Pawnee Buttes rising from the shortgrass prairie in Colorado

Pawnee National Grassland

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Grassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

May-June

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open 24 hours

About This Location

Pawnee National Grassland on the eastern Colorado plains preserves vast shortgrass prairie habitat that supports an outstanding community of grassland specialists. The Pawnee Buttes area is famous for nesting raptors, and the grasslands are among the best places to find McCown's Longspur and Mountain Plover.

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

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

6/2/2026Pawnee NG--Crow Valley CG1 observed

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

6/2/2026Pawnee NG--Crow Valley CG1 observed

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Setophaga caerulescens

5/31/2026Pawnee NG--Crow Valley CG1 observed

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Melanerpes carolinus

5/29/2026Pawnee NG--Crow Valley CG1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

15/29/2026

Swainson's Hawk

15/29/2026

Western Kingbird

25/29/2026

Horned Lark

45/29/2026

House Sparrow

15/29/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

15/29/2026

Lark Bunting

35/29/2026

Western Meadowlark

15/29/2026

Burrowing Owl

15/28/2026

Gadwall

25/25/2026

Mallard

25/25/2026

Green-winged Teal

15/25/2026

American Avocet

25/25/2026

Killdeer

45/25/2026

Wilson's Phalarope

25/25/2026

White-rumped Sandpiper

45/25/2026

Cliff Swallow

15/25/2026

Thick-billed Longspur

15/25/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Drive the Pawnee Buttes road slowly and scan for ground-nesting birds

  2. 2

    Late May is best for breeding plumage longspurs

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

  5. 5

    Bring a spotting scope for distant shorebirds, raptors, and waterfowl

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Pawnee National Grassland for birding?
The best months to visit Pawnee National Grassland for birding are May-June. The best seasons are Spring and Summer.
What birds can I see at Pawnee National Grassland?
Notable species at Pawnee National Grassland include Mountain Plover, McCown's Longspur, Ferruginous Hawk, Burrowing Owl, Lark Bunting, Northern Harrier, Common Raven, Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal. The area supports grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pawnee National Grassland?
Birding at Pawnee National Grassland is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Pawnee National Grassland?
There is no entrance fee at Pawnee National Grassland. Hours: Open 24 hours.
What amenities are available at Pawnee National Grassland?
Pawnee National Grassland offers the following amenities: Parking.