Lake birding habitat

Aurora Reservoir

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Aurora Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and Northern Shoveler 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

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

5/31/2026CommonGround (Westerly) Wetlands2 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

5/31/2026CommonGround (Westerly) Wetlands4 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

5/31/2026Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR (Please use more specific locations)1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

5/31/2026Cherry Creek SP--Prairie Loop1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

5/31/2026Cherry Creek SP--Prairie Loop1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/31/2026Cherry Creek SP--Marina & nearby Dam Trail1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/31/2026Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR--Havana Ponds and Trail1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

5/31/2026Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR--Havana Ponds and Trail1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/31/2026Cherry Creek SP--Pelican Point area2 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

5/31/2026Cherry Creek State Park, Greenwood Village US-CO 39.63455, -104.863231 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/31/2026Cherry Creek State Park, Greenwood Village US-CO 39.63455, -104.863231 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Nighthawk

15/27/2026

Mallard

15/26/2026

Mourning Dove

25/26/2026

Killdeer

45/26/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

45/26/2026

Swainson's Hawk

25/26/2026

Violet-green Swallow

55/26/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

25/26/2026

Barn Swallow

45/26/2026

American Robin

25/26/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

25/26/2026

Lark Sparrow

25/26/2026

Western Meadowlark

65/26/2026

Bullock's Oriole

25/26/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

125/26/2026

Common Grackle

25/26/2026

Canada Goose

105/25/2026

Ring-billed Gull

305/25/2026

Eared Grebe

155/25/2026

Western Tanager

15/25/2026

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 Aurora Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Aurora Reservoir for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Aurora Reservoir?
Notable species at Aurora Reservoir include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Aurora Reservoir?
Birding at Aurora Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Aurora Reservoir?
Aurora Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.