· Prairie Oases

Brush State Wildlife Area

The extensive riparian habitat along the South Platte River corridor makes for excellent birding, and can be acessed at several points in the area. Perhaps the best is at Brush SWA, where trails bring you through cottonwood gallery forest and past several wetlands. This is among the best places in the state to find Northern Bobwhite, which are increasingly difficult to come across, and Wild Turkey is regularly encountered. During spring and fall migration, a variety of warblers and other migrants can be found here, and rarities have shown up. During the later fall and winter, the birding tends to be quieter, but it can be a good time for sparrow flocks. Eastern Screech-Owl is fairly common in the area;  a visit at dawn or dusk may well turn one up. Keep an eye out for White-tailed Deer and a variety of plains butterfly species. Hunting occurs on this property, so be sure to check for seasonal restrictions before visiting.

County: Morgan

Directions: From I-76: exit 90B/CO 71 and go north for 1.5 miles. CO 71 bends sharply to the right at the junction with CR-28; continue north on CR-28 for 1 mile to the parking lot.

Dates of Access: Open all year, public access is prohibited daily from 9:00 PM to 3:00 AM except with a night hunting permit.
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission: A valid hunting or fishing license is required for everyone 18 or older to access any State Wildlife Area or State Trust Land leased by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Restrictions: Hunting occurs on this property. Please obey all CPW rules and regulations.

Parking: Gravel parking area
Lodging: Hotels in Brush and Fort Morgan

Handicapped Access: Limited

Latitude: 40.305186
Longitude: -103.622002

» Visit the website for Brush State Wildlife Area