Springtime means new baby birds. But before their eggs can be laid and hatched, bird parents must find or build nests. Bird nests vary greatly from species to species, and watching and learning about them can be quite fascinating. Types of Nests Nests come in a variety of shapes, sizes, locations, and materials. They can […]
Tag: wildlife
Time Machine Tuesday: History of Colorado’s Game, Fish and Parks Agencies
Colorado’s efforts to preserve its natural resources are nothing new. As long as Colorado has been a state, there has been a state agency tasked with protection of Colorado’s game, fish, and parks. The name has changed over the years, and the agency has evolved – but its core mission of protecting Colorado’s incredible wildlife […]
Two Decades of Lynx Reintroduction in Colorado
In 1999 and 2000, Colorado began a program of reintroducing lynx into the mountains. Over the past twenty years, the project has had both challenges and successes, and lynx conservation continues to be a hot topic in Colorado wildlife policy. Colorado has three native feline species – the mountain lion, the bobcat, and the lynx. […]
Colorado’s Small Mammals, Part IV: Conclusion
Colorado has an amazing array of wildlife – birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians, and mammals large and small. If you live in urban areas, small mammals are some of the most common wildlife you will encounter. Even more species of small mammals can be found in mountainous areas, on the grasslands, or near rivers and […]
Colorado’s Small Mammals, Part III: Mustelids
Colorado has an amazing array of wildlife – birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians, and mammals large and small. If you live in urban areas, small mammals are some of the most common wildlife you will encounter. Even more species of small mammals can be found in mountainous areas, on the grasslands, or near rivers and […]
Colorado’s Small Mammals, Part II: Lagomorphs
Colorado has an amazing array of wildlife – birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians, and mammals large and small. If you live in urban areas, small mammals are some of the most common wildlife you will encounter. Even more species of small mammals can be found in mountainous areas, on the grasslands, or near rivers and […]
Colorado’s Small Mammals, Part I: Rodents
Colorado has an amazing array of wildlife – birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians, and mammals large and small. If you live in urban areas, small mammals are some of the most common wildlife you will encounter. Even more species of small mammals can be found in mountainous areas, on the grasslands, or near rivers and […]
How To Tell the Difference Between a Crow and a Raven
Crows and ravens appear very similar, so they are commonly mistaken for one another. If you look and listen carefully, though, you’ll be able to spot the differences. Members of the family Corvidae (which also includes jays and magpies), crows and ravens are the only North American bird species that are completely black in color. […]
Safe Crossings for Wildlife
Colorado’s rapid population growth affects wildlife by reducing habitat and bringing them in closer contact with humans. Vehicle collisions are a serious threat to wildlife, and many roadways cross through the migration routes used by big game. To help protect wildlife – and motorists – from vehicle collisions, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and the […]
Fall in Love with Fall
Today is the first day of fall. Days and nights are getting cooler, pumpkin-flavored products are everywhere, and the leaves are changing to brilliant reds and golds. There’s a lot to love about fall — except, of course, the fact that it means winter is coming! Around the House Now is the time for planting […]
Colorado’s Owl Species
Think all owls are the same? You may be surprised that Colorado has fourteen very different species of owls. They can be found in all parts of the state, in all of the state’s ecosystems. Each species has its own unique traits, with significant differences in size, appearance, habitat, diet, vocalization, and behavior. Barn […]
Colorado State Parks: Chatfield
If you’re looking for a getaway that is conveniently located in metro Denver, check out Chatfield State Park. Here you can find a variety of activities for every age and interest. Things to do include boating, birding, hiking and biking, camping, fishing, swimming, and horseback riding. There’s a field where your model airplane can take […]
Operation Game Thief – Help Stop Poachers
Incidents of illegal killing of wildlife are becoming more common in Colorado. On Monday, a deer was killed illegally in Morrison, Colorado, and last month, a poacher from Montrose County was fined $10,000 for illegally killing several deer and a bear. Hunters in Colorado are required to be licensed and to hunt in season. Poaching […]
Colorado Fishing Atlas
Looking for a great place to go fishing, but not sure where to start? Then check out the Colorado Fishing Atlas from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Here you’ll find an interactive map of fishing locations across the state. Click on a location on the map to get driving directions and information on fish species; […]
New Birdwatching Guide
Did you know that 507 different species of birds have been documented in Colorado? If you’re interested in birding, you’ll enjoy the brand-new Colorado Birding Trail Northeastern Colorado Trail Guide. This guidebook is a follow-up to three previous guides, which cover the southeastern, southwestern, and northwestern regions of the state. Featuring beautiful photographs, the guidebooks […]
When and Where to View Mountain Goats
High in the mountains above timberline lives one of my favorite Colorado wildlife species, the mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus). In spite of their name, mountain goats are actually not true goats. In fact, mountain goats are more closely related to some African antelope species than they are to domestic goats! Male mountain goats (“billies”) can […]
Time Machine Tuesday: Colorado’s Wildlife Company
Thirty years ago the Colorado Division of Wildlife began publishing a series of brochures that they named “Colorado’s Wildlife Company.” Written for all ages, these whimsical brochures feature profiles of different wildlife species, animal behaviors, or viewing opportunities. Each brochure is illustrated with pen-and-ink drawings by a local artist. Unfortunately, publication of these brochures stopped […]
How Colorado Keeps Its Waters Full of Fish
Not all of Colorado’s fishes are born in the waters they call home. Each year, Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) breeds over 90 million fish in 19 hatcheries across the state. These fish are then distributed to waters around Colorado. There are two main reasons for fish stocking — one is to provide more fish […]
Why are Colorado’s Deer Populations Declining?
According to Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW), the state’s current mule deer population of around 450,000 is about 25% below their objective. Populations have been declining over the last several decades due to human population growth resulting in habitat loss and vehicle collisions, as well as other factors like climate change, malnutrition, diseases like chronic […]
Colorado State Parks: Barr Lake
If you’re looking for a quick getaway near the Denver metro area, check out Barr Lake State Park, located near Brighton. The park includes boating, fishing, a nature trail and Nature Center, and wildlife viewing stations. And while boating and fishing aren’t in season right now, there are lots of other things to do […]