Riverbend Ponds Natural Area

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
MountainForest
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Riverbend Ponds Natural Area is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 257 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and forest habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and American Wigeon among many others. Elevation changes create diverse habitats, from riparian valleys to alpine meadows, supporting a wide range of species.

Location

Loading map...

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

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

3/5/2026High Plains Environmental Center1 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

3/5/2026Timnath Reservoir2 observed

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentalis

3/5/2026Fossil Creek Reservoirnatural Area, Fort Collins US-CO 40.48372, -105.015722 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

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

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

3/4/2026Prospect Ponds Natural Area2 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

3/4/2026Prospect Ponds Natural Area1 observed

Red-naped Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus nuchalis

3/4/2026Power trail1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon x Pink-sided)

Junco hyemalis

3/2/2026High Plains Environmental Center1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

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

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

3/2/2026Lake Donath1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

23/6/2026

American Wigeon

83/6/2026

Mallard

23/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

13/6/2026

Killdeer

13/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

73/6/2026

Northern Harrier

13/6/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/6/2026

Northern Flicker

23/6/2026

Blue Jay

13/6/2026

American Robin

293/6/2026

American Tree Sparrow

13/6/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

63/6/2026

White-throated Sparrow

13/6/2026

Song Sparrow

13/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

213/6/2026

Cinnamon Teal

33/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

23/6/2026

Wild Turkey

33/6/2026

Virginia Rail

13/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.

  2. 2

    Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Riverbend Ponds Natural Area for birding?
The best months to visit Riverbend Ponds Natural Area for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Riverbend Ponds Natural Area?
Notable species at Riverbend Ponds Natural Area include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, American Crow. The area supports mountain, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Riverbend Ponds Natural Area?
Birding at Riverbend Ponds Natural Area is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Riverbend Ponds Natural Area?
Riverbend Ponds Natural Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.