Bird-Watching in Boulder

Ornithologists have spotted kestrels, falcons, and the occasional bald eagle in the steep cliffs of Eldorado Canyon State Park. Owls, chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers are at home in the pine forests along South Boulder Creek in the park.

Walden Ponds and Sawhill Ponds,formerly a gravel quarry, are now home to songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors. More than 3 mi of groomed paths encircle and connect the ponds and lead into wooded areas along Boulder Creek, where owls roost. April to May is when most birds migrate through the Front Range, although the ponds are home to plenty of year-round residents. Drive north on 28th St. (U.S. Hwy. 36) and turn right at Valmont Rd. Drive east 4 mi and turn left at 75th St. The sign marking the ponds is about 0.5 mi farther. Dawn-dusk.