Walden Reservoir
This lake typically stands head and shoulders above the other lakes in the county with regards to bird numbers and variety. Walden usually has a little of everything: dabblers, divers, shorebirds, gulls, terns, and waders. Birds such as American White Pelican, Black Tern, and Franklin’s and California Gulls breed on islands in the middle of the lake, one of the few locations in Colorado where these species breed. The marshy fringes of the lake are good for Yellow-headed Blackbird and grebes, while mudflats on the southern and western edges of the lake are excellent for shorebirds when water is low. Raptors are often around to take advantage of the avian feast; look for Golden Eagle and Prairie Falcons especially.
Restrictions: None
County: Jackson
Directions: From the intersection of CR 12W and CO 125 just south of Walden, go west on CR 12W and take the first right onto CR 15. The lake can be scanned from various points along CR 15. There are also some small ponds along CR 12W both east and west of the intersection with CR 15.
Alternate Directions: From Walden, head south for less than half a mile on CO 125/14 and turn right onto CR 12W. Go 200 yards to CR15 and turn right to the reservoir.
Habitat: Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Sagebrush
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight
Ownership: Bureau of Land Management
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Roadside, or in pull outs.
Lodging: None, Hotels and camping available in the town of Walden
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Car birding
Delorme: 17 C7
ROC: 38 A1-B1
Latitude: 40.732853
Longitude: -106.299876