Birding at The Springs Resort: Exploring the Unique Geothermal Wetlands of Pagosa Springs

In the heart of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, you’ll find The Springs Resort, a hot springs destination known widely for its geothermal soaking pools and wild surroundings. Guests of The Springs enjoy stunning views of the San Juan River along the property. Partly because of the mountain town’s tranquil atmosphere and chiefly because the property runs into Pagosa Springs Riverwalk Wetlands, the experience can unexpectedly become a birder’s paradise. The great blue heron, dabbling and diving ducks such as cinnamon teal or common merganser, and even an occasional barn swallow are some of the many avifaunae visitors observe at this unsuspecting birdwatching hotspot.

We sat with Josh Pike, Coordinator for Pagosa Wetland Partners, to discuss why preserving the wetlands is essential. Pike explained the wetlands’ history and how The Springs Resort became an integral component of the wetlands area.

What makes these particular wetlands unique?

The bird diversity and involved citizen science community that surround the wetlands is witnessed in the 189 bird species that have been recorded on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird database, which catalogs bird observations and reports submitted by birders and citizen scientists.

Additionally, the wetlands are a key site in the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count, which is run locally by the Weminuche Audubon Society and Audubon Rockies and in 2022 recorded 4,432 observed birds representing over 68 species – the highest species count collected in 12 years.

“The water being geothermal also means it’s pretty nutrient-rich,” Pike adds, explaining that the mineral content provided by the natural geothermal waters contains a combination of phosphorus and nitrogen, which are crucial to plant growth and promote rich plant species.

In addition to phosphorus and nitrogen, the geothermal waters in Pagosa contain a significant amount of sulfates, often detected through the distinct odor of the spring water. Pike has stated that Pagosa Wetlands Partners aims to investigate the curious macroinvertebrates and algae drawn to the water in this area due to the elevated sulfate levels.

Commitment to the Wetlands

Recognizing the importance of protecting this unique area, Pagosa Wetlands Partners was formed in 2019 at a Weminuche Audubon Society meeting. The organization is dedicated to prioritizing scientific conservation research, working with stakeholders to protect the wetlands, and educating stakeholders and the community on the wetlands’ importance.

One particular education initiative the organization offers is free Riverwalk Naturalist Tours provided each summer from June to September. With a primary focus on education, the tour teaches the importance of conserving this rare habitat and gives insights into the area’s wildlife, geology and history.

“These last couple of years, we’ve had almost an exactly even split between visitors and people who are from the community,” Pike remarked. “It’s fun to do, and it’s interesting… even if you’re a visitor, there’s a lot… because we talk a lot about wildlife, the history, and the ecology of the area.” And at the end of your visit, you leave filled with knowledge and insight into wetland habitats that you can take with you.

Pagosa Wetland Partners has also played an essential role in promoting community responsibility for the area and raising awareness for local businesses about their impact on the habitat.

In planning the expansion of The Springs Resort, Pagosa Wetland Partners provided vital insight to ensure that the resort development took into account the region’s ecology.

Community Involvement is Key

The Springs Resort is just one example of what responsible stewardship of our natural environment looks like. By listening to the concerns of their community, committing to sustainability practices, and prioritizing wildlife protection, we can significantly impact preserving one of Colorado’s most unique habitats for future generations.