Photo: Richard Feist

Wildlife Viewing

Do you yearn to see birds in their natural habitats?

Over 66 million Americans are now actively engaged in wildlife viewing, and you are likely to see wildlife in Colorado wherever you look. The Colorado Division of Wildlife has a website, http://www.coloradobirdingtrail.com, designed to help people discover all kinds of wildlife.

The State has more than 400 bird species and in the Carbondale area you can find wildlife while participating in other activities, such as hiking, biking, sightseeing, or fishing.

Heading to the mountains or valleys to watch wildlife is fun and you can see deer, black bears, eagles, and an infinity of birds just around the corner. Taking a stroll to see the local wildlife is a great way to wrap up a family outing, relax or get exercise. Carbondale also is the home for the Roaring Fork Conservancy and for the Audubon Society that organizes several bird watching trips around the Valley.

Everyone can watch wildlife, regardless of age or physical ability. It doesn't require a 10-mile backpack into the wilderness. In fact, some of the best viewing experiences are from the car. Carbondale also is the gateway for the West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway, considered one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S.

Local bald eagle population more than holding its own
- By Catherine Lutz . . . Aspen Daily News, February 9, 2007
As wildlife officials and bureaucrats in Washington continue to debate whether or not to remove the bald eagle from Endangered Species Act protection, some local experts wonder if the national symbol is making more of a home in the Roaring Fork Valley.