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

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SummerFall
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

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

113/5/2026

Mallard

23/5/2026

Redhead

2103/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

23/5/2026

Bald Eagle

13/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

3/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

32/21/2026

Common Merganser

32/21/2026

Virginia Rail

12/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

32/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/21/2026

American Kestrel

12/21/2026

Blue Jay

32/21/2026

European Starling

42/21/2026

House Finch

12/21/2026

American Tree Sparrow

12/21/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

122/21/2026

Song Sparrow

82/21/2026

Western Meadowlark

32/21/2026

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.