McPhee Reservoir
By far the largest reservoir in the area, the birding potential of this massive lake varies as widely as its water level. If the water is low during the spring and fall the extensive mudflats can be excellent for shorebirds. When the water level is high, or during the late fall and early spring, ducks can be abundant and rarities like Barrow’s Goldeneye, Common Loon, and Red-breasted Merganser are possible. Gulls and terns could be found at any water level; spring and fall are best. Waterbirds aren’t the only reason to come to McPhee. Extensive forest of many types surrounds the lake. The west end of McPhee is the top birding spot along the reservoir, however it is quite far from House Creek. At the House Creek Recreation Area, and along the road, a mixture of ponderosa pine woodland and pinyon-juniper forest provide the potential for a wide variety of birds. Look for MacGillivray’s and Grace’s Warblers, Red-naped and Williamson’s Sapsuckers, Flammulated and Northern Saw-whet Owls, and Hammond’s Flycatcher in the ponderosa woodland, and Black-throated Gray Warbler, Plumbeous Vireo, Juniper Titmouse, and Gray Flycatcher in the pinyon-juniper woodland. In the sage flats around the western part of the reservoir look for Sage Thrasher and Sagebrush Sparrow, as well as raptors during the winter months. Finally, keep an eye out for mammals throughout; black bear, Abert’s squirrel, Gunnison’s prairie-dog, and deer and elk are all possible.
Restrictions: None
County: Montezuma
Directions: From the center of Dolores take CR 31 (FR 526) due north to bird the ponderosa areas on this plateau. Take a left onto FR 528 about six miles north of Dolores to get to the House Creek Recreation Complex (campground).
Alternate Directions: From Cortez, head north on CO 145 for 8 miles to CO 148 and turn left. Go 4 miles to CR 25 and turn right. Go a few hundred yards and turn right again onto CR V.4, the main entrance into the park. To reach the House Creek Recreation area, from Cortez go north on CO 145 for 10 miles to the town of Dolores. In the middle of town turn left onto 11th st. and go three blocks to a 'T'. Turn right and go just over 7 miles to FR 528. Turn left and go 6 miles to the recreation area.
Habitat: Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Ponderosa Forest, Aspen Grove, Scrub Oak Forest
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: US Bureau of Reclamation
Admission or Fees: State Parks Pass
Parking: Varied
Lodging: Fee camping
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Handicap accessible restrooms/Some viewing from car
Delorme: 85 A4, 75 D4
ROC: 129 D3
Latitude: 37.51941
Longitude: -108.537366
Visit the Website for McPhee Reservoir »
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L4890004