Did you know that in southeast Colorado you can see 440 of the 494 native and migratory bird species during the coming weeks? Theoretically, at least. You have to be a binocular quick draw and a fast bird book (or app) flipper. But, birding in southeast Colorado can be a very fun and rewarding experience. So much so, that many expert and professional birders travel to this part of the state at some point from late April to the end of May. It is considered a migratory bird watchers “paradise!”
Birding is also a great way, or excuse, to get outside and spend some time in nature. Whether you’re successful in spotting the bird you wanted to see or not, you’ll most likely not regret the time you spent pursuing it. If you want to join in the fun check out our list of 5 of the top places to bird in Baca County. They are beautiful places to visit whether or not your birding so you’ll enjoy the trip regardless.
Two Buttes State Wildlife Area
The Two Buttes State Wildlife Area is located in the very northern part of Baca County and offers birding along Butte Creek as well as around the Two Buttes Reservoir area and the Black Hole Area below the dam. The whole area is pretty big, encompassing 8,533 acres you can explore. There are places to camp on the east side of the state wildlife area, around the reservoir and down near the Black Hole area as well. A valid hunting or fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older visiting a state wildlife area.
Directions: From Lamar, go 37 miles south on U.S. Highway 287 to County Road B.5, then 3 miles east to the reservoir. Or from Springfield, go 18 miles north on U.S. Highway 287 to County Road B.5, then 3 miles east to the reservoir.
Website: https://cpw.state.co.us/swa/Two%20Buttes%20Reservoir%20SWA
Turks Pond
Turks Pond is a fairly large body of water for our part of the state. It’s more than a pond if you ask me, but in most places probably qualifies as such lol. This is a little treasure that few know about. The pond offers picnic areas, a boat ramp, and a trail around or along much of the edge of the pond. It’s a great place to look for water birds, and right next to it is prairie habitat. You really don’t know what you’ll find here. A valid hunting or fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older visiting a state wildlife area.
Directions: From Springfield, go 2 miles north on HWY 287 to CR HH; then go 14 miles east to CR 39. Go 3.5 miles north.
Website: https://cpw.state.co.us/swa/Turks%20Pond%20SWA
Sikes Ranch State Wildlife Area
This is located in the ver southwest part of the county, and offers birding along one of the only live water creeks in the region. Carrizo Creek starts on the Sikes Ranch State Wildlife Area through a series of live springs. It is a beautiful little area tucked below Potato Butte Mesa. You can also bird up on the mesa and to the east as the wildlife area is several thousand acres of pasture land. It is also a working ranch so be aware of that while you’re there. The area offers canyon lands, riparian areas with large cottonwood trees, and prairie pasture areas. A valid hunting or fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older visiting a state wildlife area.
Directions: From Prichett, go West on Hwy. 160 to CR 3. Go South on CR 3 approximately 8 miles.
Website: https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Maps/SikesRanchSWA_geo.pdf
Picture Canyon
Picture Canyon, located about 8 miles west of Campo (and a few miles south) is a popular place not only to bird but to hike and camp as well. There are natural springs all over the places in here that offer great birding opportunities. The area offers canyons, and high prairie ecosystems right along the Colorado and Oklahoma state lines. This makes it a likely place for crossover species in Colorado such as the occasional painted bunting and scissor tailed flycatcher if you’re really lucky.
Directions: In the town of Campo turn west at the Campo Café building on the main street (Hwy 287). Cross the railroad tracks and drive 8 miles west on CR J. At CR 18 turn south and follow CR 18 until you see the Forest Service Sign for Picture Canyon on the south side of the road. The road will be curving to the east as you see the sign for Picture Canyon. Turn south onto this road and go 2 miles to the parking area.
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psicc/recarea/?recid=12436
Cottonwood Canyon
Cottonwood Canyon is located in southwest Baca County right along the county line. South of Sikes Ranch State Wildlife Area along Rd M. The canyon is entirely private property, but you can bird from the road or your vehicle. There is a pull-out area on the west side not far after you drive down the hill and enter the canyon. The pull out is surrounded by large cottonwood trees and people have permission to stop here and look around. After you pass the first cattle guard in the canyon, coming from the west, you need to stay on the road.
Even so, the drive through the canyon offers lots of opportunities for canyon bird species and wildlife viewing depending on the time of day. The canyon bottom is often planted with crops and that makes it an attractive place for turkeys, deer, big horn sheep, elk and whatever happens to be stopping by at the time. The canyon itself is a beautiful drive along the county road. It is a peek in to rural life way off the beaten path.
Directions: Take Hwy 287 about 18 mi south to where the highway curves to the east about 2 mi north of Campo. Off of that curve is County Rd M. Take County Road M 28 miles to where it drops off into Cottonwood Canyon. Continue to stay on the county road as it loops through the canyon and back to Road M.
Bonus: The Everett Ranch
Everett Ranch is located on the Colorado Birding Trail in southwest Baca County. You can take advantage of the creek that flows through our property on its way down Carrizo Canyon. Plus, we know it’s a trek to our part of the world! Once you’re here we know you’ll probably want to stay a few days. The place grows on you! While you’re exploring our area, take advantage of our lodging which is a historic post office turned guesthouse. Located on the Everett Ranch it is within easy reach of Sikes Ranch SWA, Carrizo Canyon, Picture Canyon, Cottonwood Canyon as well as the Oklahoma Panhandle.
Directions:
From Springfield take Hwy 160 west through Pritchett. From Pritchett follow Hwy 160 west until you come to County Rd 3 (where the telephone poles cross sides of the road) between mile marker 434 and 435. There should be an Everett Ranch sign pointing south right as you turn off of the highway. Go south about 7 miles and when the county road takes a big turn to the left (east) continue driving south (straight) across a cattle guard. The road will wind around for about a mile and a half and you will cross a creek and then another cattle guard. Continue on the road until you come to a T where you can go no farther. There will be a pen in front of you. Go left into the yard of the Everett ranch. Go past the first house and stop at the second house, it will be a sandstone rock house with the guesthouse sitting in the front yard.