South Platte Park, in Littleton, Colorado, has entered its summer mode. Especially lush this year due to the frequent and heavy June rains, the Park is bisected by the South Platte River, currently running high and fast.
By summer, waterfowl are primarily limited to Canada geese, mallards and common mergansers. Double-crested cormorants are common and small flocks of American white pelicans may stop by or fly over. Waders are represented by great blue herons, snowy egrets and black-crowned night herons while ospreys, great horned owls, kestrels and red-tailed hawks are the common summer raptors. Birders are greeted by the songs and calls of yellow warblers, house wrens, yellow-breasted chats, gray catbirds, northern flickers and spotted towhees, among others.
Due to the intense Colorado sun, an early morning or evening visit is advised. Hiking will be more comfortable and the wildlife will be more active.
