Birds & Science >
Colorado IBAs
Roxborough State Park
http://parks.state.co.us/default.asp?parkID=94&action=park
Douglas County
Size: 3,299 acres
Elevation: 5900 - 7200 feet
Habitats:
Primary – mountain shrubland
Secondary – aspen, cliff/rock, grassland, lowland riparian, mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, spruce/fir, wetlands
Ownership: State (CO State Parks)
Land Use:
Primary – nature and wildlife conservation, undeveloped, nature education/interpretation
Secondary – recreation/tourism, research
IBA Criteria: 2, 5
Site description
Location:
Located on the edge of the Rocky Mountain foothills in the Chatfield Basin, Roxborough State Park is 15 miles southwest of the Denver metro area.
Vegetative/natural features:
The site’s geological features include sandstone spires and steep, colorful hogback formations. Its scrub oak/mountain mahogany shrubland and mid- to tall-grass prairie habitats support a wide diversity of animals, including over 157 species of birds. The site is located near the northern-most edge of the scrub oak shrubland habitat.
Ornithological Importance
At least 157 species of birds have been observed at the site. Park boundaries encompass part of the Dakota hogback, the whole of which is a known raptor migration route for 17 species of raptors and over 7,000 individuals annually. This same hogback also includes the Hawk Watch site within the Dinosaur Ridge IBA.
Breeding species:
|
Average #
|
Maximum #
|
Prairie Falcon
|
10
|
15
|
Common Poorwill
|
4 pairs
|
|
MacGillivray’s Warbler
|
2
|
4
|
Western Tanager
|
15 pairs
|
|
Canyon Wren
|
6 pairs
|
18
|
Cooper’s Hawk
|
4
|
8
|
Golden-winged Warbler
|
1
|
2
|
Lazuli Bunting
|
4
|
8
|
|
|
|
|
Migrant species:
|
Average #
|
Maximum #
|
Bald Eagle
|
2 (spring)
|
5 (spring)
|
Ferruginous Hawk
|
15 (spring)
|
20 (spring)
|
Northern Harrier
|
15 (spring, fall)
|
20 (spring, fall)
|
Prairie Falcon
|
10 (spring, fall)
|
15 (spring, fall)
|
Swainson’s Hawk
|
5 (spring, fall)
|
10 (spring, fall)
|
Cordilleran Flycatcher
|
2 (spring)
|
4 (spring)
|
Virginia’s Warbler
|
15 (spring, fall)
|
50 (spring, fall)
|
Western Tanager
|
15 pairs (spring, fall)
|
|
Canyon Wren
|
6 pairs (spring, fall)
|
18 (spring, fall)
|
Osprey
|
1 (spring)
|
1 (spring)
|
Turkey Vulture
|
~20 (spring, fall)
|
~30 (spring, fall)
|
Cooper’s Hawk
|
4 (spring, fall)
|
8 (spring, fall)
|
Peregrine Falcon
|
1 (spring)
|
1 (spring)
|
|
|
|
|
Wintering species:
|
Average #
|
Maximum #
|
Bald Eagle
|
2
|
5
|
Ferruginous Hawk
|
15
|
20
|
Northern Harrier
|
15
|
20
|
Prairie Falcon
|
10
|
15
|
Canyon Wren
|
6 pairs
|
18
|
Cooper’s Hawk
|
4
|
8
|
|
|
|
|
Research and educational activities:
The site hosts numerous bird education and monitoring programs, including three guided bird hikes per month and International Migratory Bird Day. These programs reached 600 participants in 1999.
Conservation/Management Issues
Serious threats:
- invasive/non-native plants (Canada thistle, yellow toadflax, diffuse knapweed);
- habitat conversion and development of surrounding area.
Minor threats:
Potential threats:
- introduced animals (house cats, starlings);
- disturbance to birds and habitat;
- trail construction and use.
Efforts to address threats:
Park managers are using an integrated weed management plan combining hand pulling and biological, chemical, and mechanical controls. To combat habitat conversion and development in surrounding areas, the Friends of Roxborough target visually and ecologically important land along park borders for purchase and preservation.
Management details:
Roxborough State Park is a Colorado Natural Area (based on rich diversity of habitats), a National Natural Landmark (based on unique geological formations), and a Colorado Watchable Wildlife site. Regulations do not permit pets, mountain biking, or rock climbing in the park.
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