The Great Backyard Bird Count: Winter Birding at South Platte Park

Please join us for a relaxing morning as we explore birds at the south end of South Platte Park. This part of the park has multiple opportunities to view birds that are drawn to lakes and rivers. In mid-February the stars are the winter ducks. As the surrounding lakes start to freeze, the ducks will be concentrated in places with open water. The Platte can be quite lively in the middle of winter. We can expect to see Hooded Mergansers, American Wigeons, Gadwalls, Buffleheads, and Green-winged Teal. There is also the potential to see Herons, Killdeer, and Kingfishers.

The plan is to walk 2 to 3 miles on mostly level trails that are hard packed dirt and gravel. There is an area of about ½ mile where we will walk on uneven ground and through grass and weeds to get closer to the river. It is possible to bypass this area and remain on the hard path. Please note that this trip is accessible for those with mobility challenges.

Birdwatchers of all levels are invited with beginner birders encouraged to join.

Meeting location: South Platte Park C-470 Trailhead, 5198 W. South Platte Reservoir Access Road. We will meet in the large parking lot near the vault toilets. The only restroom is at the beginning of the outing. It is a vault toilet with an accessible stall.

It will be the middle of February, and it may be cold! So plan to dress accordingly.

Trip Leaders: Julia Gwinn and Cindy Breidenbach. We will email all participants with final trip details a few days prior. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at jgwinn53@aol.com or thebreidenbachs1@comcast.net. Advance registration, including signing of the liability waiver, is required. Walk-up or impromptu participants will not be allowed.

Please Note: If you have registered and no longer can attend the program, please contact the Denver Audubon Office at (303) 973-9530 as soon as possible.

Photo credit: Julia Gwinn.