Mountain birding habitat

Sandstone Ranch

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
MountainForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Sandstone Ranch is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and forest habitat attracts Say's Phoebe, Canada Goose, and Gadwall 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

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

7/12/2026Rabbit Mountain1 observed

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

7/12/2026Kanemoto Park and Neighborhood, Longmont US-CO1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/12/2026Walnut Creek--Great Western Reservoir to Simms St.1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

7/12/2026Walnut Creek--Great Western Reservoir to Simms St.1 observed

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

7/12/2026Golden Ponds Park and Nature Area1 observed

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

7/11/2026Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat--Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

7/11/2026White Rocks Trail area1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

7/11/2026Broomfield Commons Open Space--Tom Frost Reservoir1 observed

Brewer's Sparrow

Spizella breweri

7/11/2026Broomfield Commons Open Space--Tom Frost Reservoir1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snowy Egret

17/8/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/8/2026

Cliff Swallow

457/8/2026

Song Sparrow

17/8/2026

Canada Goose

137/7/2026

Mallard

247/7/2026

Wild Turkey

27/7/2026

Rock Pigeon

17/7/2026

Mourning Dove

67/7/2026

American Coot

47/7/2026

Killdeer

37/7/2026

Great Blue Heron

87/7/2026

American White Pelican

57/7/2026

Osprey

27/7/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/7/2026

Great Horned Owl

17/7/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/7/2026

Downy Woodpecker

37/7/2026

Northern Flicker

47/7/2026

Say's Phoebe

17/7/2026

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