Mountain birding habitat

Ft Lyon Wildlife Easement

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
MountainForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Ft Lyon Wildlife Easement is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 258 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and forest habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Elevation changes create diverse habitats, from riparian valleys to alpine meadows, supporting a wide range of species.

Location

Loading map...

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

Glaucous-winged Gull

Larus glaucescens

5/27/2026John Martin Reservoir1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/27/2026John Martin Reservoir1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

5/23/2026Bent's Old Fort NHS1 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

5/22/2026Van's Marsh (Gageby Creek at Bent CR-JJ)1 observed

Golden-winged Warbler

Vermivora chrysoptera

5/19/2026Van's Grove (Bent C- JJ, east of Ft. Lyon)1 observed

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

5/19/2026Lake Hasty (lake and campground)1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/19/2026West end of CR Gg 5 and Gg 251 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

15/27/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

55/27/2026

Rock Pigeon

15/27/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

45/27/2026

Mourning Dove

195/27/2026

Common Nighthawk

35/27/2026

Chimney Swift

25/27/2026

Virginia Rail

15/27/2026

American Coot

15/27/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

15/27/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/27/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/27/2026

Northern Flicker

15/27/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

15/27/2026

Western Kingbird

155/27/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/27/2026

Blue Jay

25/27/2026

Barn Swallow

25/27/2026

European Starling

155/27/2026

Brown Thrasher

15/27/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.

  2. 2

    Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ft Lyon Wildlife Easement for birding?
The best months to visit Ft Lyon Wildlife Easement for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ft Lyon Wildlife Easement?
Notable species at Ft Lyon Wildlife Easement include Mountain Bluebird, Clark's Nutcracker, White-tailed Ptarmigan, Townsend's Solitaire, Rosy-Finch. The area supports mountain, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ft Lyon Wildlife Easement?
Birding at Ft Lyon Wildlife Easement is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Ft Lyon Wildlife Easement?
Ft Lyon Wildlife Easement offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.