Colorado is home to more than 400 species of birds and is located in the middle of the Central Flyway — which means it’s a stopover for migrating birds from mid-February until May. Right now, bald eagles that have wintered in Colorado are pairing up, and migration season starts soon. There’s no better time to get out your birder’s checklist and plan some outings. Some tips: It helps if you don’t mind getting up and out in the dark: Sunrise is the best viewing time, although sunset hours work, too. Layer on the clothing (dark or muted colors are recommended since bright colors can distract birds). Remember that bird watching often involves standing or sitting still for long periods of time, so warm boots and socks are a must. A pair of binoculars gets you a much better look at the birds. If you want great photographs, take a camera with a telephoto lens.