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

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

4/13/2026Lagerman Agricultural Preserve--Lagerman Reservoir1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

4/13/2026Stonebridge1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

4/13/2026Kingfisher Point & Nix Farm Natural Area2 observed

Acorn Woodpecker

Melanerpes formicivorus

4/13/2026Mountain View Cemetery (Boulder Co.)1 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

4/13/2026Morey Wildlife Reserve1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/13/2026Lake Donath1 observed

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Selasphorus platycercus

4/13/2026Near Lory State Park1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/13/2026Near Lory State Park1 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

4/12/2026Running Deer & Cottonwood Hollow Natural Areas1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

74/13/2026

Mallard

44/13/2026

Mourning Dove

24/13/2026

Killdeer

24/13/2026

Horned Grebe

24/13/2026

Western Grebe

34/13/2026

American White Pelican

24/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/13/2026

Osprey

34/13/2026

Cooper's Hawk

14/13/2026

Northern Flicker

14/13/2026

Blue Jay

24/13/2026

American Crow

14/13/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

34/13/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/13/2026

European Starling

24/13/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

14/13/2026

Western Meadowlark

24/13/2026

Common Grackle

14/13/2026

Cinnamon Teal

24/9/2026

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.