Lake birding habitat

Valmont Reservoir Complex

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Valmont Reservoir Complex is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, and Black-capped Chickadee 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

7/11/2026Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat--Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

7/11/2026White Rocks Trail area1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

7/11/2026Broomfield Commons Open Space--Tom Frost Reservoir1 observed

Brewer's Sparrow

Spizella breweri

7/11/2026Broomfield Commons Open Space--Tom Frost Reservoir1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/11/2026Clear Creek Trail--Golden to I-701 observed

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

7/11/2026Betasso Preserve25 observed

Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

7/10/202610726–10968 Plainview Rd, Golden US-CO (39.8977,-105.2717)1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/10/2026Pearl Street Mall1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

7/10/2026Lagerman Agricultural Preserve--Lagerman Reservoir2 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/10/2026Wheat Ridge Greenbelt5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-capped Chickadee

27/11/2026

American Robin

17/11/2026

House Sparrow

37/11/2026

House Finch

87/11/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

27/11/2026

American Goldfinch

27/11/2026

Song Sparrow

17/11/2026

Rock Pigeon

117/11/2026

Cliff Swallow

47/11/2026

Swainson's Hawk

17/11/2026

Barn Swallow

27/11/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/11/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/11/2026

Mourning Dove

17/11/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

27/11/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/11/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/11/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/11/2026

Northern Flicker

47/11/2026

American Kestrel

37/11/2026

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 Valmont Reservoir Complex for birding?
The best months to visit Valmont Reservoir Complex for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Valmont Reservoir Complex?
Notable species at Valmont Reservoir Complex include Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Black-capped Chickadee, European Starling. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Valmont Reservoir Complex?
Birding at Valmont Reservoir Complex is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Valmont Reservoir Complex?
Valmont Reservoir Complex offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.