Lake birding habitat

Highline Lake State Park

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Highline Lake State Park is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 266 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, 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

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

5/27/2026Colorado Riverfront Trail--Audubon Section1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/23/2026Colorado River SP--Fruita section1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

5/22/2026Green Heron Pond1 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

5/21/2026Green Heron Pond1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

5/20/2026Colorado River SP--Fruita section1 observed

Turkey Vulture (Northern)

Cathartes aura

5/19/2026South Road2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

35/27/2026

Mourning Dove

45/27/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

45/27/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/27/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/27/2026

Great Horned Owl

35/27/2026

American Kestrel

15/27/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

15/27/2026

Say's Phoebe

15/27/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

15/27/2026

Western Kingbird

25/27/2026

Common Raven

25/27/2026

Bank Swallow

65/27/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

25/27/2026

Barn Swallow

105/27/2026

Cliff Swallow

45/27/2026

European Starling

35/27/2026

American Robin

75/27/2026

House Finch

25/27/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

25/27/2026

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