Lake birding habitat

Lon Hagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Lon Hagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Wigeon, and Mallard 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

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

5/31/2026Little Thompson1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

5/31/2026Pella Crossing Open Space3 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

5/31/2026Lagerman Agricultural Preserve--Lagerman Reservoir2 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

5/31/2026Golden Ponds Park and Nature Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

35/30/2026

Mallard

25/30/2026

Common Merganser

15/30/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

25/30/2026

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Killdeer

15/30/2026

Western Grebe

55/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

45/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/30/2026

Osprey

15/30/2026

Bald Eagle

15/30/2026

Say's Phoebe

15/30/2026

Western Kingbird

25/30/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/30/2026

Blue Jay

15/30/2026

Black-billed Magpie

15/30/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/30/2026

Cliff Swallow

15/30/2026

American Robin

15/30/2026

House Sparrow

15/30/2026

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 Lon Hagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Lon Hagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lon Hagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Lon Hagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area include Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, Redhead, Killdeer. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lon Hagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area?
Birding at Lon Hagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lon Hagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area?
Lon Hagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.