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

Black x Eastern Phoebe (hybrid)

Sayornis nigricans x phoebe

7/11/2026Poudre River at Rist Canyon road2 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

7/11/2026Pelican Hills1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

7/11/2026Dixon Reservoir1 observed

Lazuli x Indigo Bunting (hybrid)

Passerina amoena x cyanea

7/11/2026Maxwell Natural Area1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

7/10/2026Fossil Creek Reservoir & Regional Open Space2 observed

Willet (Western)

Tringa semipalmata

7/7/2026Tri-Lakes region1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

7/7/2026Ryan Gulch Reservoir3 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

7/6/2026Ryan Gulch Reservoir1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

7/4/2026North Shields Pond Natural Area4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

107/3/2026

Mallard

187/3/2026

Mourning Dove

17/3/2026

Killdeer

37/3/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/3/2026

Western Grebe

17/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/3/2026

Bald Eagle

37/3/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/3/2026

Northern Flicker

17/3/2026

Cliff Swallow

207/3/2026

Northern House Wren

27/3/2026

American Robin

27/3/2026

American Goldfinch

37/3/2026

Song Sparrow

17/3/2026

Western Meadowlark

17/3/2026

Bullock's Oriole

27/3/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

47/3/2026

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.