Lake birding habitat

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Lower Derby Lake

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
LakeMountainWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Lower Derby Lake is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This lake and mountain habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and American Wigeon 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

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

7/21/2026Great Western Reservoir (closed to public)1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/21/2026Clear Creek Trail--Golden to I-701 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

7/20/2026Bluff Lake Nature Center1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

7/20/2026Sagebrush Park, Aurora US-CO 39.63117, -104.814991 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Pelican Point area5 observed

Brewer's Sparrow

Spizella breweri

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Wetlands Preserve1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Wetlands Preserve1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Wetlands Preserve1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Wetlands Preserve4 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

7/20/2026Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR--Bluestem Loop Trail3 observed

Snowy Owl

Bubo scandiacus

7/19/202625241 E Aberdeen Dr, Aurora US-CO 39.60911, -104.693781 observed

Lark Bunting

Calamospiza melanocorys

7/19/2026NE Broomfield County Pond and Area3 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/19/20261809 E Tufts Ave1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

87/20/2026

Wood Duck

17/20/2026

Mallard

167/20/2026

Mourning Dove

47/20/2026

American Avocet

47/20/2026

Killdeer

177/20/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

57/20/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

17/20/2026

Baird's Sandpiper

37/20/2026

Least Sandpiper

27/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

97/20/2026

White-faced Ibis

17/20/2026

Snowy Egret

187/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

67/20/2026

American White Pelican

487/20/2026

Northern Flicker

17/20/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

17/20/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/20/2026

Barn Swallow

37/20/2026

European Starling

157/20/2026

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 Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Lower Derby Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Lower Derby Lake for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Lower Derby Lake?
Notable species at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Lower Derby Lake include Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Green-winged Teal. The area supports lake, mountain, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Lower Derby Lake?
Birding at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Lower Derby Lake is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Lower Derby Lake?
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Lower Derby Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.