Site Details

descriptions and directions

Cottonwood Marsh photo by Peter Burke

Accessible Fossil Creek Reservoir - Larimer County
Aliases:
Ownership: County
Description: This large irrigation reservoir in southeastern Larimer County was opened as a county park, Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space, in fall 2004. The reservoir attracts thousands of migrating waterfowl and gulls, as well as thousands of wintering ducks and geese. Over 2000 Cackling Geese (Richardson's form) roosted here during the 2004-5 winter. Rarities on the reservoir have included jaegers, scoters, and rare gulls. Grasslands on the south side attract Horned Larks, American Pipits (migration) and an occasional longspur. Cattail wetlands (especially on the west end, accessed along Timberline Road) host breeding rails and Marsh Wrens, shorebirds such as Killdeer and American Avocet, Great-tailed Grackle and Yellow-headed Blackbirds, and Savannah Sparrow in adjacent fields. Watch for Golden Eagle and Ferruginous Hawks over prairie-dog towns on the east and west sides. In winter, numerous bald eagles perch in the large cottonwoods along the shores. Bathroom facilities available at parking area.

Habitat: Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Grassland/Prairie, Marsh
Elevation:
Directions: Take Windsor Exit from I 25 (Exit 262), go west on CR 32 (Carpenter Road) 1 mile to paved entrance on right. To reach west end wetlands, continue west on CR 32 about 2 miles, then north on CR 11 (Timberline Road). View birds in marshes and saltpans on the west side from your stopped vehicle. Parking is prohibited here.
Restrictions/Hazards:
Other Wildlife:
Other Attractions:
Website:






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Latest Fossil Creek Reservoir Sightings from eBird

 


CBRC Records from Fossil Creek Reservoir

SpeciesAccession No.Date(s)
Brant (Atlantic)2005-127 11/20/2005
Eurasian Wigeon2010-139 11/5/2010-11/6/2010
Long-tailed Duck2007-079 4/28/2007
Long-tailed Jaeger2004-129 9/9/2004