Mountain birding habitat

Dolores Ponds (wastewater plant area)

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
MountainForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Dolores Ponds (wastewater plant area) is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and Mallard 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 Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

4/14/2026Mesa Verde NP--Far View Area2 observed

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Selasphorus platycercus

4/10/2026Hawkins Preserve1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/9/2026Dunmire House1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

4/6/2026Zetroc House1 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

4/5/2026Upper Yellow Jacket1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

4/5/20262237–2767 County Road 21, Cortez US-CO 37.24874, -108.663851 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

4/4/2026McPhee Reservoir--West End1 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

4/4/2026McPhee Reservoir--West End2 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

4/3/2026Hawkins Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

124/12/2026

Blue-winged Teal

34/12/2026

Cinnamon Teal

84/12/2026

Northern Shoveler

34/12/2026

Gadwall

234/12/2026

Mallard

104/12/2026

Green-winged Teal

84/12/2026

Lesser Scaup

44/12/2026

Bufflehead

284/12/2026

Common Goldeneye

24/12/2026

Mourning Dove

14/12/2026

White-throated Swift

14/12/2026

American Coot

74/12/2026

Killdeer

24/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/12/2026

Osprey

14/12/2026

Cooper's Hawk

14/12/2026

Bald Eagle

34/12/2026

Black Phoebe

14/12/2026

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 Dolores Ponds (wastewater plant area) for birding?
The best months to visit Dolores Ponds (wastewater plant area) for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Dolores Ponds (wastewater plant area)?
Notable species at Dolores Ponds (wastewater plant area) include Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck. The area supports mountain, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Dolores Ponds (wastewater plant area)?
Birding at Dolores Ponds (wastewater plant area) is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Dolores Ponds (wastewater plant area)?
Dolores Ponds (wastewater plant area) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.