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

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

3/5/2026High Plains Environmental Center1 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

3/5/2026Timnath Reservoir2 observed

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentalis

3/5/2026Fossil Creek Reservoirnatural Area, Fort Collins US-CO 40.48372, -105.015722 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

3/4/2026300 W Oak St, Fort Collins US-CO 40.58562, -105.081421 observed

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

3/4/2026Prospect Ponds Natural Area2 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

3/4/2026Prospect Ponds Natural Area1 observed

Red-naped Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus nuchalis

3/4/2026Power trail1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

3/2/20262716 Second St, Bellvue US-CO 40.62659, -105.173091 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

3/2/2026Lake Donath1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Greater White-fronted Goose

13/5/2026

Cackling Goose

763/5/2026

Canada Goose

703/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

413/5/2026

Killdeer

33/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

203/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

33/5/2026

American Robin

13/5/2026

House Sparrow

33/5/2026

House Finch

33/5/2026

American Goldfinch

13/5/2026

Song Sparrow

13/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

23/5/2026

Mallard

32/23/2026

Bald Eagle

32/23/2026

American Kestrel

12/23/2026

Horned Lark

42/23/2026

European Starling

52/23/2026

Western Meadowlark

112/23/2026

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.