's Sparrows and the usual warblers such as Yellow and Common Yellowthroat. A very unusual Hooded Warbler was seen downstream a couple of miles in 2003. Common waterfowl are found on the shallow river and banks.
Habitat - Ponderosa Forest, Aspen Grove, Urban/Suburban, Stream, Streamside Willow, Mountain Meadow
Directions - At junction of US 160 and CO 149 in South Fork, take CO 149 northwest to boundary of county and national forest.
Delorme - 79 C4
Roads of Colorado - 133 E2
Alder Creek
Description - This road offers access from the south into the La Garita Mountains. For the first mile or so the road passes a golf club development with a manicured version of Alder Creek on the west side of the road and dry, sunny slopes dotted with Ponderosa/Bristlecone/juniper on the east side. Beyond the Rio Grande National Forest boundary, the creek is sinuous and willow-lined, a good place to look for warblers and flycatchers. Past the Alder Creek Ranger Station, the road continues a long way toward Pool Table Mountain, requiring patience and a 4x4 vehicle.
Habitat - Ponderosa Forest, Mixed Conifer Forest, Stream, Streamside Willow
Directions - Across the Rio Grande River from the town of South Fork on CR 15, turn north on FR 610.
Delorme - 79 C4
Roads of Colorado - 133 E2
Embargo Creek
Description - This route probes the southern end of the La Garita Mountains. It passes through ranch country in the first few miles, with scattered cottonwood/aspen and pinyon/juniper growth. Small ponds host waterfowl such as Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, American Wigeon and teal. As the route gradually climbs, listen for Northern Oriole and Warbling Vireo. Cathedral Rock Campground is in coniferous forest, where Mountain and Black-capped Chickadees take over.
Habitat - Lowland Riparian, Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Pond/Lake/Stream, Aspen Grove, Mixed Conifer Forest
Directions - On the north side of the Rio Grande at the Hanna Ranch east of South Fork, turn north from CR 15 onto FR 650 and then FR 640. (These roads continue into Saguache County; FR 640 reenters Rio Grande briefly after a few miles.)
Delorme - 79 C5
Roads of Colorado - 133 E1-F2
Old Woman Creek
Description - Northwest of Del Norte, FR 660 loops north through sunny scrub and grassland in Rio Grande County and then turns east in Saguache County through scattered Ponderosa/aspen/scrub and then drops down to the San Luis Valley, making a good circuitous road trip in dry weather. In the Saguache County portion, Bendire's Thrasher has been reported, but Sage Thrasher is more common there and in the Rio Grande portion. Bendire's should be sought in this area in Rio Grande County. Typical in Rio Grande County's sunny foothills are Mountain Bluebird, Western Bluebird, Loggerhead Shrike, American Kestrel, Green-tailed Towhee, Gray Flycatcher, and Ruby-crowned Kinglet. The barren roadside from Del Norte may be somewhat dispiriting, but keep going. The views up on top are fine.
Habitat - Grassland/Prairie, Sagebrush, Ponderosa Forest, Aspen Grove, Pinyon-Juniper Forest
Directions - Just north of Rio Grande bridge on CO 112 at Del Norte, turn left (northwest) on paved CR 15. When this road turns toward a dump, turn west; do not continue straight toward airport. At FR 660 turn north. Or do the entire loop in the other direction from Saguache County.
Delorme - 79 B6-B7, C6
Roads of Colorado - 134 A1-A2, 133 F1-F2