Birding opportunities abound at Ridgway State Park throughout the year. Over 140 species of migratory and resident birds have been identified in the park.
Many species of waterfowl and shorebirds including: Goldeneyes, Hooded Mergansers, Canada Geese, Sandhill Cranes, American Avocets, Great Blue Herons, Western Grebes and White-faced Ibises. These birds are attracted to the open water of the reservoir and its three in-flowing streams.
In the winter enjoy observing Mountain Chickadees, Black-capped Chickadees, Common Ravens, Black-billed Magpies, Red-breasted Nuthatches, White-breasted Nuthatches, Dark-eyed Juncos, Western Scrub-Jays, Bald Eagles and Great Horned Owls.
Confirmed summer breeders in the park include American Dippers, Black-chinned Hummingbirds, Western Meadowlarks, Red-naped Sapsuckers, Mountain Bluebirds, Western Bluebirds, Violet-green Swallows, White-throated Swifts, Red-tailed Hawks, Golden Eagles and many others.
Common raptors include Northern Harriers, Ospreys, American Kestrels, Northern Goshawks, Peregrine Falcons and Bald Eagles.
For a complete birding checklist for Ouray County, stop by the Visitor Center!