Mountain birding habitat

Higbee Valley Road (Otero CR 804)

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
MountainForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Higbee Valley Road (Otero CR 804) is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and forest habitat attracts Wild Turkey, Eurasian Collared-Dove, 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

Crissal Thrasher

Toxostoma crissale

5/31/2026CR-177.9 switchbacks at Clark Hill1 observed

Scott's Oriole

Icterus parisorum

5/31/2026CR-177.9 switchbacks at Clark Hill2 observed

Cactus Wren

Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus

5/28/2026stakeout Cactus Wren, CR-193.5 (2025-2026)2 observed

Gray Vireo

Vireo vicinior

5/28/2026CR-177.9 switchbacks at Clark Hill1 observed

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

5/27/2026Higbee Valley Road (Otero CR-804)1 observed

Hepatic Tanager

Piranga flava

5/27/2026CR-177.9 switchbacks at Clark Hill2 observed

Bushtit (Interior)

Psaltriparus minimus

5/25/2026CR-177.9 switchbacks at Clark Hill1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

15/27/2026

Mourning Dove

65/27/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

15/27/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/27/2026

Turkey Vulture

125/27/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/27/2026

American Kestrel

15/27/2026

Eastern Phoebe

15/27/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

35/27/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

15/27/2026

Western Kingbird

25/27/2026

Common Raven

25/27/2026

Cliff Swallow

345/27/2026

European Starling

15/27/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

15/27/2026

Lark Sparrow

75/27/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

15/27/2026

Western Meadowlark

25/27/2026

Bullock's Oriole

15/27/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/27/2026

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 Higbee Valley Road (Otero CR 804) for birding?
The best months to visit Higbee Valley Road (Otero CR 804) for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Higbee Valley Road (Otero CR 804)?
Notable species at Higbee Valley Road (Otero CR 804) include Wild Turkey, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Northern Flicker, American Kestrel, Merlin. The area supports mountain, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Higbee Valley Road (Otero CR 804)?
Birding at Higbee Valley Road (Otero CR 804) is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Higbee Valley Road (Otero CR 804)?
Higbee Valley Road (Otero CR 804) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.