Kiowa County's Great Plains Reservoirs are a rest stop for migrating birds

On the shortgrass prairie, open water is rare and valuable, and birds know it. The Great Plains Reservoirs near Eads, including Nee Noshe and Nee Gronda, give migrating waterfowl and other birds a place to rest and feed as they cross the plains. In a landscape of grass and dry creeks, a big reservoir stands out for miles, and it pulls in life accordingly.

That is part of why these reservoirs matter to more than just anglers. During migration seasons, the water and shoreline can host ducks, geese, and other birds moving along the central part of the continent. For people who like to watch wildlife, the reservoirs and the surrounding Queens State Wildlife Area can be a quiet, rewarding place to bring binoculars.

A few things to keep in mind: some areas are closed or restricted during waterfowl seasons to protect the birds and to keep hunting and other uses from colliding. Access rules tied to the state wildlife area still apply. And water levels shape how much habitat exists in any given year.

If you want to plan a visit for birds, or just understand why the reservoirs draw so much wildlife, start with Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s pages for the Queens State Wildlife Area and Nee Noshe Reservoir, and check current seasons and closures before you go.