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

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

7/18/2026Riverbend Ponds Natural Area1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/18/2026Timnath Reservoir5 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

7/18/2026Sandstone Ranch (Weld Co.)1 observed

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

7/18/2026Rabbit Mountain2 observed

Lazuli x Indigo Bunting (hybrid)

Passerina amoena x cyanea

7/17/2026Maxwell Natural Area1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/13/2026Lagerman Agricultural Preserve--Lagerman Reservoir1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

7/13/2026Dixon Reservoir1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

37/17/2026

Mourning Dove

97/17/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

17/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/17/2026

Osprey

57/17/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/17/2026

Northern Flicker

17/17/2026

Western Kingbird

37/17/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/17/2026

Blue Jay

37/17/2026

Black-billed Magpie

17/17/2026

American Crow

17/17/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

47/17/2026

Violet-green Swallow

17/17/2026

Barn Swallow

17/17/2026

Northern House Wren

57/17/2026

American Robin

47/17/2026

House Finch

47/17/2026

American Goldfinch

57/17/2026

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.