WELCOME to DURANGO
Experienced bird watcher
Numerous resources can help you plan your visit and maximize the number of birds you will see. These resources include
- eBird, click here
- Birds of La Plata County, click here
- Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas II species maps (summer), click here
- Birding Trail Guide for Southwestern Colorado, click here
- DBC hotspots page, click here
Where and when to find birds in our area (for map and checklist, click on location)
For illustrated seasonal checklist for La Plata County, click here.
The most popular places with public access to enjoy birds year-round include
Animas River Trail (especially the Huck Finn Pond/hatchery area)
Cedar Waxwing
Photo by Catherine Ortega
Winter: Over the last decade, we have averaged 76 species on our Christmas Bird Counts. See map of our count circle.
- The rivers, ponds, and lakes might or might not be frozen; if some are open, you are bound to enjoy abundant waterfowl. The two areas that usually report the highest number of species are
(1) the southwest (includes Zink's Pond)
(2) the southeast (includes Pastorius Reservoir)
- A walk along the Animas River Trail should reward you with plenty of waterfowl and resident songbirds.
- If you are looking for particular species, please browse through our Christmas Bird Count reports to see where they are most commonly found.
Spring: Pastorius Reservoir is a must during spring. You are likely to run into other bird watchers there too.
- Look for shorebirds along all shores.
- Enjoy a walk into the cottonwood stand on the east side of the reservoir.
- Check out the irrigation ditch that runs through the cottonwood stand; almost every spring, someone kicks up a Northern Waterthrush.
- To the north of the reservoir there is a piñon-juniper (P-J) forest. To get there, walk over the bridge spanning the irrigation canal. A well-worn foot path will lead you to the northern side of the reservoir (another good spot to look). Continuing on the same path will lead you to the P-J forest.
North side of Pastorius Reservoir
Photo by Catherine Ortega
Summer: Birds are more spread out during their breeding season; you can find them almost anywhere. Check our hotspot page to find good locations with public access.
Fall: Enjoy a walk along the Animas River Trail, paying particular attention at Huck Finn Pond and Fish Hatchery. You should find plenty of fall warblers here.
Specialties of the Durango area
For map and checklist, click on location
Piñon-juniper birds:
Gray Flycatcher
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Gray Vireo
Black-throated Gray Warbler
Bewick's Wren
Juniper Titmouse
Piñon-juniper habitat with easy public access (some restrictions apply; see more information in links.
North side of Pastorius Reservoir (Habitat map)
High-elevation birds: You will need to go to get close to timberline to see
Brown-capped Rosy Finch
White-tailed Ptarmigan
Grace's Warbler -- don't go home without it! One of the most reliable places to look for Grace's Warbler is Junction Creek campground.
Rare birds
We do, on occasion, observe rare birds. The best ways to check on rare birds include
- eBird Click here
- Sign up to receive Durango Bird Club emails. Click here
Birding with locals
- Check our calendar of events for field trips and other events.
- Sign up to receive Durango Bird Club emails, and email your request to the club. Click here
- Contact one of our board members. Click here for contact information
Discover more of Durango. We hope you enjoy your stay!