Lake birding habitat

Arapahoe Bend Natural Area - Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake)

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Arapahoe Bend Natural Area - Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake) is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 252 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Common Goldeneye 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

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

5/31/2026Little Thompson1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

5/31/2026Fossil Creek Reservoir, Fort Collins US-CO 40.48393, -105.016171 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/31/2026Lory SP2 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

5/31/2026Lory SP--Well Gulch Nature Trail1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/31/2026Riverbend Ponds Natural Area1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/30/2026Riverbend Ponds Natural Area1 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

5/30/2026Riverbend Ponds Natural Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

185/29/2026

Mallard

175/29/2026

Mourning Dove

15/29/2026

American Coot

15/29/2026

Killdeer

115/29/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

25/29/2026

Western Grebe

15/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/29/2026

American White Pelican

25/29/2026

American Kestrel

15/29/2026

Cliff Swallow

355/29/2026

American Robin

25/29/2026

Song Sparrow

25/29/2026

Western Meadowlark

45/29/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

505/29/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

25/29/2026

Common Grackle

35/29/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/29/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/23/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/23/2026

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Arapahoe Bend Natural Area - Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake) for birding?
The best months to visit Arapahoe Bend Natural Area - Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake) for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Arapahoe Bend Natural Area - Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake)?
Notable species at Arapahoe Bend Natural Area - Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake) include Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Virginia Rail. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Arapahoe Bend Natural Area - Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake)?
Birding at Arapahoe Bend Natural Area - Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Arapahoe Bend Natural Area - Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake)?
Arapahoe Bend Natural Area - Rigden Reservoir (Strauss Cabin Lake) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.