These 6 hikes are for the birds (or at least the bird-watchers)

"If I had to choose," the pioneering pilot Charles Lindbergh wrote late in life, "I would rather have birds than airplanes."

For him, a plane was a humble achievement compared with what he called the "basic miracle" of a single graceful swallow.

Of course, the trouble with miracles in the age of airplanes is that they often go unnoticed in the din.

If you want to experience them, you have to seek them out.

The Pikes Peak region, with its grasslands, mountains and reservoirs, is rich in bird species, especially as migration kicks into high gear in the next few months. Bald eagles wheel over the open water, bright nuthatches creep down mountain tree trunks, curve-billed thrashers perch unharmed on cactuses, and tiny warblers pause for rest during their 1,000-mile journey north.

"There are some great places to catch birds where there aren't too many people around, but you have to know them," said Steven Brown, a birder in Mountain Shadows, said. He and fellow birder Mark Peterson share their tips on the best local birding spots, and what birds you can expect to see while there.


1. Bluestem open space

This southeastern open space has two draws: the county's largest body of water - Big Johnson Reservoir - surrounded by relatively undisturbed shortgrass prairie. That means a chance to spot birds from two very different ecosystems.

Directions

From Powers Boulevard, drive south to Fontaine Boulevard; turn right and drive 0.5 mile to Goldfield Road ; turn right drive 0.5 mils to a trailhead sign on the right.

The hike

An easy-to-follow 2.3-mile trail curves around to the north side of the lake. Birders out for water fowl often watch from the dam near the start, though this is private land.

The birds

You need binoculars to spot things on the water. Look for western grebes, hooded mergansers , goldeneye ducks, lesser sandhill cranes and several kinds of ducks. Closer to shore, look for long-billed curlews searching the sand with their curved beaks.
In the grasslands, look for the small burrowing owl, as well as black and white magpies and red-tailed hawks.

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2. Garden of the Gods

This park also has two ecosystems to double birdwatchers' pleasure. Start at the Spring Canyon Picnic Area to find residents of the juniper forest, then head to the big red rocks to find cliff dwellers.

Directions

In Garden of the Gods, Spring Canyon Picnic Area is located 0.5 miles east of Balanced Rock on Garden Drive .

The hike

For the best birding, follow the sandy arroyo north from the picnic area. Keep your ears open for birds rustling in the brush. Then head to North Gateway Rock in the center of the park to look for birds living in the cliffs.

The birds

Chickadees, juniper titmice, scrub jays , Stellar's jays and northern pygmy-owls live in the brush year ‘round. On the cliffs, look for tiny white-throated swifts, which arrive in mid-March. Also look for prairie falcons nesting on the east side of the rock.

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3. Williams Canyon

This limestone canyon's cliffs are the best place to listen for wrens. Visitors to this private canyon need to fill out a waiver at the Cave of the Winds visitor center first.

Directions

Park in downtown Manitou Springs and walk north up Cañon Avenue . The road goes under Highway 24, then become dirt. Pass a gate and enter the canyon.

The hike

The trail follows the canyon floor for several miles. Go only as far as you want. Watch for ice in early spring.

The birds

Canyon wrens and rock wrens are here year-round. These small brown birds are seen almost exclusively on rocks, but are often heard before being spotted. Listen for the falling trill echoing off canyon walls. In May, look for swallows and swifts.

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4. Cheyenne Mountain State Park

This park combines oak scrub with pine foothills, offering a glimpse of many forest species.

To get there

From I-25 take exit 135. Go west on South Academy Boulevard. In just less than 2 miles, turn left on Highway 115. In just less than 2 miles, turn right into the park. $6 entry fee.

The hike

Ask for a map at the gate, the area has several loops of all sizes to choose from.

The birds

Year round look for bright-colored rufous-sided towhees , downy woodpeckers , and wild turkeys, which this time of year form sizable flocks in early morning. As spring progresses, watch for the small brown oven bird, which builds dome-shaped nests on the ground.

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5. Hanover Road

This is not a hike, but the quiet prairie road is the best place to see birds of the prairie and cholla cactus ecosystems.

Directions

From I-25, take Exit 122 east to Old Pueblo Road. After crossing Fountain Creek, turn right on Hanover Road. Follow the road for four to eight miles as it leaves the trees near the river and climbs into the open prairie. Stop at any place with large amounts of shrub-like cholla cactus.

The hike

Both sides of the road are private land, so respect the ranch owners' property. But there is plenty of watching to be done from the roadside.

The birds

In winter the grasslands are home to several species that fly north in the summer, including the horned lark, Lapland longspur and goshawk. Watch for them on fence posts. By May, they'll be replaced by western king birds, fly catchers and the lark bunting, Colorado's state bird. Year-round, look for curve-billed thrashers and loggerhead shrikes among the cholla cactus. The shrike kills its prey by impaling it on the thorns. The thrasher nests in the cactus for protection.

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6. Fountain Creek Nature Center

This collection of ponds and cottonwood forests is a vital migration stop for song birds and water birds, and a year-round home for some interesting species.

Directions

From I-25 take exit 132. Go east to Highway 85, then south 0.5 mile. Turn right on Cattail Marsh Road to parking area.

The hike

This short series of loops provides the most birding bang for the buck. Wander in early morning, looking for birds near the ponds. In early May, catch migrating song birds that stop to rest and feed, plus nesting locals.

The birds

This time of year, look for Virginia rails in the cattails by the bridges. Find black-crowned night herons perched on branches overhanging the water and great blue herons along Fountain Creek. At dusk, listen for great horned owls. The first week in May, catch the songbird migration, when crowds of warblers and thrushes stop to feed in the park. Morning is the best time to spot them.


BIRDING TIPS

Supplies

· A pair of binoculars is handy, preferably 7x35.

• The most useful field guide is the "Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America" ($20). It can be checked out at most locations of the Pikes Peak Library District.


Weather

• What's bad for birds is great for bird-watchers. Storms or high winds that keep birds from flying will fill local birding spots with migrants. Mornings after a front moves through are especially good.


Slow down

• Hiking for birds is different from hiking to get somewhere. By sauntering at half-speed with eyes up and ears open, you'll see much more.


Avoid crowds

• Birds seek out quiet spots away from busy trails, people and dogs. To watch birds, you should, too.