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

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

5/31/2026Oxbow Park and Preserve1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/30/2026Animas River Yard1 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

5/30/2026SJMA Nature Center (access limited to community days or by reservation)1 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

5/24/2026Lake Nighthorse1 observed

Kentucky Warbler

Geothlypis formosa

5/21/2026Oxbow Park and Preserve1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

5/19/2026Rank Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Double-crested Cormorant

25/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/30/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

35/30/2026

Western Kingbird

35/30/2026

Black-billed Magpie

25/30/2026

European Starling

505/30/2026

American Robin

35/30/2026

House Finch

15/30/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

15/30/2026

Bullock's Oriole

25/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

105/30/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/30/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

25/30/2026

Canada Goose

95/29/2026

Mallard

65/29/2026

Mourning Dove

25/29/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

15/29/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

15/29/2026

American Kestrel

15/29/2026

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.