Douglas Reservoir

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Douglas Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Redhead, and Red-tailed Hawk 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

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

3/5/2026Timnath Reservoir2 observed

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentalis

3/5/2026Fossil Creek Reservoirnatural Area, Fort Collins US-CO 40.48372, -105.015722 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

3/4/2026300 W Oak St, Fort Collins US-CO 40.58562, -105.081421 observed

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

3/4/2026Prospect Ponds Natural Area2 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

3/4/2026Prospect Ponds Natural Area1 observed

Red-naped Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus nuchalis

3/4/2026Power trail1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

3/2/20262716 Second St, Bellvue US-CO 40.62659, -105.173091 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

3/2/2026Lake Donath1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (borealis)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/1/2026Boyd Lake1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

2/28/2026Lory SP--Well Gulch Nature Trail1 observed

Rock Wren

Salpinctes obsoletus

2/26/2026Dixon Reservoir1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

32/21/2026

Redhead

6452/21/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/21/2026

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 Douglas Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Douglas Reservoir for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Douglas Reservoir?
Notable species at Douglas Reservoir include Canada Goose, Redhead, Red-tailed Hawk, Mallard, Canvasback. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Douglas Reservoir?
Birding at Douglas Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Douglas Reservoir?
Douglas Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.