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

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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

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

7/12/2026Runyon/Fountain Lakes SWA4 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/12/2026Lake Pueblo SP--West Gravel Pit1 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

7/10/2026Lake Pueblo SP--Rock Canyon area (below dam, north of river)1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/8/2026Runyon/Fountain Lakes SWA1 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

7/7/2026Home (Melrose Ave), Pueblo1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/5/2026Lake Pueblo SP--Rock Canyon area (below dam, south of river)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

587/12/2026

Northern Shoveler

67/12/2026

Mallard

67/12/2026

Mourning Dove

17/12/2026

Killdeer

47/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

277/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/12/2026

Osprey

47/12/2026

Mississippi Kite

57/12/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Black Phoebe

17/12/2026

Western Kingbird

27/12/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/12/2026

Blue Jay

17/12/2026

Barn Swallow

77/12/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/12/2026

Brown Thrasher

17/12/2026

House Sparrow

17/12/2026

Song Sparrow

17/12/2026

Bullock's Oriole

27/12/2026

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.