Lake birding habitat

Pastorius Reservoir

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Pastorius Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 273 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

4/14/2026Home - Durango1 observed

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

4/14/2026Pastorius Reservoir2 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/14/2026Pastorius Reservoir1 observed

Evening Grosbeak (Rocky Mountains or type 4)

Hesperiphona vespertina

4/14/2026Pastorius Reservoir8 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/13/2026Pastorius Reservoir1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

4/13/2026Pastorius Reservoir1 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

4/13/20262041 County Road 205, Durango, Colorado, US (37.336, -107.868)1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/12/2026Pastorius Reservoir5 observed

Grace's Warbler

Setophaga graciae

4/12/2026Hermosa Creek area--Lower Hermosa Campground to Hermosa (town)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/14/2026

Blue-winged Teal

14/14/2026

Cinnamon Teal

154/14/2026

Northern Shoveler

44/14/2026

Gadwall

104/14/2026

American Wigeon

124/14/2026

Mallard

254/14/2026

Green-winged Teal

84/14/2026

Ring-necked Duck

84/14/2026

Lesser Scaup

144/14/2026

Bufflehead

154/14/2026

Ruddy Duck

114/14/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

14/14/2026

American Coot

264/14/2026

Killdeer

34/14/2026

Least Sandpiper

24/14/2026

Franklin's Gull

44/14/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

24/14/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

34/14/2026

White-faced Ibis

14/14/2026

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 Pastorius Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Pastorius Reservoir for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Pastorius Reservoir?
Notable species at Pastorius Reservoir include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pastorius Reservoir?
Birding at Pastorius Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Pastorius Reservoir?
Pastorius Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.