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

Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

4/12/2026Private Residence - Nathrop1 observed

Red Crossbill (Lodgepole Pine or type 5)

Loxia curvirostra

4/10/202624556–24558 US-50, Gunnison US-CO 38.48599, -106.329101 observed

Cassia Crossbill

Loxia sinesciuris

4/10/202624556–24558 US-50, Gunnison US-CO 38.48538, -106.337631 observed

Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis

4/7/2026CR 1651 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

4/6/2026Unnamed Road, Villa Grove, Colorado, US (38.393, -106.1)2 observed

Common x Barrow's Goldeneye (hybrid)

Bucephala clangula x islandica

4/5/2026Sands Lake SWA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

104/13/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

64/13/2026

Virginia Rail

24/13/2026

Killdeer

14/13/2026

Wilson's Snipe

14/13/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/13/2026

Great Horned Owl

24/13/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/13/2026

Northern Flicker

14/13/2026

Black-billed Magpie

14/13/2026

American Crow

14/13/2026

Common Raven

14/13/2026

Tree Swallow

504/13/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

24/13/2026

Mountain Bluebird

14/13/2026

American Robin

44/13/2026

Song Sparrow

24/13/2026

Western Meadowlark

14/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

104/13/2026

Common Grackle

34/13/2026

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.