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

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

5/31/2026Fossil Creek Reservoir, Fort Collins US-CO 40.48393, -105.016171 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/31/2026Lory SP2 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

5/31/2026Lory SP--Well Gulch Nature Trail1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/31/2026Riverbend Ponds Natural Area1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/30/2026Riverbend Ponds Natural Area1 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

5/30/2026Riverbend Ponds Natural Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

35/31/2026

American Coot

65/31/2026

Killdeer

45/31/2026

Snowy Egret

15/31/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

15/31/2026

Blue Jay

35/31/2026

House Sparrow

25/31/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

45/31/2026

Western Meadowlark

35/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

255/31/2026

Canada Goose

225/28/2026

Cinnamon Teal

25/28/2026

Mallard

65/28/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

25/28/2026

Mourning Dove

75/28/2026

Black-necked Stilt

35/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

25/28/2026

White-faced Ibis

25/28/2026

Great Egret

15/28/2026

Osprey

15/28/2026

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.