Stearns Lake

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Stearns Lake is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Snow Goose, Cackling Goose, and Canada 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

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

3/6/2026Erie Reservoir1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/5/2026Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat--Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together3 observed

Acorn Woodpecker

Melanerpes formicivorus

3/5/2026Mountain View Cemetery (Boulder Co.)1 observed

Pacific Wren

Troglodytes pacificus

3/5/2026Tucker Gulch1 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

3/5/2026Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat--Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together1 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

3/5/2026Plaster Reservoir1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/4/2026Mountain View Cemetery (Boulder Co.)1 observed

Western Bluebird

Sialia mexicana

3/4/2026University of Colorado Boulder--South Campus1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

353/6/2026

Mallard

233/6/2026

Bald Eagle

33/6/2026

American Kestrel

13/6/2026

Black-billed Magpie

13/6/2026

European Starling

123/6/2026

Western Meadowlark

73/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

1003/6/2026

Snow Goose

13/5/2026

Cackling Goose

4003/5/2026

Gadwall

23/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

33/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

33/5/2026

Common Merganser

23/5/2026

Rock Pigeon

603/5/2026

Killdeer

33/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

American Crow

13/5/2026

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