Colorado Birding

Marshall Mesa - Boulder County
Aliases: Marshall Reservoir
Ownership: None Listed
Description: Just south of Boulder, this trail is much more popular with hikers than with birders, although the sparse ponderosas with some underbrush can be good for the more common foothill birds. Probably the best reason to come here is to scan Marshall Reservoir, one of the largest bodies of water in the county, and one of the least accessible. The reservoir is private, but open space land goes right up to its shores, and a short steep hike will put you in good scanning position. To get to the north shore, head up the trail from the parking lot and take a left at the first branch in the trail (signed to "Community Ditch"). This trail gains altitude and then swings back to the right and eventually joins up with the Community Ditch, a deep canal that feeds the reservoir. Follow the canal up to the reservoir to scan it. It's a pain to carry a scope up this steep half mile, but you may be glad you did.

Habitat: Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Foothill Shrub, Ponderosa Forest, Grassland/Prairie
Elevation:
Directions: From Boulder, take Broadway (CO 93) south out of town a few miles to its intersection with Eldorado Canyon Road (CO 170). Turn left (east) on CO 170 and follow it a short distance to a stop sign, at which you will turn right to stay on CO 170 (Marshall Drive). Follow the road about a half mile to the trailhead, on the right (south) side of the road.
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