A Colorado hunting or fishing license, or State Wildlife Area pass is required.

Two reservoirs that can be particularly interesting birding in fall and early winter when they host a wide variety of waterfowl and Bald Eagles. From mid-November through the winter (or until the lakes freeze over -- which rarely happens) it can be very interesting. During that period there is normally a flock of 20-30 Barrow's Goldeneyes, among a nice mixture of other ducks and geese as well as grebes and loons. Long-tailed Ducks have wintered in two of the past three years.

Habitat: Reservoir

Directions: From the recession of Colorado Highway 65 and 330 just north of the town of Mesa, go east on 330 1 mile, cross the bridge over Plateau Creek, and turn left into a small parking lot (restroom here). Park and hike up the trail a quarter-mile to the reservoir.

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