Blue Lake, also known as Adobe Creek Reservoir, is one of the most underbirded locations in SE Colorado. Water levels vary from chock full to so low that there are actually two lakes, one in Bent County and one in Kiowa. A visit here at any time of the year could be productive, with the migration periods usually the peak time. In the summer, this is one of the few locations in the state that has a breeding population of Piping Plovers and Least Terns; however, PLEASE do not disturb any nesting areas of these state endangered species. Starting in July Blue Lake becomes a true shorebird Mecca. Practically every species that has occurred in the state has been seen here, mostly on the southern portion of the lake in Bent County. This seems to be a good locale for American Golden-Plover.

While not as famed for waterbird activity, the lake usually produces a good mix of species, especially later in the fall. Loons and gulls should be looked for in the late fall and early winter, before the lake freezes. The wintertime is generally not as productive as other times of the year, but the roads around Blue Lake are among the best areas in the state to find wintering prairie longspurs.

Blue Lake is also not well known as a good spring migration spot, but don't let this deter you from visiting. Though the water is often higher, there still may be mudflats for shorebirds, and gulls and ducks still occur. This area is also not well known as a land bird location, but a check of the tamarisk around the lake may produce surprises. After all, this is where the first state record of Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher showed up in 2002!

Habitat: Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Tamarisk

Directions: From Las Animas, follow westbound US 50 as it heads north out of town and crosses the Arkansas River. Immediately after the bridge, turn left (west) onto CO 194, then take a nearly immediate right (north) onto CR 10.5, which becomes CR 10 after a westerly jog. Follow CR 10 ten miles north to where CR UU leaves it heading west. To access the west side of the reservoir, follow UU west as it curves around the shoreline. To access the eastern shore of the reservoir, continue north on CR 10.

Acknowledgments: Hotspot information was originally compiled on Birding Colorado, a service of Colorado Field Ornithologists. CFO thanks all the original contributors.