Explore Northeast Colorado
A Colorado birding expert’s guide to Northeast Colorado Spot the state bird at Pawnee National Grasslands By Brittany Anas
Colorado is a premiere birding destination in North America. In fact, the state has more species on its official list (514) than any other interior state, according to Peter Burke, the managing editor of “Colorado Birds,” which is the quarterly journal of Colorado Field Ornithologists. The Northeastern part of the state, in particular, is a special draw for birders, as you can get a glimpse of Colorado’s state bird here and also witness remarkable mating rituals. “Northeast Colorado offers some of the best opportunities to view prairie chickens and grouse as they strut their stuff on springtime leks,” Burke says. Lek behavior is a courtship display and the ones you can spot in the region are among the most spectacular avian mating rituals in the world, he explains. North of Fort Morgan, the Pawnee National Grasslands is also a known destination for birders. It’s home to breeding mountain plovers and burrowing owls, Burke says. You also have a special opportunity to spot Colorado’s state bird, lark buntings, in the Pawnee National Grasslands, Burke says. These dapper sparrows prefer grassland habitats. A breeding male is black with snow-white wing coverts. The females and immature males are brown with white in the wings. Keep an eye (and ear) out for the male flight displays: He ascends 20 to 30 feet,
American White Pelicans spend a lazy afternoon in the waters at Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area. (Callie Jones/Journal-Advocate)
then floats back to the ground with outstretched wings, while singing. As many as five or six males may perform the same song. Plus, numerous reservoirs in the region provide year-round habitat for waterfowl as well as critical refuge for migrating shorebirds, raptors and other species in spring and fall, according to Burke. Nearby, Barr Lake State Park, just 15 miles from Denver International Airport, Burke says, is a terrific birding location and serves as the headquarters for Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, which has Birdwatchers flock to Wray each spring to watch the annual courtship dance science, education and stewardof the greater prairie chicken. (Courtesy photo) ship programs. EXPLORE 2021 • MAY 21, 2021 • 5
