Mountain birding habitat

Poudre Ponds

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

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

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

5/31/2026Little Thompson1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

5/31/2026Fossil Creek Reservoir, Fort Collins US-CO 40.48393, -105.016171 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/31/2026Farr Park, Greeley US-CO 40.39553, -104.700182 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/31/2026Riverbend Ponds Natural Area1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/30/2026Riverbend Ponds Natural Area1 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

5/30/2026Riverbend Ponds Natural Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mississippi Kite

25/31/2026

European Starling

15/31/2026

House Finch

35/31/2026

Common Grackle

15/31/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/31/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

15/31/2026

American White Pelican

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

Barn Swallow

15/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

American Goldfinch

25/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

25/31/2026

Killdeer

15/30/2026

Mourning Dove

25/30/2026

Common Nighthawk

15/30/2026

Western Kingbird

15/30/2026

Blue Jay

15/30/2026

Northern House Wren

25/30/2026

House Sparrow

15/30/2026

Song Sparrow

35/30/2026

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.