Many species can be found at all times of the year. The trails lead to interesting riparian areas and small lakes. During migration it would not be unusual to record over 100 species in a day, and during winter over 60 species of birds might be found during a day's outing. Many unusual birds have been found in the park; for example, Green Heron, Least Tern, Lesser Nighthawk, Eastern Kingbird, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Indigo Bunting have all been seen here. Gambel's Quail and Western Screech-Owl are common year round, although the owl is more challenging to locate than the quail. Birding along this park system will always produce pleasant surprises no matter what time of year. Best seasons for birding: All year, night and day.

Habitat: Lowland Riparian, Stream

Directions: This state park extends almost the length of Mesa County, stretching along the river for 30 miles from DeBeque Canyon west to Fruita. The park is actually comprised of smaller parks�Island Acres (43 C6), Corn Lake (43 D5), Colorado River Wildlife Area (43 D4), Connected Lakes (42 D3), Fruita (42 C2)-- most of them connected by a trail-and-bike-path system. Lucy Ferril Ela Wildlife Sanctuary is located near the Connected Lakes segment of the park. Although Grand Junction is the hub for this river park, there are many access points. Camping is available at Island Acres (along the Colorado River in DeBeque Canyon northeast of Palisade) and the Fruita unit (on the Colorado River just south of Fruita). An e-mail to colorado.river.park@state.co.us, or a phone call to 970-434- 3388 will answer most questions.

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