Bird Watching

The Colorado River Valley, the many creeks that feed it and the nearby mountains offer many bird-watching opportunities. Among the birds to be seen in and around New Castle are:

Dippers The little birds dip their heads under water in search of food. Look for them in Rifle Falls State Park.

Eagles Bald eagles and Golden eagles can be seen along the Colorado River, especially in the winter. Look for bald eagle nests near the tops of bare trees.

Hummingbirds Anyone who hangs a feeder or plants hummingbird-friendly flowers will attract plenty of visitors. Black-chinned and broad-tailed hummingbirds can be seen all summer. Rufous and calliope humming birds appear in large numbers during spring and fall migrations.

Magpies The black-billed magpies are noisy and are often considered pests. Their striking black and white appearance, which shines green, blue or purple in the sun, makes them fascinating birds to watch and photograph.

Mountain Bluebirds The male is a striking azure blue with a pale breast when seen in the sunshine. In shadow it has the same blue-grey shade as the female.

Stellar Jays The stellar jay is another of our birds that demands attention. It is a brilliant blue with a black head and a pointed crest.

For more about bird watching in the area, consult the Roaring Fork Audubon Society.