Written by: Jane Logan Dorn, Local Ornithologist
The western edge of the Great Plains and the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains meet in Goshen County. These two distinct habitats offer incredible opportunities to see nearly 300 species of birds, including year-round residents, summer nesters, winter visitors, and spring and fall migrants. Grab your binoculars and head out to add some birds to your list.
Birding Through the Seasons
Winter
Winter brings variety to the county’s skies. The annual Christmas Bird Count typically records 40–50 species, and birders of all experience levels are welcome to join. Look for wintering birds such as the Merlin, Rough-legged Hawk, Northern Shrike, Lapland Longspur, Townsend’s Solitaire, American Tree Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Harris’s Sparrow, and Common Redpoll. In snowy winters, both Gray-crowned and Black Rosy-Finches often appear at feeders. With some patience, you might spot Brown Creepers and Golden-crowned Kinglets. Many species of ducks remain through winter, finding open water along the North Platte and Laramie Rivers.
Spring
The migration season begins in late February, when great flocks of Snow Geese descend on Table Mountain Wildlife Area and Springer Reservoir to rest. Soon after, Sandhill Cranes arrive, sometimes by the hundreds, gathering near the Platte River and reservoirs, especially Table Mountain. Mountain Bluebirds are among the early arrivals, passing through briefly before moving on to the foothills.
Mid-May marks the peak of spring migration. Warblers and many other species follow the eastern slope of the Rockies, often stopping to rest in riparian zones along the rivers and near reservoirs.
Summer
Goshen County’s grasslands and cottonwood stands host a wide range of nesting species in summer. Grassland birds include Long-billed Curlews, Lark Buntings, Chestnut-collared Longspurs, Loggerhead Shrikes, Western Kingbirds, Say’s Phoebes, and both Lark and Vesper Sparrows. Along the river corridors, cottonwood forests are alive with Orchard and Bullock’s Orioles, Black-headed Grosbeaks, and Yellow-breasted Chats. Rocky outcrops attract Rock Wrens, and the marshes at Table Mountain provide ideal nesting grounds for Marsh Wrens.
Fall
Fall migration begins as early as August, with many species of sandpipers feeding in ephemeral ponds. In October, large flocks of Snow Geese and Sandhill Cranes fly south, often riding the winds ahead of autumn storms.
Year-Round Residents
Goshen County sits far enough south to entice over 50 species to stay throughout the year. You’ll spot Canada Geese in the thousands, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Robins, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, Western Meadowlarks, Black-capped and Mountain Chickadees, and small numbers of Canyon and Marsh Wrens. Great flocks of Horned Larks are also common. Raptors like the American Kestrel, Red-tailed Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, and Prairie Falcon are frequent sights on the open plains.
Where to Bird in Goshen County
Some of the best birding spots include the reservoirs at Bump Sullivan, Hawk Springs, and Springer. Table Mountain Wildlife Area offers excellent birding in spring, summer, and early fall. For grassland species, head north from Torrington on State Highway 159 in May through July—stop often, scan the landscape, and listen carefully. Many prairie birds are more easily heard than seen.
Fort Laramie National Historic Site also offers year-round birding, especially along the Laramie and North Platte Rivers. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just beginning, Goshen County is full of opportunities to be surprised and delighted on your birding adventures.
