Wetland birding habitat

Mount Ouray State Wildlife Area

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Mount Ouray State Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Eurasian Collared-Dove 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

Great Egret

Ardea alba

5/29/2026Frantz Lake SWA2 observed

Lark Bunting

Calamospiza melanocorys

5/26/2026CR-300, Buena Vista US-CO 38.77399, -106.094141 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

5/25/2026Mount Ouray SWA1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

5/23/2026Frantz Lake SWA1 observed

Common x Barrow's Goldeneye (hybrid)

Bucephala clangula x islandica

5/21/2026Sands Lake SWA1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

5/20/2026Frantz Lake SWA2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

145/29/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/29/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

15/29/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/29/2026

Tree Swallow

25/29/2026

European Starling

55/29/2026

Song Sparrow

15/29/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

205/29/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/25/2026

Mourning Dove

25/25/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

15/25/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/25/2026

White-faced Ibis

25/25/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/25/2026

American White Pelican

15/25/2026

Osprey

15/25/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/25/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/25/2026

Say's Phoebe

15/25/2026

Western Kingbird

15/25/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Mount Ouray State Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Mount Ouray State Wildlife Area for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Mount Ouray State Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Mount Ouray State Wildlife Area include Canada Goose, Mallard, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Virginia Rail, Red-tailed Hawk. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mount Ouray State Wildlife Area?
Birding at Mount Ouray State Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Mount Ouray State Wildlife Area?
Mount Ouray State Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.