What is an Important Bird Area (IBA)?

The National Audubon Society's Important Bird Areas Program consists of state-based projects designed to save birds and their habitats.  An IBA is any site that provides essential habitat to one or more bird species during some portion of the year and is distinguishable from the surrounding landscape. These include nesting areas, migratory stop-over sites, and wintering grounds. Specific criteria differ slightly between states, but generally they can be placed into five categories:

1. Sites that support significant numbers of endangered or threatened species (state or federal).
2. Sites that support significant populations of globally, regionally, or state-ranked species of special concern.
3. Sites that contain rare, threatened, or representative habitats (such as wetlands), with their bird species. 
4. Sites that support significant concentrations or diversity of birds.
5. Sites with a history of long-term research or education.

Important Bird Areas in Colorado

Some examples of potential IBAs in Colorado include large burrowing owl colonies, nesting areas for habitat- specific species like mountain plover and sage grouse, areas where large concentrations of waterfowl or shorebirds congregate during migration, and sites with breeding colonies of grebes, pelicans, herons, or egrets.  Site nominations are being sought for the entire state.

Important Bird Areas in the Fort Collins Area

The Fossil Creek Reservoir Area (including Fossil Creek Wetland and Duck Lake) has been accepted as an Important Bird Area.  Visit http://www.audubon.org/chapter/co/co/IBA/IBA%20Sites/fossil_creek.htm.  Fort Collins Audubon is now reviewing other potential areas for nomination to the IBA program.