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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/13/2026Wheat Ridge Greenbelt1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/13/2026Lagerman Agricultural Preserve--Lagerman Reservoir1 observed

Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

7/13/2026Coal Creek Open Space (Jefferson Co.)1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

7/13/2026Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat--Sawhill Ponds only1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

27/13/2026

Mourning Dove

17/13/2026

Common Nighthawk

17/13/2026

Chimney Swift

77/13/2026

Killdeer

17/13/2026

Northern Flicker

17/13/2026

American Kestrel

17/13/2026

Tree Swallow

57/13/2026

Violet-green Swallow

17/13/2026

Barn Swallow

87/13/2026

Cliff Swallow

157/13/2026

American Robin

17/13/2026

House Sparrow

27/13/2026

House Finch

27/13/2026

Spotted Towhee

17/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

77/13/2026

Common Grackle

17/13/2026

Canada Goose

77/12/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/12/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/12/2026

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.