A Visit to Barr Lake State Park
February 12, 2024
Who here has been to Barr Lake State Park just outside of Brighton, Colorado? This fantastic state park is a mere 30 minute drive from downtown Denver, and it is recognized by the National Audubon Society as an important bird area. The park also serves as headquarters for the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. Why is this important? Well, according to the park’s website, there are over 350 migrant and resident birds in this state park! The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies sets up seasonal bird-banding stations to keep tabs on the health of our bird populations. Another important part of the Audubon designation is that the park is a prime nesting area for Bald Eagles, as well as Great Blue Herons, Double-Crested Cormorants, and Egrets, boasting a rookery with over 200 nests!
Starting out at the visitor center is a great way to get acquainted with the park and learn about the many inhabitants, as well as see informational displays, visit with park staff, watch birds feeding, and enjoy the gift shop. The visitor center also hosts a plethora of educational events throughout the year! You’ll also want to visit to use the restroom facilities and see the most recent wildlife/bird sightings before heading out and embarking on a miles-long walk around the park! Please enjoy some close-ups of some of the birds you can observe feeding at the nature center below:
A male Red-winged Blackbird gets a drink from the bird bath viewable from the nature center. February 2024
House Sparrow taking a bath! February 2024
If you head out toward the north of the park, you will be utilizing the dog friendly path. If you prefer to head toward the south, be aware that dogs are not allowed. Today, I headed out to the south side of the park to see if I could observe Bald Eagles on the ice. I have been seeing reports of dozens of eagles being spotted, but I did not see that many today. However, any day you see a Bald Eagle is a good day!
A Bald Eagle poses after landing on a tree right near the walking path, February 2024
Along the south side of the lake, there are several paths and wildlife viewing areas you can utilize. I stopped at all of them and was pleasantly surprised by the amount of birds starting to make their way to the park. Another surprise was seeing several mice along the edge of the walking path! It was hard to get a photo, but I managed to capture one! In addition to seeing the mice, I got to experience well over a dozen bird species. These included: Green-winged Teal, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Bald Eagle, Northern Pintail (duck), Canada Goose, Common Merganser, American Kestrel, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Ring-billed Gull, Western Meadowlark, House Sparrow, House Finch, Black-capped Chickadee, Eurasian Collared-dove, Song Sparrow, Blue Jay, Downy Woodpecker, American Robin, and European Starling!
The walking path around the lake is nearly 9 miles long, but is only open the full way at certain times of year. Parts of the path do get closed for bird nesting activity. People with all sorts of interests are welcome, including walkers, joggers, bicyclers, horse-back riders, boaters, fishermen, and of course nature enthusiasts. The park also has lake tours on weekends from mid-May through September on the Eagle Express (something I just learned about today!) This park has picnic facilities as well. You can see the full list of activities and regulations here.
Every time I’ve been out to Barr Lake, I’ve seen something special! I hope you get a chance to go & I am always willing to go too, just send me a message if you’d like some company!