Birds & Science >
Colorado IBAs
Dinosaur Ridge
http://www.dinoridge.org
Jefferson County
Size: 660 acres
Elevation: 6000 - 6600 feet
Habitats:
Primary – cliff/rock
Secondary – mountain shrubland, ponderosa pine, juniper
Ownership:
Municipal (Jefferson County Open Space)
Land Use:
Primary – recreation/tourism
Secondary – nature and wildlife conservation, research
IBA Criteria: 4 (raptors), 5
Site description
Location:
Dinosaur Ridge comprises approximately 660 acres of a hogback, which runs south of Interstate-70 to the town of Morrison.
Vegetative/natural features:
The site contains a mixture of cliff and rock, mountain mahogany shrubland, and xeric ponderosa pine with rocky mountain juniper.
Historic features:
The site is known for its dinosaur foot prints and fossils. ‘Friends of Dinosaur Ridge’ oversees interpretation of the dinosaur component of the area.
Ornithological Importance
The site contains one of only two Hawk Watch sites in Colorado, and one of only three spring Hawk Watches along the length of the Rocky Mountain Front Range. Monitors have recorded significant numbers for several raptor species at this site, including the highest tallies of migrating Ferruginous Hawks in the world.
Spring Migrant species:
|
Average #
|
Maximum #
|
Turkey Vulture
|
675
|
1058
|
Bald Eagle
|
77
|
164
|
Cooper’s Hawk
|
480
|
803
|
Broad-winged Hawk
|
55
|
198
|
Red-tailed Hawk
|
1047
|
1900
|
Ferruginous Hawk
|
85
|
241
|
Golden Eagle
|
72
|
150
|
American Kestral
|
777
|
1287
|
Peregrine Falcon
|
22
|
50
|
White-throated Swift
|
5000
|
|
Common Raven
|
750
|
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|
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|
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Research and educational activities: Approximately one acre at the northern end of the hogback is designated as a Hawk Watch site and is used for raptor research.
Conservation/Management Issues
Potential threats:
- invasive/non-native plants;
- disturbance to birds from nearby gun range and ORV driving site.
Management details:
The site is part of a designated ‘natural area management unit,’ where hiking and mountain biking are permitted on established trails. It is also a Colorado Watchable Wildlife site.
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