Lake birding habitat

Fossil Creek Reservoir & Regional Open Space

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
LakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Fossil Creek Reservoir & Regional Open Space is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 250 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

6/1/2026Lee Martinez Park1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/1/2026Farr Park, Greeley, CO2 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

6/1/2026Fossil Creek Reservoir & Regional Open Space1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/31/2026Lory SP2 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

5/31/2026Lory SP--Well Gulch Nature Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

676/1/2026

Mallard

286/1/2026

Mourning Dove

26/1/2026

American Coot

46/1/2026

Killdeer

16/1/2026

Western Grebe

76/1/2026

Clark's Grebe

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/1/2026

American Kestrel

16/1/2026

Say's Phoebe

26/1/2026

Western Kingbird

36/1/2026

Western Warbling Vireo

16/1/2026

Tree Swallow

16/1/2026

Barn Swallow

266/1/2026

American Robin

16/1/2026

Western Meadowlark

66/1/2026

Bullock's Oriole

26/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

126/1/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

26/1/2026

Common Grackle

106/1/2026

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 Fossil Creek Reservoir & Regional Open Space for birding?
The best months to visit Fossil Creek Reservoir & Regional Open Space for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fossil Creek Reservoir & Regional Open Space?
Notable species at Fossil Creek Reservoir & Regional Open Space include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports lake, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fossil Creek Reservoir & Regional Open Space?
Birding at Fossil Creek Reservoir & Regional Open Space is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Fossil Creek Reservoir & Regional Open Space?
Fossil Creek Reservoir & Regional Open Space offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.