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

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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

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/11/2026Ft. Collins City Park and Sheldon Lake1 observed

Black x Eastern Phoebe (hybrid)

Sayornis nigricans x phoebe

7/11/2026Poudre River at Rist Canyon road2 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

7/11/2026Pelican Hills1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

7/11/2026Dixon Reservoir1 observed

Lazuli x Indigo Bunting (hybrid)

Passerina amoena x cyanea

7/11/2026Maxwell Natural Area1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

7/10/2026Rawhide Energy Station/Hamilton Reservoir1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

7/10/2026Fossil Creek Reservoir & Regional Open Space2 observed

Willet (Western)

Tringa semipalmata

7/7/2026Tri-Lakes region1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

7/7/2026Ryan Gulch Reservoir3 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

7/6/2026Ryan Gulch Reservoir1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

127/11/2026

Mourning Dove

77/11/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

27/11/2026

Downy Woodpecker

27/11/2026

Northern Flicker

47/11/2026

Blue Jay

77/11/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

57/11/2026

Tree Swallow

27/11/2026

Violet-green Swallow

27/11/2026

Barn Swallow

57/11/2026

Cliff Swallow

27/11/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/11/2026

Northern House Wren

77/11/2026

European Starling

37/11/2026

Gray Catbird

27/11/2026

American Robin

17/11/2026

House Finch

67/11/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

27/11/2026

American Goldfinch

77/11/2026

Song Sparrow

27/11/2026

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.