Lake birding habitat

Big Johnson Reservoir & Bluestem Prairie Open Space

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
LakeGrassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Big Johnson Reservoir & Bluestem Prairie Open Space is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 279 species recorded on eBird. This lake and grassland 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

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

7/18/2026Black Squirrel Creek1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

7/18/2026Westwood Home1 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

7/14/2026Venetucci Farm (restricted access)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

7/18/2026

Wood Duck

27/18/2026

Mallard

7/18/2026

Green-winged Teal

7/18/2026

Ruddy Duck

7/18/2026

Mourning Dove

27/18/2026

Killdeer

187/18/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

37/18/2026

Baird's Sandpiper

47/18/2026

Least Sandpiper

67/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

7/18/2026

California Gull

7/18/2026

Eared Grebe

7/18/2026

Western Grebe

7/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

407/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/18/2026

American White Pelican

167/18/2026

Say's Phoebe

47/18/2026

Western Kingbird

47/18/2026

Horned Lark

47/18/2026

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