Folks, I'm going to the Pawnee Grasslands for my first time in a few days. (Long overdue) Does anyone have any suggestions for the best areas to see raptors, burrowing owls or other wildlife there, or any other tips? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks much.
Randall Roberts
Posted by Jack Garrett on May 19, 2010 at 10:54 PM
Kurt Bowman just posted some awesome images in this forum:
There is a small brochure called "Birding on the Pawnee by Automobile or Mountain Bike" put out by the Pawnee National Grassland/USFS. The brochure basically highlights a loop route starting at Crow Valley, heading North then West, South again back to HWY 14. The loop has certain # hotspots - like for ponds, Burrowing Owls etc.
You can get a copy from the District Office in Greeley (970) 346-5000.
I might add that from my past trips to the buttes, there is a certain period when access is limited due to mating and I think that time is getting close. I'm not sure which areas are restricted but if you call the number Nick gave you, it might provide some additional information.
Jack is right, the overlook approach is closed until the end of June for Raptor nesting. I'd work the loop that Nick mentions and see if Kurt will chime in with locations. The area around Keota had a lot of Raptors (Swainson's I believe) in the grass and on fence posts and I saw one Northern Shrike just north of Keota on the road that leads to the Buttes.
Randall, I just emailed you some directions to a coulpe of my favorite spots, hope it helps! I have also tried the loop route Nick suggested. It can be good, but mostly in spring after the flowers bloom...but it seemd to also be out of date to me. Anyhow, hope the email helps and good luck. Be sure to share some of your success with us!
Discussion
7 repliesThanks much.
Randall Roberts
http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/bbs.cgi?a=vm&mr=56261&CGISESSID=0fae61a2969925af2dc04d945b1fb94c&u=32374
You can get a copy from the District Office in Greeley (970) 346-5000.
Good luck,
Alex
Randall