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

Black-throated Sparrow

Amphispiza bilineata

5/31/2026Hanover Fire Station area3 observed

Lazuli x Indigo Bunting (hybrid)

Passerina amoena x cyanea

5/30/2026Sinton Pond Open Space1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

5/30/2026Clear Spring Ranch1 observed

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

5/29/2026Clear Spring Ranch2 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/29/2026Shooks Run Trail1 observed

Common Black Hawk

Buteogallus anthracinus

5/29/2026Clear Spring Ranch1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/29/2026Clear Spring Ranch1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

5/29/2026Hanover Rd1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

555/30/2026

Northern Shoveler

15/30/2026

Gadwall

25/30/2026

Mallard

105/30/2026

Redhead

25/30/2026

Lesser Scaup

35/30/2026

Ruddy Duck

605/30/2026

American Coot

25/30/2026

American Avocet

25/30/2026

Killdeer

35/30/2026

Ring-billed Gull

205/30/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/30/2026

Eared Grebe

355/30/2026

Western Grebe

205/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

125/30/2026

Snowy Egret

45/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/30/2026

American White Pelican

45/30/2026

Western Kingbird

15/30/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/30/2026

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.