Rawhide Energy Station/Hamilton Reservoir

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Rawhide Energy Station/Hamilton Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Gadwall, American Wigeon, and Canvasback 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

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

3/4/2026300 W Oak St, Fort Collins US-CO 40.58562, -105.081421 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

3/2/20262716 Second St, Bellvue US-CO 40.62659, -105.173091 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

2/24/2026Lee Martinez Park1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

2/23/2026Rawhide Energy Station/Hamilton Reservoir1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

2/22/2026Rawhide Energy Station/Hamilton Reservoir1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

653/4/2026

American Wigeon

53/4/2026

Canvasback

63/4/2026

Redhead

403/4/2026

Lesser Scaup

353/4/2026

Bufflehead

223/4/2026

Common Goldeneye

63/4/2026

Common Merganser

33/4/2026

Ruddy Duck

263/4/2026

American Coot

1203/4/2026

American Herring Gull

33/4/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/4/2026

Horned Grebe

23/4/2026

Horned Lark

63/4/2026

European Starling

13/4/2026

American Robin

13/4/2026

Western Meadowlark

23/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

63/4/2026

Northern Shoveler

83/1/2026

Green-winged Teal

23/1/2026

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 Rawhide Energy Station/Hamilton Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Rawhide Energy Station/Hamilton Reservoir for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Rawhide Energy Station/Hamilton Reservoir?
Notable species at Rawhide Energy Station/Hamilton Reservoir include Gadwall, American Wigeon, Canvasback, Redhead, Lesser Scaup. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rawhide Energy Station/Hamilton Reservoir?
Birding at Rawhide Energy Station/Hamilton Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Rawhide Energy Station/Hamilton Reservoir?
Rawhide Energy Station/Hamilton Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.