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

Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

4/12/2026Private Residence - Nathrop1 observed

Red Crossbill (Lodgepole Pine or type 5)

Loxia curvirostra

4/10/202624556–24558 US-50, Gunnison US-CO 38.48599, -106.329101 observed

Cassia Crossbill

Loxia sinesciuris

4/10/202624556–24558 US-50, Gunnison US-CO 38.48538, -106.337631 observed

Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis

4/7/2026CR 1651 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

4/6/2026Unnamed Road, Villa Grove, Colorado, US (38.393, -106.1)2 observed

Common x Barrow's Goldeneye (hybrid)

Bucephala clangula x islandica

4/5/2026Sands Lake SWA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

154/14/2026

Mallard

44/14/2026

White-faced Ibis

24/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/14/2026

Osprey

14/14/2026

Belted Kingfisher

24/14/2026

Northern Flicker

14/14/2026

Black-billed Magpie

34/14/2026

American Crow

14/14/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/14/2026

Tree Swallow

234/14/2026

American Robin

34/14/2026

House Finch

14/14/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

24/14/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

24/14/2026

Song Sparrow

14/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

64/14/2026

Common Grackle

24/14/2026

American Wigeon

14/14/2026

Barn Swallow

14/14/2026

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.