Six and Fifty (6 & 50) Reservoir

Most of the time in recent years this small desert reservoir doesn’t look that impressive, but when there’s water here it can be a bird bonanza. Watch especially for shorebirds (the water here, when it is present, is almost always good for them), dabbling ducks, and the occasional heron or ibis. The semi-desert shrubland surrounding the entire area has Lark and Black-throated Sparrows, and in areas with sage, Sage Thrasher and Sage Sparrow. A few colonies of white-tailed prairie-dog here have Burrowing Owls.  Note, water in the reservoirs is intermittent.

Restrictions: None

County: Mesa

Directions: From Mack, drive west four miles on old Highway 6 and 50. A dirt road to the left leads to the reservoir in one quarter-mile. The water is visible from the highway.

Alternate Directions: From the Loma exit off I-70, head north on CO 139 for 1 mile to US 6, and turn left. Go 9 miles and turn left onto an unmarked BLM road. The reservoir is in a few hundred yards.

Habitat: Pond, Sagebrush

Dates of Access: Open year round
Hours: 24 hours
Ownership: BLM
Admission or Fees: Free

Parking: Roadside

Lodging: None

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Limited car birding

Delorme: 42 C1

ROC: 80 B1

Latitude: 39.24524
Longitude: -108.94806