Canyon birding habitat

Cottonwood Canyon (Baca County; county line just W of Rd 5-Rd 244 intersection)

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Canyon
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Cottonwood Canyon (Baca County; county line just W of Rd 5-Rd 244 intersection) is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This canyon habitat attracts Greater Roadrunner, Red-tailed Hawk, 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

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

5/30/2026Cottonwood Canyon (Las Animas Co.; campground and upstream to W; ~0.52 mi. on road in county)1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/30/2026Cottonwood Canyon (Las Animas Co.; campground and upstream to W; ~0.52 mi. on road in county)2 observed

Crissal Thrasher

Toxostoma crissale

5/22/2026Cottonwood Canyon (Las Animas Co.; campground and upstream to W; ~0.52 mi. on road in county)1 observed

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

5/21/2026Cimarron River--Colorado Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

45/30/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

15/30/2026

Mississippi Kite

25/30/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Rock Wren

15/30/2026

Bewick's Wren

15/30/2026

Rufous-crowned Sparrow

15/30/2026

Spotted Towhee

15/30/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

15/30/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

15/30/2026

Lazuli Bunting

15/30/2026

Common Nighthawk

15/22/2026

Common Poorwill

25/22/2026

Western Screech-Owl

15/22/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/20/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

15/20/2026

Northern Flicker

15/20/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

25/20/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

65/20/2026

Western Kingbird

405/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for echoing calls of Canyon Wren and other canyon specialties.

  2. 2

    Check rocky ledges and cliff faces for nesting raptors.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cottonwood Canyon (Baca County; county line just W of Rd 5-Rd 244 intersection) for birding?
The best months to visit Cottonwood Canyon (Baca County; county line just W of Rd 5-Rd 244 intersection) for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cottonwood Canyon (Baca County; county line just W of Rd 5-Rd 244 intersection)?
Notable species at Cottonwood Canyon (Baca County; county line just W of Rd 5-Rd 244 intersection) include Greater Roadrunner, Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Flicker, American Kestrel, Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay. The area supports canyon habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cottonwood Canyon (Baca County; county line just W of Rd 5-Rd 244 intersection)?
Birding at Cottonwood Canyon (Baca County; county line just W of Rd 5-Rd 244 intersection) is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Cottonwood Canyon (Baca County; county line just W of Rd 5-Rd 244 intersection)?
Cottonwood Canyon (Baca County; county line just W of Rd 5-Rd 244 intersection) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.