Reservoir designated Important Bird Area

By Cherry Sokoloski
Fossil Creek Current

It's May. The shortgrass prairie at Fossil Creek Reservoir is greening up and the Western meadowlark is singing its courting song. Red-winged blackbirds trill in the willows, while northern pintails pack their bags for the annual trip north.

The reservoir, owned by North Poudre Irrigation Co., opened to the public in 2004 as an oasis for birds, birdwatchers and just plain nature lovers. It's located just north of County Road 32, partly obscured from view, so arriving at this huge natural area is a treat and something of a surprise. NPIC has teamed up with Fort Collins and Larimer County to create a wonderful retreat from the nearby cities and suburbs.

Even more important, Fossil Creek Reservoir is a protected area for dozens of species of birds. It is best known as winter habitat for bald eagles and water birds, as well as a welcome stop for migrating birds in spring and fall.

Because of the reservoir's importance as bird habitat, the Fort Collins Audubon Society was able to have it designated as a statewide Important Bird Area in 2001. In addition, FCAS officially adopted the reservoir in 2005 as a project. Local members now work hard to protect the area and educate the public about its importance.

Global IBAs

At a global level, the Important Bird Area program lists 3,500 sites around the world as vital bird habitat. To be included in that list, an area has to meet at least one of four criteria - and preferably more. It must have a significant population of an endangered or threatened species, a significant population of a Watch List species, a significant population of a species with a limited range, or a large concentration of breeding, migrating or wintering birds. Colorado has several such sites, including the Pawnee National Grasslands and Rocky Mountain National Park.

The global Important Bird Area program was started in Europe in the 1980s, with goals of recognizing important habitat sites and mobilizing the resources needed to protect them. In this country, the American Bird Conservancy and the Audubon Society, along with other public and private sponsoring organizations, coordinate the program.

Colorado's statewide IBA program was organized in 1999, and there are currently 11 state IBAs. Fossil Creek Reservoir is the only one in Larimer County, and it meets the test of two global criteria, with a threatened species (bald eagles) wintering at the reservoir and a large number of other wintering and migrating birds.

Fossil Creek's importance

Phil Friedman, vice president of the local Audubon Society, explained why Fossil Creek Reservoir and surrounding lands qualify as important habitat for birds.

Besides Fossil Creek, the reservoir complex includes the Fort Collins regional open space and wetlands complex, Duck Lake and more than 400 acres of conservation easements in the Eagle Ranch subdivision--nearly 2,000 acres in all. The combination, said Friedman, "creates a critical mass for habitat," providing open waters, wetlands, riparian areas and grassland.

During the winter months, about 60 bald eagles and numerous waterfowl make their home at the reservoir. In the summer, the site provides nesting habitat for ducks of all sorts, red-tailed hawks, marsh wrens and prairie falcons, to name a few.

Spring and fall see massive migrations of birds using the reservoir as a way station. It's important for migrating birds to have stopover places like Fossil Creek Reservoir, Friedman noted. "The birds need a spot to rest and rejuvenate, so they can move on to their breeding destinations," he said. "Some have flown 2,000 miles or more, from Central and South America."

Wilson's phalarope is one such bird. The phalarope winters in South America and flies more than 4,000 miles to the Canadian tundra to nest. Along the way, it uses Fossil Creek Reservoir as a rest stop.

Activities in May

Visitors to Fossil Creek Reservoir in May will find some migratory birds, lots of waterfowl and many species that have arrived for "summer camp." Water birds often seen this month include the Western grebe, American white pelican, cinnamon teal, American coot, mallard and lesser scaup. Binoculars may also pick up red-winged and yellow-headed blackbirds, white-faced ibis, yellow warblers, flickers, Western kingbirds and white-rumped sandpipers. During the Audubon Society's monthly bird surveys at the reservoir, it's not unusual to identify 60 species of birds.

Larimer County Parks and Open Lands is also hosting two hikes at the reservoir, May 13 and 27 starting at 9 a.m. Hiking with the naturalist-guided program of "Meadowlarks, Mallards and Mysteries of Spring" takes about two hours. Binoculars are always helpful, and hikers should bring lots of water and dress appropriately for Colorado's changing weather. There is no cost for this program. Information is available by calling 679-4561.