Lake birding habitat

Rawhide Energy Station/Hamilton Reservoir

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
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

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/16/2026Douglas Reservoir1 observed

Black x Eastern Phoebe (hybrid)

Sayornis nigricans x phoebe

7/11/2026Poudre River at Rist Canyon road2 observed

Lazuli x Indigo Bunting (hybrid)

Passerina amoena x cyanea

7/11/2026North Shields Pond Natural Area1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

7/10/2026Rawhide Energy Station/Hamilton Reservoir1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

7/10/2026McMurry Natural Area, Fort Collins2 observed

Willet (Western)

Tringa semipalmata

7/7/2026Tri-Lakes region1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

207/17/2026

Mourning Dove

27/17/2026

Killdeer

27/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

67/17/2026

American White Pelican

187/17/2026

Bald Eagle

17/17/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/17/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/17/2026

Horned Lark

47/17/2026

Barn Swallow

7/17/2026

American Goldfinch

17/17/2026

Lark Sparrow

27/17/2026

Lark Bunting

167/17/2026

Western Meadowlark

17/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

7/17/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

27/17/2026

Western Grebe

17/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

37/13/2026

Gadwall

17/13/2026

Common Nighthawk

117/13/2026

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.