Bird Watching at Great Sand Dunes National Park

750 feet tall dunes are spread across the 107,342 acres of Great Sand Dunes National Park in southern Colorado. The park is known for its various geological formations including alpine lakes and tundra, mountain peaks stretching over 13,000 feet high, mixed conifer forests, grasslands, and wetlands while also being home to the tallest dunes in North America. Lying on the eastern edge of the San Luis Valley near the town of Alamosa and neighboring the Sangre
de Cristo Range natural preserve, Great Sand Dunes National Park has a lot to offer.

Major Attractions at Great Sand Dunes National Park

The highlight of this national park is the towering sand dunes that cover a total area of about 30 square miles. Some estimate that these dunes are formed from over 1.2 cubic miles of sand. Besides the sandy geological feature, the park’s ecosystem also includes the Riparian and alpine tundra where hundreds of plants like the alpine phlox and dwarf clover, as well as many wildlife species, reside.

The major attractions of the national park are the trails leading to High Dune at 699 feet tall and Star Dune at a staggering 750 feet, for hikers to enjoy the mesmerizing views at the peak of the park. Sand sledding on the elevated dunes is another way to experience their immensity. Aside from the dunes, the park is open for picnicking, hiking, horseback-riding trails, and camping. The scenic drive on Medano Pass, the appearing-disappearing act of Medano Creek, and the walking routes along with Crestone Needle, Crestone Peak, Cleveland Peak, and Mount Herard is equally enjoyable.

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Bird Watching at Great Sand Dunes National Park

The variety in landscape and habitat provided by Great Sand Dunes National Park has allowed populations of more than 200 bird species to call it their home. Creating an adventure for birdwatchers, birds like the Mountain Bluebird, Great Blue Heron, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Bald Eagle, and Golden Eagle can be seen inside the park boundaries.

The Sandhill Cranes migration is best seen in the Great Sand Dunes. These Cranes are an iconic species of the San Luis Valley and are among the 250 birds found in the park. Each year, a population of over 20,000 cranes spends some part of spring and fall, resting in this valley before taking flight again. Typically, these cranes winter at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico and arrive in Great Sand Dunes by early February.

Brewer’s Sparrow, Mountain Chickadee, Chipping Sparrow, Mourning Dove, Western Kingbird, House Finch, Black Swift, and Cedar Waxwing are also commonly found inside the park’s boundaries. Several species nest inside the mountains, forests, grasslands, or wetlands in the summers. Depending upon the elevation and season, the Brown-capped Rosy-Finch, White-tailed Ptarmigan, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Peregrine Falcon, Mountain Bluebird, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Dusky Grouse, and Hummingbirds can be spotted. The Western Tanager, Burrowing Owl, Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Sandhill Crane, American Avocet, and Great Blue Heron can also be seen.

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Mountain Bluebird

Mountain Bluebirds are a powder-blue color. They are found in the mountain region of western North America. Their population is stable and not at risk of being endangered. Mountain Bluebirds make their homes in the open country where there are few trees. These Bluebirds sit perched on fence posts, power lines, and treetops. This allows them the ability to make a quick dive for food. Mountain Bluebirds eat insects and some berries. They lay 5 to 6 eggs and nest in a tree, bird house, or dirt bank. They migrate late in the fall and early in the spring.

Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Herons are tall with gray-blue wings. They are slow-moving birds and weigh about 6 pounds. They can be found all across the United States. Their population has stabilized since some small declines. They live near riverbanks, ponds, and edges of marshes. Great Blue Herons hunt for food morning and night because they have night vision. They eat fish mostly but will also eat other small animals like frogs. They build their nests high or low in trees. Great Blue Herons use big sticks to make large platform nests. They lay 3 to 5 eggs. Northern populations east of the Rockies are migratory, but most other Great Blue Herons are not migratory.

Golden Eagle

Golden Eagles have beautiful gold feathers, a strong beak, and large talons. They are mostly found in western North America. Historically, there has been a decline in their population, but their population is now steady. They make their habitat in open country and mountains. Golden Eagles are one of the fastest and largest raptors in North America. Golden Eagles enjoy soaring with their steady wings to hunt for small animals such as squirrels. They lay 1 to 3 eggs and usually build their nests on ledges of cliffs. Golden Eagles found in the north migrate, but most are permanent residents.

