Poudre Ponds

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
MountainForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Poudre Ponds is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Coot, and Ring-billed Gull 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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/6/2026Lower Latham Reservoir area1 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

3/5/2026High Plains Environmental Center1 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

3/5/2026Timnath Reservoir2 observed

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentalis

3/5/2026Fossil Creek Reservoirnatural Area, Fort Collins US-CO 40.48372, -105.015722 observed

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

3/4/2026Prospect Ponds Natural Area2 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

3/4/2026Prospect Ponds Natural Area1 observed

Red-naped Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus nuchalis

3/4/2026Power trail1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

3/2/2026Lake Donath1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (borealis)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/1/2026Boyd Lake1 observed

Sage Thrasher

Oreoscoptes montanus

3/1/2026Weld County 17th Street Greeley1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

1722/27/2026

American Coot

92/27/2026

Ring-billed Gull

12/27/2026

Northern Shrike

12/27/2026

Blue Jay

32/27/2026

American Crow

32/27/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

12/27/2026

European Starling

12/27/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

112/27/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

282/27/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.

  2. 2

    Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Poudre Ponds for birding?
The best months to visit Poudre Ponds for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Poudre Ponds?
Notable species at Poudre Ponds include Canada Goose, American Coot, Ring-billed Gull, Northern Shrike, Blue Jay. The area supports mountain, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Poudre Ponds?
Birding at Poudre Ponds is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Poudre Ponds?
Poudre Ponds offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.