A great blue heron stands in calm water with reflection.

Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat - Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
MountainForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

June-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat - Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 300 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

4/18/2026Walnut Creek-- Great Western Reservoir to Simms St1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

4/17/202696 Antelope Dr, Lyons (Boulder Cty, CO)1 observed

Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca

4/16/2026Elaine T. Valente Open Space1 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

4/16/2026Big Dry Creek Trail and Retention Pond (stakeout White Ibis, 2026)1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/16/2026Twin Lakes (Boulder County)1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

4/16/2026Eagle Path1 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

4/15/2026Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat--Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

4/15/202611601–11687 N Main St, Broomfield US-CO (39.9067,-105.0718)1 observed

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

4/15/2026Boulder Creek--75th St.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

104/18/2026

American White Pelican

74/18/2026

Bald Eagle

24/18/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/18/2026

Cinnamon Teal

24/18/2026

Northern Shoveler

24/18/2026

Gadwall

124/18/2026

Mallard

44/18/2026

Mourning Dove

44/18/2026

American Avocet

164/18/2026

Killdeer

104/18/2026

Wilson's Snipe

64/18/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

24/18/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

44/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

64/18/2026

Osprey

14/18/2026

Northern Harrier

14/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/18/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.

  2. 2

    Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Scan the canopy edges at dawn for migrating warblers and other songbirds during spring and fall.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat - Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together for birding?
The best months to visit Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat - Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat - Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together?
Notable species at Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat - Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, American Robin, House Finch, Dark-eyed Junco, Green-winged Teal, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports mountain, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat - Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together?
Birding at Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat - Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
Is there an entrance fee at Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat - Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together?
There is no entrance fee at Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat - Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat - Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together?
Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat - Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.