This is one of the very few State Wildlife Areas that charge an entrance fee. The SWA is comprised of two basic habitats: the extensive riparian habitat below the dam, and the reservoir with its associated mudflats.

The area below the dam consists of an extensive mosaic of Russian Olive thickets, mature cottonwood groves, and assorted swampy habitats. It is a four- or five-mile walk from one end of this area to the other, so budget five or six hours to cover it all thoroughly. The area can be accessed from either of two parking lots, one of which is in Washington County and the other of which is in Logan. The county line situation at Prewitt can be confusing, so county listers should check their maps carefully. Most vagrants are found within the first mile or two of the Washington County parking lot, but that is probably because this area tends to get the most birding coverage.

When planning your attack on this big place, keep in mind that the cottonwood forest is usually the least productive. The thickets and swamps, on the other hand, can be full of landbirds; practically every migrant on the Colorado list has shown up here. Fall trips can usually produce at least one good eastern warbler. Spring trips can also be good, but are less consistent. Even if migration is not in swing, Eastern Screech-Owl is common to abundant, but often hard to find—whistling will occasionally elicit a response. During the warmer months Red-headed Woodpecker can also be abundant, and both rails can be found in the cattail marshes.

Even if the landbird migration isn't good, there are usually thousands of shorebirds on the extensive mudflats that form around the reservoir most years in late summer. Anything is possible here; in particular, Prewitt is known for being one of the most reliable spots in Colorado for juvenile Short-billed Dowitchers and Buff-breasted Sandpipers in fall. The large concentrations of shorebirds and dabbling ducks attract Peregrine Falcons, and Sabine's Gull can often be found amid thousands of Franklin's Gulls and many Black Terns. Keep an eye out for Caspian Tern and rare gulls and waders.

A hunting or fishing license or State Wildlife Area Pass is required. 

Habitat: Lake/Pond/Reservoir, Lowland Riparian, Hedgerow/Shelterbelt, Marsh

Directions: From the Merino exit off I-76 (exit 102), go one mile north to CO 6 and turn right (east). The main entrance (Washington County portion) is 3.5 miles down CO 6 on the right. The Logan County portion can be reached by going a quarter mile past the main entrance and turning right onto CR 2.5, which parallels the dam at some distance and eventually leads to the Logan County parking lot.

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