Lake birding habitat

Cheraw Lake

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Cheraw Lake is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose, and Canada Goose 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 Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

4/14/2026(38.2, -103.646)1 observed

Common Black Hawk

Buteogallus anthracinus

4/12/202631530-31716 Colorado 194, La Junta, Colorado, US (38.012, -103.498)1 observed

Bushtit

Psaltriparus minimus

4/5/2026Rocky Ford SWA--Ryans Ponds1 observed

Marbled Godwit

Limosa fedoa

4/5/2026Cheraw Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bufflehead

24/12/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

14/12/2026

Mourning Dove

34/12/2026

Black-necked Stilt

304/12/2026

American Avocet

34/12/2026

Killdeer

14/12/2026

Snowy Plover

114/12/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

54/12/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

84/12/2026

Baird's Sandpiper

154/12/2026

Western Sandpiper

24/12/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/12/2026

European Starling

54/12/2026

House Sparrow

44/12/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

14/12/2026

Common Grackle

14/12/2026

Green-winged Teal

34/12/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

14/12/2026

Eared Grebe

34/12/2026

Western Meadowlark

24/12/2026

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