Lake birding habitat

Wellington State Wildlife Area - Cobb Lake Unit

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Wellington State Wildlife Area - Cobb Lake Unit is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 241 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Ring-necked Pheasant, Ring-billed Gull, and American Robin 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

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/11/2026Ft. Collins City Park and Sheldon Lake1 observed

Black x Eastern Phoebe (hybrid)

Sayornis nigricans x phoebe

7/11/2026Poudre River at Rist Canyon road2 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

7/11/2026Pelican Hills1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

7/11/2026Dixon Reservoir1 observed

Lazuli x Indigo Bunting (hybrid)

Passerina amoena x cyanea

7/11/2026Maxwell Natural Area1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

7/10/2026Rawhide Energy Station/Hamilton Reservoir1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

7/10/2026Fossil Creek Reservoir & Regional Open Space2 observed

Willet (Western)

Tringa semipalmata

7/7/2026Tri-Lakes region1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

7/4/2026North Shields Pond Natural Area4 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

7/4/2026Northwest Greeley,CO Suburbs4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

16/30/2026

Mallard

56/30/2026

Mourning Dove

86/30/2026

Killdeer

26/30/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/30/2026

Ring-billed Gull

86/30/2026

American White Pelican

26/30/2026

Western Kingbird

26/30/2026

Black-billed Magpie

26/30/2026

Tree Swallow

36/30/2026

Barn Swallow

26/30/2026

Cliff Swallow

116/30/2026

European Starling

26/30/2026

American Robin

16/30/2026

American Goldfinch

26/30/2026

Song Sparrow

26/30/2026

Western Meadowlark

96/30/2026

Bullock's Oriole

26/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

156/30/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

36/30/2026

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 Wellington State Wildlife Area - Cobb Lake Unit for birding?
The best months to visit Wellington State Wildlife Area - Cobb Lake Unit for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Wellington State Wildlife Area - Cobb Lake Unit?
Notable species at Wellington State Wildlife Area - Cobb Lake Unit include Ring-necked Pheasant, Ring-billed Gull, American Robin, White-crowned Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wellington State Wildlife Area - Cobb Lake Unit?
Birding at Wellington State Wildlife Area - Cobb Lake Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Wellington State Wildlife Area - Cobb Lake Unit?
Wellington State Wildlife Area - Cobb Lake Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.