Lake birding habitat

Timnath Reservoir

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Timnath Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 273 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Greater White-fronted 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

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

5/31/2026Little Thompson1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

5/31/2026Fossil Creek Reservoir, Fort Collins US-CO 40.48393, -105.016171 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/31/2026Farr Park, Greeley US-CO 40.39553, -104.700182 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/31/2026Lory SP2 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

5/31/2026Lory SP--Well Gulch Nature Trail1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/31/2026Riverbend Ponds Natural Area1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/30/2026Riverbend Ponds Natural Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

285/31/2026

Wood Duck

25/31/2026

Blue-winged Teal

35/31/2026

Cinnamon Teal

15/31/2026

Gadwall

15/31/2026

Mallard

25/31/2026

Redhead

25/31/2026

Rock Pigeon

45/31/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

65/31/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

15/31/2026

Virginia Rail

15/31/2026

American Coot

65/31/2026

Killdeer

45/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

25/31/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

25/31/2026

Western Grebe

225/31/2026

Clark's Grebe

25/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

85/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

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