Wings of Change: Observing the Spring Bird Migration in Southern Colorado

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With the spring equinox fast approaching, many species of birds are feeling the change of seasons and beginning their respective northward migrations. Colorado is located in the broader bird migration corridor known as the Central Flyway, which roughly stretches from the Mississippi River westward through the Rocky Mountains to the Great Basin. The Central Flyway primarily encompasses the United States and our neighbors Mexico and Canada. However, some species of birds use the Central Flyway to migrate from the Arctic Ocean north of Canada to Patagonia in Argentina and Chile!

At Palmer, our staff finds renewed joy in the yearly spring migration. Many of our protected lands harbor habitat that these species visit during their long trips. In fact, some of these migratory birds come to stay within our region and our public protected properties for the entirety of the growing season to nest, breed, and rear their offspring. 

Among these semi-permanent residents to our region is the broad-tailed hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus), which finds its breeding grounds in the higher elevations at properties such as Catamount Ranch Open Space and Jones Park Open Space. Despite its small size, this hummingbird is known for its rowdy nature, loud chirps and trills, and aggressive protection of its territory. Another semi-permanent resident is the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia). These owls can be found residing in old rabbit warrens and prairie dog towns at lower elevation prairie properties such as Bluestem Prairie Open Space and the Paint Mines Interpretive Park. This curious and unique owl is known to be active during the daylight hours and is often seen running and bounding on the ground, unlike other owl species.  

Along with these mature migrating birds come their often adorable and entertaining offspring. These offspring have a short window to learn from their parents before the autumn equinox, and they set out on the migration back to wintering grounds in warmer climates to the south, thus continuing the beautiful and arduous journey of migration. 

Interested in all things birds? Observing, documenting, and enjoying birds is an accessible and low-cost form of recreation. Great ways to start birding include the following

  1. Purchase of binoculars: Check out Audubon’s Binocular Guide for tips on what to look for when purchasing binoculars. 
  2. Purchase of local birding books: Our team enjoys the guides by the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.  
  3. Downloading a bird/wildlife identification app such as eBird

Through the documentation of bird counts on applications such as eBird, organizations such as the Cornell Lab of Ornithology can utilize your submitted data to better understand bird populations and make recommendations on better conservation initiatives and human coexistence with these amazing creatures. Other ways to engage in birding close to home include bird-friendly landscaping and the provision of food, artificial nests, and water on your personal property. See below for various links to useful resources for birding, and enjoy those birds soaring high from the mountains to the prairies!

Merlin:https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/