Watching River Wildlife
Where the South Platte flows through prairie, farm, and ranch, riparian areas provide habitat for a great diversity of wildlife. The river, sandbars and adjacent woodlands offer food, water, shelter, nesting and denning sites, and a migration pathway.
Half of Colorado's wildlife species use riparian habitat - even though it covers less than 2% of the state!
The nearby trail is a great place to view the river and observe wildlife. Morning and evening offer the best times to see animal activity. Follow these tips to enjoy viewing wildlife without disturbing them.
Always watch from a distance
Move slowly and quietly
Watch and listen for "signs of life" such as animal tracks or bird songs
Leave pets behind
Learn about the animals you want to see - then you'll know where and when to look for them
Watching Wildlife
What's a riparian area? It's the ecological community along a river or stream that is created by the water running through the surrounding environment. Here you can watch for wildlife such as (clockwise from top life) bald eagles, common flickers, bats, great horned owls, turkey, Woodhouse's toads,
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment.
Location. 40° 16.044′ N, 103° 48.076′ W. Marker is in Fort Morgan, Colorado, in Morgan County. It is on State Highway 52 0.1 miles north of Interstate 76, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Morgan CO 80701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Eastern Plains. It is also in the American Mountain West, on the Great Plains, and specifically on the High Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Rainbow Arch Bridge (here, next to this marker); Sugar Beets (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Morgan (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Fort Morgan (approx. half a mile away); Farmers State Bank Building (approx. 1.2 miles away); Fort Morgan City Hall (approx. 1.4 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,191 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 18, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.
