Ferris Reservoir
This small, cattail-filled lake is excellent for many breeding and migrating duck species, as well as Yellow-headed Blackbird, rails, and migrant shorebirds. The nearby meadows play host to bluebirds galore, and the aspen and pine woodlands that surround them should be checked for birds like Cassin’s Finch, Flammulated and Northern Saw-whet Owls, and Pygmy Nuthatch. This whole area is filled with elk and deer, and you never know when you might stumble onto a badger.
Restrictions: Roads may be snowed in during the winter
County: Dolores
Directions: From Lone Dome SWA, continue east across river and begin to climb. One half mile from the bridge turn left onto FR 521/Rd R (just past the turn for FR 504). About nine miles from this intersection, where FR 521/Rd R and FR 520/CR 22 meet, is the reservoir.
Alternate Directions: From Dove Creek, go south on US491 for 9 miles to CR R in the town of Cahone, and turn left. Go 3 miles to CR 16 and turn right and go 1.25 miles to CR S. Turn left on CR S, go 1.8 miles, and just past the junction with FR 504, turn left onto FR 521/Rd R. Go 8 miles to the reservoir, on the right at the junction with FR 520/CR 22.
Habitat: Lake, Marsh, Mountain Meadow, Ponderosa Forest
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Primitive camping
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some viewing from car
Delorme: 74 C3
ROC: 129 D2
Latitude: 37.6602196
Longitude: -108.6012651
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L11201832