Lake birding habitat

Harriman Lake Park

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Harriman Lake Park is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 244 species recorded on eBird. This lake and urban park habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, 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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

7/21/2026Great Western Reservoir (closed to public)1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/21/2026Clear Creek Trail--Golden to I-701 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

7/20/2026Bluff Lake Nature Center1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

7/20/2026Sagebrush Park, Aurora US-CO 39.63117, -104.814991 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Pelican Point area5 observed

Brewer's Sparrow

Spizella breweri

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Wetlands Preserve1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Wetlands Preserve1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Wetlands Preserve1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Wetlands Preserve4 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/19/20261809 E Tufts Ave1 observed

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

7/19/2026Cherry Creek SP--Cottonwood Creek Wetlands1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

7/19/2026Denver City Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

67/19/2026

Mallard

377/19/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

57/19/2026

Mourning Dove

37/19/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

17/19/2026

American Coot

47/19/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

37/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/19/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/19/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/19/2026

Northern Flicker

17/19/2026

Blue Jay

87/19/2026

Black-billed Magpie

37/19/2026

American Crow

27/19/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

97/19/2026

Barn Swallow

27/19/2026

Cliff Swallow

87/19/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/19/2026

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 Harriman Lake Park for birding?
The best months to visit Harriman Lake Park for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Harriman Lake Park?
Notable species at Harriman Lake Park include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Common Merganser. The area supports lake, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Harriman Lake Park?
Birding at Harriman Lake Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Harriman Lake Park?
Harriman Lake Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.