I've been out birding at Barr Lake State Park over the past several days. It
is a time of transition. I've noticed a few things as a novice:
1) The Bald Eagles have returned to their "old nest" which is visible from the
Gazebo Boardwalk. The "new nest" they have used for the last several years was
destroyed when a storm took out an anchoring tree limb. So -- the eagles are
back to using the "old nest" which is much closer for visitors to see. The
Gazebo Boardwalk starts 1.3 miles southwest of the Visitor's Center off the
main park trail. You can clearly see the head of the Bald Eagle roosting on
the nest with binoculars or scope. Morning is the best time to view the nest
because of the lighting -- scopes work very well with tripods in the Gazebo.
No matter how warm the day is, the wind blowing off the water is cold, so be
prepared for that reality in the Gazebo.
2) From the Boardwalk and Gazebo, one can get fine views of the lake's center.
There are large groups of waterfowl visible at the lake center including
Common Goldeneye, American Coot, Common Merganser, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall,
Redhead and the Horned Grebe have arrived. There are also Ring-necked Ducks
and/or Lesser Scaup. Of course, there are large groups of Canada Geese and
Mallards as well. Also near where the Boardwalk starts, I have routinely
spotted a Downy Woodpecker.
3) There are two Great Horned Owl nests near the main park trail at Barr Lake
-- which have been trail-marked by park staff. Mind you, the nests are still
not easy to locate from these markers (one can only marvel at how well
everything blends together), but the markers give you a start near mile marker
1.5 and about 1.7 miles. Both nests require binoculars for viewing -- but the
owl head is visible in each nest. I helped several frustrated folks identify
the nests (using their scopes) to great delight. It is nice to help others as
you have helped me.
4) At about 2.5 miles or so where the main park trail re-crosses the Farmer's
Canal, there is a Belted Kingfisher who routinely hangs out to fish -- you'll
likely hear him/her first. This area is some of the most remote at Barr Lake
State Park -- and include some of my favorite parts of the park. Just past
this area at about 2.8 miles, one sees the southwest "back bay" of Barr Lake --
which is the roosting home to hundreds of Northern Shoveler -- it's amazing to
see so many. Soaring Red-tailed Hawks are usually easily seen at mid-day
riding the thermals in this area.
5) At about 3.2 miles on the main trail southwest from the Visitor's Center at
Barr Lake, the Heronry action is in full swing. There are at least 10 Great
Blue Heron pairs considering nesting sites. There is a clump of cottonwood out
in the water which they have used for years. The Great Blue Heron share some
of this location with a group of Double-crested Cormorant. You'll see these
great birds come and go with quite a bit of activity as they tidy up their
nests.
6) Behind the Visitor's Center, there are bird feeders which are presently
dominated by House Finch, Junco, Sparrows, American Goldfinch, American Robin
and Starlings. American Kestrel and Northern Harrier also hang out nearby --
as the seed spill can draw small field mice.
On each of my visits in the past few days, I have seen nice groups of Mule Deer
including two nice young bucks. If you are lucky, you may see a muskrat -- and
if you are unlucky, you may confront a skunk (no worries, they move on
quickly). Noisy Black-billed Magpies, Northern Flicker and Blue Jays can be
found almost anywhere along the main park trail.
To circumnavigate Barr Lake is a total of nine miles. The north half of the
lake allows boating, fishing and recreation. The south half of the lake is
included in the state park offering wildlife protection -- and you'll need a
pass for entry. Both sides of the lake have things to offer -- but I like the
solitude of the south side better. Walking 3.5 miles out and back to the
Heronry is a lovely flat walk (7 miles total) and the trail is open and sunlit
along the Farmer's Canal.
Take care,
Ben Kemena
Denver, Colorado
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