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

Common x Barrow's Goldeneye (hybrid)

Bucephala clangula x islandica

7/11/2026Sands Lake SWA1 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

7/11/2026Sands Lake SWA1 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

7/3/2026Sands Lake SWA1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

7/1/2026Salida1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/9/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

17/9/2026

Turkey Vulture

47/9/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/9/2026

Violet-green Swallow

27/9/2026

Common Grackle

27/9/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

17/9/2026

Mallard

67/8/2026

Osprey

17/8/2026

Black-billed Magpie

17/8/2026

American Crow

27/8/2026

Lark Sparrow

97/8/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/8/2026

American White Pelican

67/7/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

27/7/2026

Cedar Waxwing

17/7/2026

Gray Catbird

17/6/2026

Killdeer

17/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/5/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

47/5/2026

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.