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

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

4/13/2026Smith Reservoir SWA1 observed

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Selasphorus platycercus

4/9/2026145 4th Avenue, Fort Garland, Colorado, US (37.527, -105.296)1 observed

Bewick's Wren

Thryomanes bewickii

4/8/2026North Melbey Ranch Road, Colorado, US (37.138, -105.452)1 observed

Juniper Titmouse

Baeolophus ridgwayi

4/8/2026North Melbey Ranch Road, Colorado, US (37.153, -105.452)1 observed

Crissal Thrasher

Toxostoma crissale

4/5/2026Wild Horse Mesa North D301 observed

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

4/2/2026Smith Reservoir SWA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/14/2026

Northern Shoveler

1104/14/2026

Gadwall

254/14/2026

American Wigeon

104/14/2026

Mallard

24/14/2026

Green-winged Teal

154/14/2026

Canvasback

14/14/2026

Redhead

154/14/2026

Ring-necked Duck

54/14/2026

Lesser Scaup

84/14/2026

Bufflehead

84/14/2026

Common Merganser

34/14/2026

Ruddy Duck

154/14/2026

Mourning Dove

14/14/2026

American Coot

6004/14/2026

American Avocet

14/14/2026

Killdeer

124/14/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

14/14/2026

Franklin's Gull

204/14/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/14/2026

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.