a small stream running through a lush green field

Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

Entrance Fee

Free (state wildlife area pass required)

Hours

Open daily

About This Location

Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 332 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Redhead 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

87/17/2026

Mallard

67/17/2026

Ruddy Duck

97/17/2026

Mourning Dove

27/17/2026

Killdeer

207/17/2026

Marbled Godwit

27/17/2026

Wilson's Phalarope

37/17/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

87/17/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

47/17/2026

Stilt Sandpiper

227/17/2026

Baird's Sandpiper

357/17/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/17/2026

Western Sandpiper

77/17/2026

Franklin's Gull

757/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

507/17/2026

California Gull

107/17/2026

Forster's Tern

127/17/2026

Western Grebe

57/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

97/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

277/17/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    A spotting scope is essential here — many waterbirds stay far from shore and are difficult to identify with binoculars alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area include Snow Goose, Northern Shoveler, Redhead, Lesser Scaup, Common Merganser, Canada Goose, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, American Robin, Red-winged Blackbird, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area?
Birding at Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area?
The entrance fee at Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area is Free (state wildlife area pass required). Hours: Open daily.
What amenities are available at Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area?
Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.