Lake birding habitat

McIntosh Lake

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

McIntosh Lake is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 231 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Ring-billed Gull, and Bald Eagle 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

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

5/31/2026Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat--Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together1 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

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

5/31/2026Pella Crossing Open Space1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

255/31/2026

Mallard

245/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Killdeer

75/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

25/31/2026

Western Grebe

55/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/31/2026

White-faced Ibis

45/31/2026

American White Pelican

55/31/2026

Osprey

25/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/31/2026

American Crow

15/31/2026

Violet-green Swallow

25/31/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

35/31/2026

Barn Swallow

35/31/2026

Cliff Swallow

55/31/2026

European Starling

45/31/2026

American Robin

65/31/2026

House Sparrow

35/31/2026

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 McIntosh Lake for birding?
The best months to visit McIntosh Lake for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at McIntosh Lake?
Notable species at McIntosh Lake include Canada Goose, Ring-billed Gull, Bald Eagle, Northern Flicker, European Starling. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at McIntosh Lake?
Birding at McIntosh Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at McIntosh Lake?
McIntosh Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.