Forest birding habitat

Van's Grove (Bent CR JJ, east of Ft Lyon)

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Van's Grove (Bent CR JJ, east of Ft Lyon) is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Eurasian Collared-Dove, Northern Harrier, and Downy Woodpecker 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

Glaucous-winged Gull

Larus glaucescens

5/27/2026John Martin Reservoir1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/27/2026John Martin Reservoir1 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

5/22/2026Van's Marsh (Gageby Creek at Bent CR-JJ)1 observed

Golden-winged Warbler

Vermivora chrysoptera

5/19/2026Van's Grove (Bent C- JJ, east of Ft. Lyon)1 observed

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

5/19/2026Lake Hasty (lake and campground)1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/19/2026West end of CR Gg 5 and Gg 251 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

15/27/2026

Northern Bobwhite

15/27/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

25/27/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/27/2026

Mourning Dove

105/27/2026

Northern Harrier

25/27/2026

Northern Flicker

25/27/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

15/27/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/27/2026

Northern House Wren

25/27/2026

European Starling

105/27/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/27/2026

American Goldfinch

45/27/2026

Lark Sparrow

15/27/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

25/27/2026

Western Meadowlark

35/27/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

5/27/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

45/27/2026

Common Grackle

15/27/2026

Common Nighthawk

25/24/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Van's Grove (Bent CR JJ, east of Ft Lyon) for birding?
The best months to visit Van's Grove (Bent CR JJ, east of Ft Lyon) for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Van's Grove (Bent CR JJ, east of Ft Lyon)?
Notable species at Van's Grove (Bent CR JJ, east of Ft Lyon) include Eurasian Collared-Dove, Northern Harrier, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, American Kestrel. The area supports forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Van's Grove (Bent CR JJ, east of Ft Lyon)?
Birding at Van's Grove (Bent CR JJ, east of Ft Lyon) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Van's Grove (Bent CR JJ, east of Ft Lyon)?
Van's Grove (Bent CR JJ, east of Ft Lyon) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.