Wetland birding habitat

Runyon/Fountain Lakes State Wildlife Area

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Runyon/Fountain Lakes State Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 253 species recorded on eBird. This wetland 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

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

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

5/31/2026Big Hill Area (Alley Side)1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/31/2026Big Hill Area (Alley Side)1 observed

Common Black Hawk

Buteogallus anthracinus

5/31/2026Pueblo City Park1 observed

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Melanerpes carolinus

5/30/2026Big Hill Area (Alley Side)1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

5/30/2026Big Hill Area (Alley Side)1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

5/30/2026Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo1 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/29/2026Pueblo Reservoir- spillway1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

5/28/2026Runyon/Fountain Lakes SWA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

105/30/2026

Wood Duck

25/30/2026

Chimney Swift

25/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

105/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/30/2026

Osprey

25/30/2026

Cooper's Hawk

15/30/2026

Mississippi Kite

35/30/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Northern Flicker

25/30/2026

Western Kingbird

35/30/2026

Western Warbling Vireo

25/30/2026

Bank Swallow

45/30/2026

Barn Swallow

85/30/2026

American Robin

95/30/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

35/30/2026

Mourning Dove

15/28/2026

American Coot

15/28/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/28/2026

Belted Kingfisher

15/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Runyon/Fountain Lakes State Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Runyon/Fountain Lakes State Wildlife Area for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Runyon/Fountain Lakes State Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Runyon/Fountain Lakes State Wildlife Area include Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Bufflehead. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Runyon/Fountain Lakes State Wildlife Area?
Birding at Runyon/Fountain Lakes State Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Runyon/Fountain Lakes State Wildlife Area?
Runyon/Fountain Lakes State Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.