Lake birding habitat

Manitou Lake

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Manitou Lake is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 258 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Mallard, Red-tailed Hawk, and Steller's Jay 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

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/31/2026Monument Library Pond3 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

5/30/2026J O Hill Reservoir1 observed

Pinyon Jay

Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus

5/30/2026Monument Preserve2 observed

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

5/27/2026Lake George1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/27/2026Manitou Lake1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

5/26/2026Manitou Lake1 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

5/24/2026South Mule Deer Drive1 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

5/22/2026Manitou Lake1 observed

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

5/20/2026Manitou Lake1 observed

Cassin's Vireo

Vireo cassinii

5/20/2026Manitou Lake2 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

5/20/2026Manitou Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

65/31/2026

Gadwall

25/31/2026

Mallard

45/31/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

105/31/2026

California Gull

25/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/31/2026

American White Pelican

135/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/31/2026

Osprey

15/31/2026

Bald Eagle

15/31/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/31/2026

Belted Kingfisher

15/31/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

65/31/2026

Dusky Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Western Warbling Vireo

35/31/2026

American Crow

25/31/2026

Common Raven

35/31/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

25/31/2026

Violet-green Swallow

65/31/2026

Barn Swallow

55/31/2026

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 Manitou Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Manitou Lake for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Manitou Lake?
Notable species at Manitou Lake include Mallard, Red-tailed Hawk, Steller's Jay, American Crow, Brown Creeper. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Manitou Lake?
Birding at Manitou Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Manitou Lake?
Manitou Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.