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

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/13/20266 & 50 Reservoir, Mesa Co.1 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

4/13/2026Highline Lake SP1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

4/12/2026US-CO-Grand Junction-Trappett-Yard1 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

4/12/2026D6, Fruita, Colorado, US (39.131, -108.773)2 observed

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

4/12/2026Crown Point Cemetery1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

4/12/202681630, De Beque US-CO 39.38975, -108.824511 observed

Gambel's Quail

Callipepla gambelii

4/12/202681630, De Beque US-CO 39.38975, -108.824512 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

4/12/2026Highline Lake SP2 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

4/12/2026Colorado River SP--Audubon Section2 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

4/12/20266 & 50 Reservoir, Mesa Co.2 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

4/11/2026High line State Park1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/10/2026Horsethief Canyon SWA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

14/14/2026

American Wigeon

14/14/2026

Redhead

24/14/2026

Ring-necked Duck

304/14/2026

Ruddy Duck

14/14/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

14/14/2026

American Coot

404/14/2026

Killdeer

14/14/2026

Franklin's Gull

504/14/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/14/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

44/14/2026

Western Grebe

24/14/2026

Common Loon

14/14/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/14/2026

Black-billed Magpie

24/14/2026

Common Raven

34/14/2026

Barn Swallow

24/14/2026

House Finch

14/14/2026

Western Meadowlark

24/14/2026

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 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.