Lake birding habitat

North Shields Pond Natural Area

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

North Shields Pond Natural Area is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Redhead among many others. Elevation changes create diverse habitats, from riparian valleys to alpine meadows, supporting a wide range of species.

Location

Loading map...

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 Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

6/2/20264100-4180 E County Road 34E, and S County Rd. 7, Fort Collins US-CO1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

6/2/2026Bellvue Watson Fish Hatchery & Lake1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

6/2/2026Salyer, McMurry and Magpie Meander Natural Areas1 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

6/1/2026Lory SP--Well Gulch Nature Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

36/2/2026

Mourning Dove

106/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

56/2/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

16/2/2026

Great Egret

16/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

106/2/2026

Osprey

16/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

26/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Northern Flicker

26/2/2026

American Kestrel

16/2/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

36/2/2026

Say's Phoebe

16/2/2026

Blue Jay

46/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

16/2/2026

Tree Swallow

16/2/2026

Violet-green Swallow

26/2/2026

Barn Swallow

46/2/2026

Northern House Wren

46/2/2026

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 North Shields Pond Natural Area for birding?
The best months to visit North Shields Pond Natural Area for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at North Shields Pond Natural Area?
Notable species at North Shields Pond Natural Area include Canada Goose, Mallard, Redhead, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at North Shields Pond Natural Area?
Birding at North Shields Pond Natural Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at North Shields Pond Natural Area?
North Shields Pond Natural Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.