Pawnee National Grassland

The main attraction for us in visiting Pawnee National Grassland was to see Burrowing Owls, but the best owling was on our way home at a site somewhat east of Pawnee, near the town of Nunn, Colorado.

Burrowing Owl

The grasslands are criss-crossed with dirt roads, and the advice to not go without a map is well advised. On the way in, we did a double-take at the odd looking Guinea Fowl, foraging around someone's farm.

Pawnee National Grassland roads

Guinea Fowl

Flocks of Lark Buntings were a treat to follow, as was the striking Western Kingbird. We also picked up a new bird for our Life List, the McCown's Longspur. We'd never seen Sand Lilies before, but since then we've noticed them blooming on Little Prospect Mountain in Estes Park.

Lark Bunting (Colorado state bird)

Western Kingbird

Sand Lily

McGown's Longspur

We also enjoyed watching the graceful Pronghorn Antelope bounding across the grassland.

Pronghorn Antelope

Burrowing Owls at their burrow near Nunn, CO