Arapahoe Bend Natural Area

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
MountainForest
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Arapahoe Bend Natural Area is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 259 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Pied-billed Grebe among many others. Elevation changes create diverse habitats, from riparian valleys to alpine meadows, supporting a wide range of species.

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

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

3/5/2026High Plains Environmental Center1 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

3/5/2026Timnath Reservoir2 observed

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentalis

3/5/2026Fossil Creek Reservoirnatural Area, Fort Collins US-CO 40.48372, -105.015722 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

3/4/2026300 W Oak St, Fort Collins US-CO 40.58562, -105.081421 observed

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

3/4/2026Prospect Ponds Natural Area2 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

3/4/2026Prospect Ponds Natural Area1 observed

Red-naped Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus nuchalis

3/4/2026Power trail1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon x Pink-sided)

Junco hyemalis

3/2/2026High Plains Environmental Center1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

3/2/20262716 Second St, Bellvue US-CO 40.62659, -105.173091 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

3/2/2026Lake Donath1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

53/1/2026

Mallard

123/1/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/1/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/1/2026

Northern Flicker

43/1/2026

Blue Jay

13/1/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

53/1/2026

European Starling

73/1/2026

American Robin

143/1/2026

House Sparrow

13/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

53/1/2026

Redhead

702/28/2026

Common Goldeneye

32/28/2026

Common Merganser

12/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

52/28/2026

Wood Duck

12/23/2026

American Wigeon

12/23/2026

Bald Eagle

12/23/2026

Hooded Merganser

22/23/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.

  2. 2

    Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Arapahoe Bend Natural Area for birding?
The best months to visit Arapahoe Bend Natural Area for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Arapahoe Bend Natural Area?
Notable species at Arapahoe Bend Natural Area include Canada Goose, Mallard, Pied-billed Grebe, Red-tailed Hawk, Belted Kingfisher. The area supports mountain, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Arapahoe Bend Natural Area?
Birding at Arapahoe Bend Natural Area is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Arapahoe Bend Natural Area?
Arapahoe Bend Natural Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.