Ten interesting birds to see when RVing Colorado
Here is a short list of birds that an RV birdwatcher should watch for when visiting the state of Colorado. So, when lounging in your lawn chair in the RV park or campground, keep your telescope handy and your eyes open.
Northern Goshawk -- Rare and regal, this short-winged hawk inhabits lowland pine forests. Try the Arkansas River Valley or the canyons of the South Platte River.
Cinnamon Teal -- A magnificent duck that is coated from bill to tail in a maroon-colored sheen. Migrates through Colorado in spring and fall in numerous areas statewide.
Gunnison Sage Grouse -- One of the rarest birds in North America, this recently designated species consists of a breeding population in the Gunnison River drainage that has distinctly evolved from the sage grouse. Two other members of the grouse family that are also worth seeing are the lesser and greater prairie chickens.
White-tailed Ptarmigan -- Few animals sum up the majesty of the tundra like the camouflaged white-tailed ptarmigan. Test your spotting acumen with these birds on Guanella Pass — they’ll see you, but you might not see them.
Mountain Bluebird -- Blend the deep azure of the Rocky Mountain sky with the slate cobalt color of a snow-fed stream, and you’ll be pretty close to the glorious blue of the mountain bluebird. Look for these meadow dwellers in spring, summer and fall. See the photo.
Western Tanager -- Arguably the show-stealer in Colorado, Western tanagers usually appear as a fleeting flash of gold, black and deep crimson in summer time. Their habitat includes the lower mountains, willow-lined streams and wooded urban parks.
Sandhill Crane -- Tall, slender and steely-eyed, sandhill cranes are one of the state’s most majestic birds. Follow their throaty chortles carried on the wind to the San Luis Valley in spring and fall, or Steamboat Lake in summer.
Burrowing Owl -- Taking up residence in prairie dog colonies across Colorado, these yellow-eyed and fluffy owls can be seen most commonly on the eastern plains.
Hooded Merganser -- With their fan-shaped head, elegant white-on-black stripes and striking yellow eye, this species of diving duck possesses a rare splendor. Catch sight of these bashful beauties on the South Platte River in the middle of Denver in winter, among other places.
Calliope Hummingbird -- While their more aggressive relatives duke it out for a spot at the feeder, these tiny and passive hummingbirds can be seen sneaking a sip of nectar in late summer and early fall. However, these 0.1-ounce gems are very rare.
Northern Goshawk -- Rare and regal, this short-winged hawk inhabits lowland pine forests. Try the Arkansas River Valley or the canyons of the South Platte River.
Cinnamon Teal -- A magnificent duck that is coated from bill to tail in a maroon-colored sheen. Migrates through Colorado in spring and fall in numerous areas statewide.
Gunnison Sage Grouse -- One of the rarest birds in North America, this recently designated species consists of a breeding population in the Gunnison River drainage that has distinctly evolved from the sage grouse. Two other members of the grouse family that are also worth seeing are the lesser and greater prairie chickens.
White-tailed Ptarmigan -- Few animals sum up the majesty of the tundra like the camouflaged white-tailed ptarmigan. Test your spotting acumen with these birds on Guanella Pass — they’ll see you, but you might not see them.
Mountain Bluebird -- Blend the deep azure of the Rocky Mountain sky with the slate cobalt color of a snow-fed stream, and you’ll be pretty close to the glorious blue of the mountain bluebird. Look for these meadow dwellers in spring, summer and fall. See the photo.
Western Tanager -- Arguably the show-stealer in Colorado, Western tanagers usually appear as a fleeting flash of gold, black and deep crimson in summer time. Their habitat includes the lower mountains, willow-lined streams and wooded urban parks.
Sandhill Crane -- Tall, slender and steely-eyed, sandhill cranes are one of the state’s most majestic birds. Follow their throaty chortles carried on the wind to the San Luis Valley in spring and fall, or Steamboat Lake in summer.
Burrowing Owl -- Taking up residence in prairie dog colonies across Colorado, these yellow-eyed and fluffy owls can be seen most commonly on the eastern plains.
Hooded Merganser -- With their fan-shaped head, elegant white-on-black stripes and striking yellow eye, this species of diving duck possesses a rare splendor. Catch sight of these bashful beauties on the South Platte River in the middle of Denver in winter, among other places.
Calliope Hummingbird -- While their more aggressive relatives duke it out for a spot at the feeder, these tiny and passive hummingbirds can be seen sneaking a sip of nectar in late summer and early fall. However, these 0.1-ounce gems are very rare.
posted by Chuck Woodbury at
7:11 PM
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