Lake birding habitat

Smith Reservoir State Wildlife Area

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Smith Reservoir State Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Horned Lark, and Snow Goose 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-throated Sparrow

Amphispiza bilineata

5/26/2026Sacred White Shell Mountain CG1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/26/2026Smith Reservoir SWA8 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

5/23/2026Smith Reservoir SWA1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

5/23/2026Smith Reservoir SWA1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/22/2026Pikes Stockade1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/19/2026Smith Reservoir SWA2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

205/26/2026

Blue-winged Teal

55/26/2026

Cinnamon Teal

25/26/2026

Northern Shoveler

25/26/2026

Gadwall

15/26/2026

Mallard

405/26/2026

Green-winged Teal

15/26/2026

Lesser Scaup

35/26/2026

Common Merganser

25/26/2026

Ruddy Duck

185/26/2026

Mourning Dove

65/26/2026

American Avocet

25/26/2026

Killdeer

55/26/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

25/26/2026

Ring-billed Gull

55/26/2026

Forster's Tern

55/26/2026

Eared Grebe

305/26/2026

Western Grebe

215/26/2026

White-faced Ibis

175/26/2026

American White Pelican

15/26/2026

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 Smith Reservoir State Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Smith Reservoir State Wildlife Area for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Smith Reservoir State Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Smith Reservoir State Wildlife Area include Canada Goose, Horned Lark, Snow Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Smith Reservoir State Wildlife Area?
Birding at Smith Reservoir State Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Smith Reservoir State Wildlife Area?
Smith Reservoir State Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.