Lake birding habitat

Ordway Reservoir

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Ordway Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts American Coot, Ring-billed Gull, and Double-crested Cormorant 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

Kentucky Warbler

Geothlypis formosa

5/22/2026Rocky Ford SWA--Ryans Ponds1 observed

MacGillivray's x Mourning Warbler (hybrid)

Geothlypis tolmiei x philadelphia

5/19/2026Olney Springs Reservoir1 observed

Bushtit

Psaltriparus minimus

5/19/2026Rocky Ford SWA--Ryans Ponds3 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

5/18/2026Cheraw Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

15/24/2026

Mallard

35/24/2026

Ruddy Duck

85/24/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/24/2026

Mourning Dove

75/24/2026

American Coot

185/24/2026

Killdeer

15/24/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/24/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

35/24/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/24/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/24/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/24/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

15/24/2026

Northern Flicker

25/24/2026

American Kestrel

15/24/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

45/24/2026

Western Kingbird

65/24/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/24/2026

Horned Lark

65/24/2026

Barn Swallow

25/24/2026

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 Ordway Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Ordway Reservoir for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ordway Reservoir?
Notable species at Ordway Reservoir include American Coot, Ring-billed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Song Sparrow, Western Meadowlark. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ordway Reservoir?
Birding at Ordway Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ordway Reservoir?
Ordway Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.