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

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Cassin's Sparrow

Peucaea cassinii

4/12/2026County Road 50, Akron US-CO 40.29187, -103.434212 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/12/2026County Road Q, Akron7 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/2/2026

Wood Duck

64/2/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/2/2026

Northern Shoveler

74/2/2026

Gadwall

44/2/2026

American Wigeon

24/2/2026

Mallard

14/2/2026

Green-winged Teal

44/2/2026

Mourning Dove

14/2/2026

Killdeer

34/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

54/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/2/2026

American White Pelican

84/2/2026

Bald Eagle

14/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/2/2026

Northern Flicker

14/2/2026

Tree Swallow

124/2/2026

European Starling

344/2/2026

American Robin

64/2/2026

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.