River/Riparian birding habitat

River's Edge Natural Area

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

River's Edge Natural Area is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Mallard 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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/17/2026Tanglewood Natural Area1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

4/17/202696 Antelope Dr, Lyons (Boulder Cty, CO)1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

4/16/2026Near Lory State Park1 observed

Northern Shoveler x Gadwall (hybrid)

Spatula clypeata x Mareca strepera

4/16/2026Windsor Lake1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

4/15/2026Boyd Lake1 observed

Acorn Woodpecker

Melanerpes formicivorus

4/15/2026Mountain View Cemetery (Boulder Co.)1 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

4/14/2026Lagerman Agricultural Preserve--Lagerman Reservoir1 observed

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Selasphorus platycercus

4/14/2026Ft. Collins--Keirn Residence1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

4/14/2026Union Reservoir1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

464/16/2026

Wood Duck

24/16/2026

Mallard

74/16/2026

Ruddy Duck

24/16/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

24/16/2026

Mourning Dove

44/16/2026

American Coot

24/16/2026

Killdeer

24/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

74/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/16/2026

American White Pelican

34/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

74/16/2026

Osprey

24/16/2026

Bald Eagle

14/16/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/16/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Northern Flicker

14/16/2026

Blue Jay

54/16/2026

American Crow

14/16/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

84/16/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit River's Edge Natural Area for birding?
The best months to visit River's Edge Natural Area for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at River's Edge Natural Area?
Notable species at River's Edge Natural Area include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Goldeneye, American Coot. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at River's Edge Natural Area?
Birding at River's Edge Natural Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at River's Edge Natural Area?
River's Edge Natural Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.