Lake birding habitat

Bear Creek Lake Park

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
LakeRiver/RiparianUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Bear Creek Lake Park is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 289 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Great Horned Owl, and Northern Flicker 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

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

7/21/2026Great Western Reservoir (closed to public)1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/21/2026Clear Creek Trail--Golden to I-701 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

7/20/2026Bluff Lake Nature Center1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

7/20/2026Sagebrush Park, Aurora US-CO 39.63117, -104.814991 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Pelican Point area5 observed

Brewer's Sparrow

Spizella breweri

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Wetlands Preserve1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Wetlands Preserve1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Wetlands Preserve1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Wetlands Preserve4 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

7/19/2026Coal Creek Open Space (Jefferson Co.)1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/19/20261809 E Tufts Ave1 observed

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

7/19/2026Cherry Creek SP--Cottonwood Creek Wetlands1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

27/19/2026

Mourning Dove

37/19/2026

Killdeer

17/19/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/19/2026

Osprey

17/19/2026

Swainson's Hawk

17/19/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

17/19/2026

Black-billed Magpie

97/19/2026

Barn Swallow

17/19/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/19/2026

House Finch

27/19/2026

American Goldfinch

17/19/2026

Western Meadowlark

17/19/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/19/2026

Canada Goose

147/19/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

17/19/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

47/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/19/2026

Northern Flicker

27/19/2026

American Kestrel

17/19/2026

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 Bear Creek Lake Park for birding?
The best months to visit Bear Creek Lake Park for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Bear Creek Lake Park?
Notable species at Bear Creek Lake Park include Canada Goose, Great Horned Owl, Northern Flicker, Black-billed Magpie, American Tree Sparrow. The area supports lake, river/riparian, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bear Creek Lake Park?
Birding at Bear Creek Lake Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Bear Creek Lake Park?
Bear Creek Lake Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.