Lake birding habitat

Frantz Lake State Wildlife Area

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Frantz Lake State Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Killdeer 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

Great Egret

Ardea alba

5/29/2026Frantz Lake SWA2 observed

Lark Bunting

Calamospiza melanocorys

5/26/2026CR-300, Buena Vista US-CO 38.77399, -106.094141 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

5/25/2026Mount Ouray SWA1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

5/23/2026Frantz Lake SWA1 observed

Common x Barrow's Goldeneye (hybrid)

Bucephala clangula x islandica

5/21/2026Sands Lake SWA1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

5/20/2026Frantz Lake SWA2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

25/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

25/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

35/31/2026

Black-billed Magpie

15/31/2026

Gray Catbird

15/31/2026

American Robin

35/31/2026

Cedar Waxwing

35/31/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

25/31/2026

Western Meadowlark

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

25/31/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/31/2026

Common Grackle

35/31/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

55/31/2026

Canada Goose

95/30/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

65/30/2026

Mourning Dove

25/30/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

25/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

45/30/2026

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 Frantz Lake State Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Frantz Lake State Wildlife Area for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Frantz Lake State Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Frantz Lake State Wildlife Area include Canada Goose, Mallard, Killdeer, Black-billed Magpie, Mountain Bluebird. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Frantz Lake State Wildlife Area?
Birding at Frantz Lake State Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Frantz Lake State Wildlife Area?
Frantz Lake State Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.