Lake birding habitat

McPhee Reservoir - West End

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

McPhee Reservoir - West End is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, and Gadwall 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

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Selasphorus platycercus

4/10/2026Hawkins Preserve1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/9/2026Dunmire House1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

4/6/2026Zetroc House1 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

4/5/2026Upper Yellow Jacket1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

4/5/20262237–2767 County Road 21, Cortez US-CO 37.24874, -108.663851 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

4/4/2026McPhee Reservoir--West End1 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

4/4/2026McPhee Reservoir--West End2 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

4/3/2026Hawkins Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

14/12/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

14/12/2026

American Kestrel

24/12/2026

Common Raven

24/12/2026

House Finch

14/12/2026

Vesper Sparrow

14/12/2026

Song Sparrow

14/12/2026

Western Meadowlark

24/12/2026

Blue-winged Teal

34/10/2026

Gadwall

24/10/2026

Mallard

104/10/2026

Ring-necked Duck

114/10/2026

Mourning Dove

14/10/2026

Ring-billed Gull

124/10/2026

California Gull

14/10/2026

Eared Grebe

184/10/2026

Western Grebe

164/10/2026

Clark's Grebe

14/10/2026

Common Loon

14/10/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/10/2026

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