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

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

4/17/202696 Antelope Dr, Lyons (Boulder Cty, CO)1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/16/2026Twin Lakes (Boulder County)1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

4/16/2026Eagle Path1 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

4/15/2026Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat--Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

4/15/202611601–11687 N Main St, Broomfield US-CO (39.9067,-105.0718)1 observed

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

4/15/2026Boulder Creek--75th St.1 observed

Acorn Woodpecker

Melanerpes formicivorus

4/15/2026Mountain View Cemetery (Boulder Co.)1 observed

Barn Swallow (American)

Hirundo rustica

4/15/2026Plaster Reservoir1 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

4/14/2026Lagerman Agricultural Preserve--Lagerman Reservoir1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

4/14/2026Union Reservoir1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

4/14/2026Firestone Gravel Pits (view from road)6 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

64/14/2026

Cinnamon Teal

24/14/2026

Gadwall

64/14/2026

Mallard

84/14/2026

Green-winged Teal

64/14/2026

Wild Turkey

14/14/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

24/14/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

24/14/2026

Mourning Dove

24/14/2026

Killdeer

14/14/2026

Wilson's Snipe

24/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

384/14/2026

Northern Harrier

14/14/2026

Bald Eagle

24/14/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

24/14/2026

Great Horned Owl

14/14/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/14/2026

Downy Woodpecker

34/14/2026

Northern Flicker

24/14/2026

Say's Phoebe

34/14/2026

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.