Lake birding habitat

DeWeese Reservoir State Wildlife Area

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

DeWeese Reservoir State Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 268 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

5/28/2026County Road 287, Wetmore US-CO 38.17489, -105.146411 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

5/27/2026DeWeese Reservoir SWA1 observed

Gray Flycatcher

Empidonax wrightii

5/27/2026County Road 103, Wetmore, Colorado, (38.257, -105.138)1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

5/26/2026DeWeese Reservoir SWA1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

5/24/20262407 County Road 255, Westcliffe, Colorado, US (38.179, -105.408)1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/24/2026DeWeese Reservoir SWA2 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

5/24/2026DeWeese Reservoir SWA2 observed

Blue-winged x Cinnamon Teal (hybrid)

Spatula discors x cyanoptera

5/24/2026DeWeese Reservoir SWA1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

5/22/202620 Mineral Rd, Westcliffe US-CO (38.1440,-105.4677)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

706/1/2026

Blue-winged Teal

86/1/2026

Cinnamon Teal

66/1/2026

Gadwall

306/1/2026

Mallard

606/1/2026

Green-winged Teal

86/1/2026

Ring-necked Duck

16/1/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

46/1/2026

American Coot

86/1/2026

Killdeer

26/1/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/1/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

36/1/2026

Western Grebe

46/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/1/2026

White-faced Ibis

306/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

American White Pelican

46/1/2026

Northern Flicker

16/1/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

46/1/2026

Western Flycatcher

36/1/2026

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 DeWeese Reservoir State Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit DeWeese Reservoir State Wildlife Area for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at DeWeese Reservoir State Wildlife Area?
Notable species at DeWeese Reservoir State Wildlife Area include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at DeWeese Reservoir State Wildlife Area?
Birding at DeWeese Reservoir State Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at DeWeese Reservoir State Wildlife Area?
DeWeese Reservoir State Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.