Mountain birding habitat

Clear Spring Ranch

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
MountainForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Clear Spring Ranch is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 301 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and forest habitat attracts Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, and Northern Flicker among many others. Elevation changes create diverse habitats, from riparian valleys to alpine meadows, supporting a wide range of species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

5/31/2026Chico Basin Ranch--headquarters area (Pueblo Co.) (mandatory registration required at www.aikenaudubon.com)1 observed

Black-throated Sparrow

Amphispiza bilineata

5/31/2026Hanover Fire Station area3 observed

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus americanus

5/31/2026Chico Basin Ranch (El Paso Co.) (mandatory registration required at www.aikenaudubon.com)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/31/2026Chico Basin Ranch (El Paso Co.) (mandatory registration required at www.aikenaudubon.com)1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

5/30/2026Clear Spring Ranch1 observed

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

5/29/2026Clear Spring Ranch2 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/29/2026Shooks Run Trail1 observed

Common Black Hawk

Buteogallus anthracinus

5/29/2026Clear Spring Ranch1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/29/2026Clear Spring Ranch1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

5/29/2026Hanover Rd1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mississippi Kite

35/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/31/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/31/2026

American Kestrel

25/31/2026

Say's Phoebe

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/31/2026

European Starling

15/31/2026

American Robin

35/31/2026

House Sparrow

15/31/2026

Killdeer

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

35/31/2026

Tree Swallow

25/31/2026

Northern House Wren

45/31/2026

Spotted Towhee

25/31/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

15/31/2026

Bullock's Oriole

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

95/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

25/31/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

45/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.

  2. 2

    Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Clear Spring Ranch for birding?
The best months to visit Clear Spring Ranch for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Clear Spring Ranch?
Notable species at Clear Spring Ranch include Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, American Kestrel, Blue Jay. The area supports mountain, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Clear Spring Ranch?
Birding at Clear Spring Ranch is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Clear Spring Ranch?
Clear Spring Ranch offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.