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

Sharp-tailed Grouse

Tympanuchus phasianellus

4/15/2026County Road 134, Grover US-CO (40.9598,-103.9916)5 observed

White-throated Swift

Aeronautes saxatalis

4/14/2026115 North 2nd Ave, Ault, Colorado, US (40.819, -103.989)6 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/12/2026Pawnee NG Bird Tour--Stops 1-4 and Murphy's Pasture1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/12/2026Pawnee NG Bird Tour--Stops 1-4 and Murphy's Pasture2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Swainson's Hawk

24/16/2026

European Starling

14/16/2026

Mountain Plover

14/13/2026

Vesper Sparrow

14/13/2026

Prairie Falcon

14/13/2026

American Kestrel

14/8/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

14/8/2026

Rock Pigeon

44/8/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

14/8/2026

Thick-billed Longspur

34/8/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

24/6/2026

Chestnut-collared Longspur

44/6/2026

Horned Lark

44/6/2026

Brewer's Sparrow

14/6/2026

Western Meadowlark

24/6/2026

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.