Trail Conditions
Please see the Natural Resources Events Calendar for guided nature hikes.
The Cattail Flats trail is open again now that the bald eagles have migrated north.
Raptor Sightings
It's been a great year to view raptors at Fossil Creek! Northern harriers, peregrine falcons, prairie falcons, Swainson's hawks, ferruginous hawks, immature bald eagles and merlins have been sighted recently.
Two ospreys have been using the nesting platform. They showed up a little late this year, but hopefully may still have time to nest.
Wildlife Sightings
A small family of three to six coyotes can sometimes be seen in the grassland areas alone or with the pack howling, napping, and playing. Their tracks wind in and out of the Sandpiper Trail. Dogs are not allowed at Fossil Creek, so if you see a doglike track, it's probably a coyote.
Shorebird/Gull Sightings
Avocets, ibis, egrets and herons can be seen along the shores. Bonaparte and Laughing gulls have been seen recently.
Waterfowl Sightings
The northern pintail and of course the mallards have recently been spotted at Fossil Creek. Here are just some of the other water birds that you might be able to view when you visit: lesser scaup, common goldeneye, northern shoveler, common merganser, redhead, greater scaup, horned grebe, eared grebe, American coot, green-winged teal, blue-winged teal, gadwall, cinnamon teal, American wigeon, ruddy duck, ring-necked duck, and more!
Songbird Sightings
Meadowlarks constantly remind you that they are there with their distinct songs. Swallows and Kingbirds have started to move in and are already building nests. Red-winged blackbirds are always hanging around around for you to spot. Horned larks can also be seen and heard on the grassland areas. More birds are moving in every day!
