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

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

5/31/2026CommonGround (Westerly) Wetlands2 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

5/31/2026CommonGround (Westerly) Wetlands4 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

5/31/2026Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR (Please use more specific locations)1 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

5/31/20265440 S Perry St, Littleton US-CO (39.6185,-105.0431)1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

5/31/2026Cherry Creek SP--Prairie Loop1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

5/31/2026Cherry Creek SP--Prairie Loop1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/31/2026Cherry Creek SP--Marina & nearby Dam Trail1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/31/2026Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR--Havana Ponds and Trail1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

5/31/2026Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR--Havana Ponds and Trail1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/31/2026Cherry Creek SP--Pelican Point area2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

265/31/2026

Wood Duck

25/31/2026

Mallard

185/31/2026

Rock Pigeon

25/31/2026

Killdeer

15/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

25/31/2026

Ring-billed Gull

15/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Bald Eagle

15/31/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

25/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Say's Phoebe

15/31/2026

Western Kingbird

35/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

Northern House Wren

25/31/2026

European Starling

45/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

15/31/2026

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.