Birds & Science >

Ouray County
Size: 35.4 acres
Elevation: 7800 - 8000 feet

Habitats:
Primary – cliff/rock
Secondary – high elevation riparian, mountain shrubland, spruce/fir, open water, pinyon/juniper, ponderosa pine

Ownership:
Municipal (City of Ouray)

Land Use:
Primary – recreation/tourism, water supplySecondary – nature and wildlife conservation

IBA Criterion: 2

Site description

Location:
Box Canyon Falls and Park is located less than a mile southwest of the city of Ouray, and 75 miles north of Durango.

Vegetative/natural features:
Forest cover in the park is dominated by ponderosa pine, scrub oak, juniper, and some aspen and cedar. The site contains exposed cliffs of sandstone and limestone, a deep canyon, and waterfalls. The park is dissected by Canyon Creek, while the Uncompahgre River flows nearby. The presence of the rivers and deep canyon produces wet riparian habitat. A 1998 rare plant survey of Ouray County, conducted by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program, identified the site as host to two rare fern species – New Mexican Cliff fern and Western Polypody fern.

Historic features:
The original landowner donated the site to the city as a park at the turn of the century. A walkway and swinging bridge to the falls date back to the same time period. Flood waters washed out the swinging bridge in the 1950s, but it was rebuilt in 1970.

Ornithological Importance

Black Swifts arrive at the site the middle of June to breed, nest, and raise their one chick near the waterfalls in Box Canyon. This site may host the largest colony of Black Swifts in Colorado.

Research and educational activities: Park management opened a new visitors center in 1999 which will, in the future, include interpretive displays on Black Swifts and the geological features of the park.

Conservation/Management Issues

Potential threats:

• disturbance to birds from increased tourism. The presence of a steel bridge and wooden steps may interfere with the movement of Black Swifts during breeding and nesting.