Mountain birding habitat

CSU - Environmental Learning Center

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
MountainForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

CSU - Environmental Learning Center is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 273 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and American Wigeon 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

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

7/18/2026Riverbend Ponds Natural Area1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/18/2026Timnath Reservoir5 observed

Lazuli x Indigo Bunting (hybrid)

Passerina amoena x cyanea

7/17/2026Maxwell Natural Area1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/16/2026Douglas Reservoir1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

7/13/2026Dixon Reservoir1 observed

Black x Eastern Phoebe (hybrid)

Sayornis nigricans x phoebe

7/11/2026Poudre River at Rist Canyon road2 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

7/11/2026Pelican Hills1 observed

Willet (Western)

Tringa semipalmata

7/7/2026Tri-Lakes region1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

137/18/2026

Common Merganser

107/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/18/2026

Osprey

17/18/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/18/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/18/2026

American Kestrel

17/18/2026

Blue Jay

27/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

37/18/2026

Violet-green Swallow

37/18/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/18/2026

Northern House Wren

37/18/2026

House Finch

57/18/2026

American Goldfinch

47/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/18/2026

Canada Goose

157/5/2026

Wood Duck

27/5/2026

Wild Turkey

37/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.

  2. 2

    Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit CSU - Environmental Learning Center for birding?
The best months to visit CSU - Environmental Learning Center for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at CSU - Environmental Learning Center?
Notable species at CSU - Environmental Learning Center include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, American Wigeon, Mallard, Bufflehead. The area supports mountain, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at CSU - Environmental Learning Center?
Birding at CSU - Environmental Learning Center is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at CSU - Environmental Learning Center?
CSU - Environmental Learning Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.