Sandhill Crane

Sandhill Cranes are tall, large, and gray with long necks and long legs. They also have red crowns and long bills. Sandhill Cranes can be found throughout North America. They have made a recent comeback in population. Sandhill Cranes are not endangered but are definitely being watched. They live in the prairie region of North America. Sandhill Cranes are known for their dancing skills and trumpet sounds. They eat the roots of plants in water. They will also eat insects, frogs, snakes, rodents, seeds, and berries. Sandhill Cranes usually lay 2 eggs in a nest built on the ground. They will sometimes build a nest that floats on water that is anchored to plants. Sandhill Cranes that reside in the north migrate more than their southern counterparts.

Western Kingbird

Western Kingbirds are gray with yellow plumage. They can be found across western North America. Their population is stable with some recent increases. Their habitat is on farms, near roadsides, and in other semi-open areas. They enjoy catching flying insects while perched on a tree or utility line. They also eat fruits. Western Kingbirds can be aggressive, chasing away other birds that come near. They lay 3 to 5 eggs in cup-shaped nests sometimes in empty sheds, on utility poles, and under building ledges. Western Kingbirds migrate in small flocks.

House Finch

House Finches have a bright red head and chest. They can be found throughout North America. Their population is steady but declined some due to sickness. They make their homes near farms, canyons, and suburbs. They like to eat sunflower seeds, berries, and buds. House Finches sing a lot and like to be around other birds. They lay 4 to 5 eggs at a time and build their nests out of grass, twigs, leaves, and sometimes string and feathers. House Finches migrate in flocks by day.

Cedar Waxwing

Cedar Waxwings have a silky, shiny body that is brown and gray. They have a black mask on their face, a small crest, and red tips on their wings. Cedar Waxwings can be found throughout North America. Their population is steady and has even increased in recent years. They make their homes in orchards of fruiting trees and in open woodlands. This Waxwing has a high-thin whistle. Many times you will hear a Cedar Waxwing before you will see them. They love to eat fruit and berries. These birds lay 3 to 5 eggs and build nests near other Cedar Waxwings. They do not have a set migratory pattern but are considered nomadic, moving around irregularly.

Burrowing Owl

Burrowing Owls are small and brown with yellow eyes. They are found throughout the western United States, generally where there is a population of squirrels or prairie dogs. They are considered endangered. These owls make their homes in prairies and farmlands. They hunt for food on the ground during the day. Burrowing Owls eat mice, squirrels, voles, and insects. They lay anywhere from 3 to 12 eggs. Their nests are burrows in the ground 6 to 10 feet long. Burrowing Owls found in the north, migrate to the south.

American Avocet

American Avocets are white with a black patch on their back. Their heads are a rusty color with a long bill. American Avocets are found mainly in the Midwest and western regions of North America. Their population is stable and possibly increasing. They make their homes along beaches, shallow lakes, and prairie ponds. American Avocets eat insects, some seeds, and small crustaceans. Most of these migrate to the coast in the winter.

Mourning Dove

Mourning Doves are graceful brownish pink birds with a small head and tail. They can be found throughout North America. Their population is steady with some slight increases recently. They live in open woods, farms, and towns. They perch on telephone wires or other high locations. Their flight is fast and straight. They eat mainly seeds and other plants. Mourning Doves lay 2 eggs at a time but will do this 5 or 6 times a year. They do this more than any other bird. Mourning Doves migrate south in the winter, usually in flocks.

Final Thoughts

San Luis Valley attracts large populations of wildlife including various bird species, as resting spots, each year. From resident to migratory birds, many species inhabit this region of southern Colorado. The Great Sand Dunes National Park is a great place to begin your birdwatching adventure.

Ornithology

Bird Watching Academy & Camp Subscription Boxes

At the Bird Watching Academy & Camp we help kids, youth, and adults get excited and involved in bird watching. We have several monthly subscription boxes that you can subscribe to. Our monthly subscription boxes help kids, youth, and adults learn about birds, bird watching, and bird conservation.

Bird Watching Binoculars

The most common types of bird watching binoculars for viewing birds at Great Sand Dunes National Park is the 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. Bird Watching Academy & Camp sells really nice 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. You can view and purchase them here.