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 Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

7/12/2026Toivo Malm Trail Network1 observed

Willow Flycatcher (Southwestern)

Empidonax traillii

7/12/2026Toivo Malm Trail Network1 observed

Brown-capped Rosy-Finch

Leucosticte australis

7/8/2026SAND DUNES MO, Colorado, US (37,575, -105,5)6 observed

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

7/6/2026Forbes Rd, San Luis US-CO 37.24971, -105.275333 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

7/6/2026145 4th Avenue, Fort Garland, Colorado, US (37.527, -105.296)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

27/12/2026

Killdeer

47/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

37/12/2026

Swainson's Hawk

27/12/2026

Black-billed Magpie

17/12/2026

Common Raven

187/12/2026

Horned Lark

67/12/2026

Barn Swallow

87/12/2026

Cliff Swallow

307/12/2026

American Robin

27/12/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

17/12/2026

Western Meadowlark

27/12/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

27/12/2026

Ring-billed Gull

107/7/2026

California Gull

47/7/2026

American Crow

57/7/2026

Canada Goose

37/6/2026

Mourning Dove

87/6/2026

Common Nighthawk

37/6/2026

American Goldfinch

17/6/2026

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.