Rio Grande and Home Lake State Wildlife Areas

Background | Criteria | Northwest Colorado | Northeast Colorado
Southwest Colorado | Southeast Colorado

Rio Grande
and Home Lake State Wildlife Areas
Rio Grande County

Size: ~3,000 acres

Elevation: 7500 - 7600 feet

Habitats: Primary – lowland riparian

Secondary – wetlands, open water

Ownership: State (CO Division of Wildlife)

Land Use: Primary – nature and wildlife conservation

Secondary – agriculture/livestock, hunting/fishing

IBA Criterion: 4

Site description

Location: Rio Grande and Home Lake State Wildlife Areas are located near the town of Monte Vista in south-central Colorado.

Vegetative/natural features: The site consists of riparian habitat along the Rio Grande River, open water habitat in Home Lake, and marshy wetlands. Narrowleaf Cottonwoods at the site provide an important corridor for migrating birds. Spruce plantations near Home Lake provide cover for spring migrants, especially during late-spring snowstorms.

Ornithological Importance

The site is important as a resting and feeding area for migrating birds. It is so attractive to neotropical migrant species, that even rare and out-of-range species are found here, such as Cerulean Warbler, Blackpoll, Black-and-white, Magnolia, and Northern Parula. In addition, Clark’s Grebe, Plumbeous Vireo, Redhead, Western Grebe, and Western Tanager use the area during migration. Bald Eagles use the cottonwoods. Willow Flycatchers are found at the site.

Conservation/Management Issues

Serious threats:
1. habitat conversion and development of nearby private lands, which can eliminate important linkages for migrating birds.

Potential threats:
1. disturbance to birds and habitat.

Management details:
Rio Grande State Wildlife Area is a Colorado Watchable Wildlife site.