Close-up of American white ibis standing on a dry tree in a swamp.

Waneka Lake/Greenlee Preserve

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM

About This Location

Waneka Lake/Greenlee Preserve is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 272 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, 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 Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

5/31/2026Pella Crossing Open Space3 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

5/31/2026Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat--Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

5/31/2026Lagerman Agricultural Preserve--Lagerman Reservoir2 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

5/31/2026Golden Ponds Park and Nature Area1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

5/31/2026Pella Crossing Open Space1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Chimney Swift

25/31/2026

Killdeer

25/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/31/2026

Osprey

15/31/2026

Cooper's Hawk

15/31/2026

American Barn Owl

15/31/2026

Great Horned Owl

15/31/2026

Say's Phoebe

25/31/2026

Blue Jay

25/31/2026

Black-billed Magpie

45/31/2026

Barn Swallow

45/31/2026

American Robin

35/31/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

25/31/2026

Canada Goose

385/31/2026

Mallard

285/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Western Grebe

15/31/2026

Snowy Egret

15/31/2026

Swainson's Hawk

15/31/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

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.

  4. 4

    A spotting scope is essential here — many waterbirds stay far from shore and are difficult to identify with binoculars alone.

  5. 5

    Winter months bring peak waterfowl diversity — visit November through February for the best duck and goose viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Waneka Lake/Greenlee Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Waneka Lake/Greenlee Preserve for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Waneka Lake/Greenlee Preserve?
Notable species at Waneka Lake/Greenlee Preserve include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, American Robin, House Finch, Dark-eyed Junco, Green-winged Teal, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Waneka Lake/Greenlee Preserve?
Birding at Waneka Lake/Greenlee Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Waneka Lake/Greenlee Preserve?
There is no entrance fee at Waneka Lake/Greenlee Preserve. Hours: Open daily, 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM.
What amenities are available at Waneka Lake/Greenlee Preserve?
Waneka Lake/Greenlee Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.