Durango Fish Hatchery / Animas River
Located in the heart of Durango along the banks of the Animas River, the Durango Fish Hatchery is a birders paradise with over 200 species recorded. The riparian corridor along the Animas acts as a migrant trap during spring and fall migration; you may just be fortunate enough to see or hear American Dipper along the river. Huck Finn Pond located on the property provides excellent viewing of waterfowl. Listen for Ruby-crowned Kinglets that sing from the mature spruce trees. Keep your eye out for Black Phoebe, as they leave during the colder months and return each year right around St. Patrick’s Day (mid-March). This property has provided many rare sightings including Vermillion Flycatcher, Wood Thrush, Pacific Wren, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Birding is good year-round, but spring and fall migration are the best. Undeniably the birding gem of Durango!
Restrictions: None
County: La Plata
Directions: To get to the Durango Fish Hatchery located at 151 E. 16th St. take US 550 (Main Ave) and turn onto E. 16th Street. Follow signs to the hatchery parking area. Access to the south end of Animas River from Santa Rita Park. From US 550 near downtown Durango, drive east on 160 and turn right into Santa Rita Park (at the light). Park here and walk downstream, under the bridge, to the area behind Four Corners Riversports Store.
Alternate Directions: The river walk can be accessed at numerous points in Durango; the best are at 17th and Main (at the Fish Hatchery), and at the Four Corners Riversports Store just south of 6th st.
Habitat: Lowland Riparian, Stream
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: CPW, Municipal
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Paved parking areas
Lodging: None
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Handicap accessible trail
Delorme: 86 B3-C3
ROC: 146 C1
Latitude: 37.2812159
Longitude: -107.8762734
Visit the Website for Durango Fish Hatchery / Animas River »
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2296807