Lake birding habitat

Cochrane Lake

Alberta · Canada

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

May-October

About This Location

Cochrane Lake is a productive birding destination in Alberta, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Bald Eagle, Northern Flicker, and Black-billed Magpie among many others. Boreal and temperate forests host breeding warblers, sparrows, and waterfowl during the productive summer months.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Green-winged Teal (Eurasian x American)

Anas crecca

4/20/2026Cochrane Lake1 observed

Bufflehead x Hooded Merganser (hybrid)

Bucephala albeola x Lophodytes cucullatus

4/20/2026Cochrane Lake1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

4/17/2026PFW-c56108-T3Z1A21 observed

Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus

4/14/2026PFW-c56108-T3Z1A21 observed

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

4/12/202663 Valley Crest Rise NW, Calgary CA-AB (51.0944,-114.2662)15 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

4/12/2026TWP 2442 observed

Purple Finch (Eastern)

Haemorhous purpureus

4/11/202694 Chinook Drive, Cochrane, Alberta, CA (51.195, -114.477)1 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

4/10/2026Cochrane, Alberta1 observed

Sandhill Crane (Lesser)

Antigone canadensis

4/9/2026240118 Range Road 41, Alberta, CA (51.018, -114.443)2 observed

Pacific Wren

Troglodytes pacificus

4/7/2026Big Hill Springs Provincial Park1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

4/7/2026Big Hill Springs Provincial Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/20/2026

Trumpeter Swan

24/20/2026

Northern Shoveler

204/20/2026

Gadwall

24/20/2026

American Wigeon

44/20/2026

Mallard

144/20/2026

Green-winged Teal

164/20/2026

Canvasback

504/20/2026

Redhead

204/20/2026

Ring-necked Duck

404/20/2026

Greater Scaup

64/20/2026

Lesser Scaup

454/20/2026

Bufflehead

504/20/2026

Common Goldeneye

454/20/2026

Hooded Merganser

64/20/2026

Common Merganser

44/20/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

14/20/2026

Ruddy Duck

24/20/2026

American Coot

604/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

34/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Peak breeding season runs from late May through June for most songbirds.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cochrane Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Cochrane Lake for birding are May-October. The best seasons are Spring and Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cochrane Lake?
Notable species at Cochrane Lake include Bald Eagle, Northern Flicker, Black-billed Magpie, Common Raven, Black-capped Chickadee. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cochrane Lake?
Birding at Cochrane Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cochrane Lake?
Cochrane Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.