Fossil Creek Reservoir & Regional Open Space

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

LakeRiver/Riparian

Best Seasons

Summer Fall

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

Canada Goose Northern Shoveler Gadwall American Wigeon Mallard

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/11/2026Ft. Collins City Park and Sheldon Lake1 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

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

7/11/2026Dixon Reservoir1 observed

Lazuli x Indigo Bunting (hybrid)

Passerina amoena x cyanea

7/11/2026Maxwell Natural Area1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

7/10/2026Fossil Creek Reservoir & Regional Open Space2 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

7/7/2026Ish Reservoir (Boulder Co.)1 observed

Willet (Western)

Tringa semipalmata

7/7/2026Tri-Lakes region1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

7/7/2026Ryan Gulch Reservoir3 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

7/6/2026Ryan Gulch Reservoir1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

407/12/2026

Green-winged Teal

87/12/2026

American Coot

17/12/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/12/2026

Clark's Grebe

27/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/12/2026

Snowy Egret

47/12/2026

Great Egret

17/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/12/2026

American White Pelican

137/12/2026

Swainson's Hawk

17/12/2026

Say's Phoebe

17/12/2026

Western Kingbird

17/12/2026

American Crow

17/12/2026

Tree Swallow

17/12/2026

Barn Swallow

17/12/2026

Cliff Swallow

17/12/2026

Cassin's Sparrow

17/12/2026

Lark Sparrow

17/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/12/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado alpine park with accessible tundra birding and elevation-diverse habitats.

Pawnee National Grassland

Colorado shortgrass prairie with grassland specialists and nesting raptors at Pawnee Buttes.

Adobe Creek Reservoir (Blue Lake) - Bent Co

Lake birding hotspot in Colorado with 227 recorded species.

Colorado Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Colorado →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Bird Identification: The Four Keys

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Best Birding Apps in 2026

7 min read

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.