Nestled high in the Rocky Mountains, Crested Butte is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. This charming mountain town not only offers world-class skiing and mountain biking, but it’s also a top destination for birdwatching. With a diversity of habitats including forests, wetlands, meadows, and alpine tundra, over 200 species of birds can be spotted in the Crested Butte area throughout the year. In this article we talk about Birdwatching Hotspots in Crested Butte In 2024.
From rare birds like the American Three-toed Woodpecker to common species like Steller’s Jays and Mountain Chickadees, there are plenty of feathered friends to observe. The peak birdwatching seasons are late spring when migratory songbirds pass through, and summer when resident mountain species are most active. But even in the dead of winter, one can find birds like Pine Grosbeaks, Gray-Crowned Rosy Finches, and Boreal Owls.
This article covers the top birdwatching hotspots in and around Crested Butte along with tips, tricks, and things to look out for to have the best birding experience. Whether you’re a casual observer or a devoted life-lister, grab your binoculars and field guide to explore these fruitful birding locations.
Table of Contents
ToggleParadise Divide
Paradise Divide is a high-altitude paradise for birds and birders alike. Located on Gunnison County Road 12 east of Mt. Crested Butte, this area encompasses open meadows, mixed conifer forests, aspens, and wetlands at elevations ranging from 9,500 to nearly 12,000 feet. Over 100 bird species have been recorded here.
During summer, scan the meadows and forest edges for species like Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Hairy Woodpecker, Cordilleran Flycatcher, and Cassin’s Finch. This is also prime habitat for the elusive American Three-toed Woodpecker, so listen and look for this uncommon species excavating nest cavities. Come winter, Paradise Divide is one of the most reliable places to find Gray-Crowned Rosy Finch flocks fluttering over the snowy ridgetops.
Washington Gulch
Situated just seven miles west of Crested Butte off Gothic Road, Washington Gulch provides bountiful birding opportunities through shrubby riparian habitat and vibrant wildflower meadows. This drainage flows into the Slate River, where one can observe Belted Kingfisher, American Dipper, and Common Merganser along the riverbanks.
In the sage, willows, and aspen of Washington Gulch itself, target specialties like Green-tailed Towhee, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Warbling Vireo, and the electric Lazuli Bunting. This is also a reliable spot for Cordilleran Flycatcher and Dusky Flycatcher, two similar empidonax flycatchers best distinguished by their calls. With over 100 documented bird species, Washington Gulch delivers year-round rewards for birders.
Gothic Townsite Wetlands
What was once the mining town of Gothic is now a cluster of weathered buildings surrounded by extensive wetlands. Just four miles north of Crested Butte along Gothic Road, this mountain ghost town has been reclaimed as a wildlife sanctuary harboring a diversity of high-elevation wetland species.
Be on the lookout for Sandhill Cranes, Wilson’s Snipe, and Sora Rail poking along the marshy pools. Scan the sedges and cattails for Lincoln’s Sparrow and Song Sparrow. Virginia’s, Yellow, and MacGillivray’s warblers all breed here as well. The rare Boreal Owl can even be spotted some winters roosting in the aspens surrounding the townsite wetlands. With new observation platforms offering comfortable birdwatching, Gothic wetlands is an easy, rewarding destination for observing mountain marsh birds.
Crested Butte Cemetery
It may seem an unlikely birding spot, but the Crested Butte Cemetery on Gothic Road can be very productive, especially during spring and fall migration. Sheltered by tall conifers, the cemetery contains mature aspens and a spacious lawn area attractive to a range of species.
Listen for the descending slurred call of the Olive-sided Flycatcher in the tops of the snags and dead aspens from May to July. Scan the outer rows of conifers for Pygmy Nuthatch, Mountain Chickadee, and Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Rufous Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Red-naped Sapsucker, and American Robin are common here in summer. When wildflowers bloom on the graves in late spring, watch for hummingbirds and butterflies gathering nectar and insects. With big old trees and openings for foraging, this quiet, reverent site offers delightful birding.
Upper East River Valley
The East River runs north of Crested Butte, paralleling Gothic Road beyond the former mining town of Schofield. This broad mountain valley encompasses wide meadows, sagebrush hillsides, thick willow carrs, and pockets of spruce-fir forest—prime habitat for over 150 bird species.
Target specialties like Gray Catbird and MacGillivray’s Warbler in the willows, and scan the valley slopes for soaring Golden Eagle and Prairie Falcon. Lucky birders might spot a Great Gray Owl or Boreal Owl perched on a day roost. On summer evenings, listen for the winnowing display flight of Common Nighthawk and the weird tremolo call of Common Poorwill. With public BLM land offering easy roadside birding, Upper East River Valley gives birders a front-row seat to a diverse range of mountain birds.
Tips for Birding Around Crested Butte
To maximize your birdwatching experience around Crested Butte, keep these tips in mind:
- Pack binoculars and bird guides. Bring high-quality binoculars to scan meadows, spot birds in thick willows, and observe ridge tops. Carry a field guide like Sibley or National Geographic to aid identification.
- Focus on song and calls. Learn the common vocalizations to help locate and ID birds hidden in the dense foliage. Apps like Merlin Bird ID can help with bird sound ID.
- Seek wildlife-rich riparian areas. Rivers, creeks, lakes, ponds, and wetlands attract the most diverse and abundant birdlife.
- Time your visit for seasonal specialties. Spring and fall offer peak songbird action while winter brings unusual montane species.
- Be patient and persistent. Birds can be elusive and quiet. Take time to scan thoroughly and remain alert to little movements.
With a diversity of high-quality habitats and low human disturbance, Crested Butte offers world-class birding. Follow these tips and explore the hotspots above to observe a wide range of Rocky Mountain bird species. I sincerely hope you find this “Birdwatching Hotspots in Crested Butte In 2024” article helpful.