River/Riparian birding habitat

South Platte River - McKay Rd & 100th area

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

South Platte River - McKay Rd & 100th area is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and American Wigeon 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

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

5/31/2026CommonGround (Westerly) Wetlands2 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

5/31/2026CommonGround (Westerly) Wetlands4 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

5/31/2026Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR (Please use more specific locations)1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

5/31/2026Cherry Creek SP--Prairie Loop1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

5/31/2026Cherry Creek SP--Prairie Loop1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/31/2026Cherry Creek SP--Marina & nearby Dam Trail1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/31/2026Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR--Havana Ponds and Trail1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

5/31/2026Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR--Havana Ponds and Trail1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/31/2026Cherry Creek SP--Pelican Point area2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Nighthawk

25/31/2026

Canada Goose

25/31/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

15/31/2026

American Coot

45/31/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/31/2026

Swainson's Hawk

15/31/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

25/31/2026

Say's Phoebe

15/31/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

15/31/2026

Western Kingbird

35/31/2026

Black-billed Magpie

15/31/2026

Horned Lark

45/31/2026

Tree Swallow

25/31/2026

Barn Swallow

505/31/2026

Cliff Swallow

805/31/2026

European Starling

805/31/2026

House Sparrow

15/31/2026

House Finch

75/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit South Platte River - McKay Rd & 100th area for birding?
The best months to visit South Platte River - McKay Rd & 100th area for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at South Platte River - McKay Rd & 100th area?
Notable species at South Platte River - McKay Rd & 100th area include Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at South Platte River - McKay Rd & 100th area?
Birding at South Platte River - McKay Rd & 100th area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at South Platte River - McKay Rd & 100th area?
South Platte River - McKay Rd & 100th area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.