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

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
Canyon
Best Seasons
SummerFall
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

Loading map...

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

3/1/2026Crissal Thrasher Stakeout (37.1455,-103.0910)1 observed

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

3/1/2026Carrizo Canyon Picnic Area1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

2/28/2026Cottonwood Canyon (Las Animas Co.; campground and upstream to W; ~0.52 mi. on road in county)1 observed

Lewis's Woodpecker

Melanerpes lewis

2/28/2026Cottonwood Canyon (southern loop)2 observed

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

2/28/2026Cottonwood Canyon (southern loop)22 observed

Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

2/28/2026Cemetery2 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

2/28/2026Cottonwood Canyon (Las Animas Co.; campground and upstream to W; ~0.52 mi. on road in county)1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

2/24/2026Road 5, Pritchett, Colorado, US (37.143, -103.083)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Greater Roadrunner

22/24/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

22/24/2026

Northern Flicker

22/24/2026

American Kestrel

12/24/2026

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

22/24/2026

American Crow

252/24/2026

Common Raven

42/24/2026

Horned Lark

62/24/2026

Bewick's Wren

12/24/2026

Mountain Bluebird

252/24/2026

American Robin

1002/24/2026

Cedar Waxwing

82/24/2026

House Finch

142/24/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

22/24/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

32/24/2026

Spotted Towhee

12/24/2026

Western Meadowlark

22/24/2026

Song Sparrow

42/21/2026

Canyon Towhee

32/21/2026

Rufous-crowned Sparrow

22/21/2026

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.