Waterfowl Trail

Sites on this Trail

  1. Lowell Ponds

    Description:

    Directions:

    Access:
    Open all year, Daylight hours

  2. Jim Baker Reservoir and nearby ponds

    Description:
    This small reservoir has good access provided by a trail around the lake, and can hold various waterfowl species during migration. A small cattail patch should be checked for Virginia Rail and Marsh Wren, and the scrub and riparian habitat for migrants such as Orange-crowned and Wilson's Warblers, and various sparrows, in season.

    Directions:
    From I-76: exit at Sheridan Ave. and go north about one mile to 64th Ave. Go east on 64th and go 1/2 mile to Tennyson. Head south on Tennyson for about 1/2 mile and the parking lot is on the east side, just north of the railroad tracks.

    Access:
    Open all year, Daylight hours

  3. Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge

    Description:

    Directions:

    Access:
    Prairie Management Zone is open year round from dawn to dusk. The Environment Education Zone is open from May to September dawn to dusk, and is closed from October to April, West Side: Daylight hours; East Side: T-F, 8-4, Sat, 8-7

  4. Standley Lake Regional Park

    Description:
    The largest body of water in the northwestern metro area, Standley Lake ranks high among the great Denver area lakes for birding opportunities. The lake tends to be most productive during the fall months, when large numbers of waterfowl, loons, grebes, and gulls pass through, but it remains good as long as there is open water. Note: there is a vehicle fee to enter the park.

    Directions:
    The main entrance is located on the north side of the lake. From US 36, exit at Wadsworth/CO 121 and go south to 100th Ave. Head west on 100th Ave. to Simms. Go south on Simms to the entrance station.

    Access:
    Open all year, 7:30 AM to Sunset

  5. Stearns Lake

    Description:
    Stearns Lake attracts waterfowl between fall and spring, sometimes including geese by the thousands. Large trees feature Swainson’s Hawks in summer and Bald Eagles in winter; the surrounding fields are home to meadowlarks and a few Ring-necked Pheasants. Coyotes are also regularly seen here.

    Directions:
    From US 36: exit at Wadsworth/CO 121/US 287 and go north towards Broomfield. In approximately 3 miles, head west on Dillon Rd. In 1 mile, go south on 104th St. and another mile to the parking lot, on the east.

    Access:
    Open all year, Daylight hours

  6. McKay Lake

    Description:
    This small lake and associated riparian grove near Broomfield make for a pleasant stop if in the area. Look for a variety of waterfowl (best during the spring and fall; winter if there is still open water), and migrant perching birds during appropriate times of year.

    Directions:
    From I-25: exit at 144th Ave. and go west. The grove is located at the north parking lot, on the south side of 144th at Tejon St.

    Access:
    Open all year, 5am - 11pm

  7. Eastlake #3 Park and Nature Preserve

    Description:
    This lake may be small, but the bird numbers here often aren't! The full suite of waterbirds could be found here (at least when the water isn't frozen). Look especially for species like Hooded Merganser and Cinnamon and Blue-winged Teals. The surrounding cattail marshes can have Virginia Rail and Sora on occasion, as well as Marsh Wren, and the riparian habitat may be good for migrants in season.

    Directions:
    From I-25: take exit 223, CO 128/120th Ave. and go east for about two miles to Steele St. Head north on Steele for 0.6 miles to 124th Ave. and go west. Eastlake Park will be on the north; park on Fillmore St.

    Access:
    Open all year, Daylight hours

  8. 88th Avenue Open Space

    Description:
    This area is part of a major restoration and enhancement project, so what is already good habitat for birds and other wildlife will only be improved! Even before this project, this area has been considered among the best spots for wintering waterfowl in the metro area. All the regular wintering dabblers and divers can usually be found with a careful search, and a couple of Barrow’s Goldeneyes are usually present - though finding them can sometimes require a long, cold walk!

    Directions:
    From I-76: take exit 12/US 85 and go north towards Brighton. From US 85, head west at CO 44/104th Ave. to McKay Rd. At McKay and 100th Ave., there is a parking lot, restrooms, access to trails, and fishing on the south side of 100th Ave.

    Access:
    Open all year; some ponds are closed November 1 to March 15, Daylight hours

  9. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

    Description:
    Historically recognized as a Superfund clean-up site, today the Arsenal has been resurrected as a first-class wildlife refuge. Among Denver-area birders, it is known as a good place to look for raptors, and one of the best spots near the city for Ferruginous Hawk. The small lake near the Visitor's Center can have various ducks in season, and the open prairie houses Burrowing Owls. The Refuge is also home to the reintroduced and endangered black-footed ferret, as well as a small herd of American Bison. Public access is limited to certain parts of the refuge, for more information, inquire at the Visitor's Center.

    Directions:
    From I-70: take exit 278/Quebec St. and go north. Travel approximately 2.8 miles to Prairie Pkwy./64th Ave. Go east at Prairie Pkwy. and travel 0.6 miles to Gateway Rd. Go north at Gateway Rd. and continue on through the Refuge entrance.

    Access:
    Open all year, Daylight hours

  10. Barr Lake State Park

    Description:
    One of the premier metro-area lakes, Barr Lake has been a hot spot for birding longer than just about any other place in Colorado. Depending on the season, there are many opportunities to view waterbirds, shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds. An impressive riparian area surrounds the lake on all sides and provides ideal habitat for both resident and migratory birds. The wildlife refuge located at the southern end of the lake provides additional cover and protection, particularly for nesting birds, including a resident pair of Bald Eagles and a rookery with over 200 nests used by herons, egrets, and cormorants. In winter, it is possible to see large numbers of bald eagles at one time, as well as a variety of waterfowl and shorebirds, such as goldeneyes, grebes, gulls, and terns. In the fall, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies operates a banding station to the north of the Nature Center along the perimeter trail. This is an excellent opportunity to view migrating birds both in the hand and in the field. Be sure to stop by Barr Lake’s Nature Center to learn more about their annual Birding Festival (in early September) and Bald Eagle Festival (early February), as well as a multitude of other educational opportunities. There are two entrances to the park, the main entrance on the southeast side leads to the Nature Center and other amenities while the northern entrance leads to Bird Conservancy of the Rockies Environmental Learning Center. You can access the perimeter trail from both entrances. A state park pass (annual or day) is required for entrance and parking. Please note: dogs are not allowed in the Wildlife Refuge.

    Directions:
    From I-76: take exit 22/Bromley Lane and go east. In about a mile, turn south on Picadilly Rd. The park entrance is on the west side of Picadilly Rd., about a mile and a half south of Bromley Lane. From E-470: exit 34/120th Ave. and go east to Tower Rd. Turn Left onto Tower Rd. and follow the pavement to Picadilly Rd. Make a left on Picadilly. Park entrance is about a mile ahead on the left.

    Access:
    Open all year, 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM

  11. Brighton

    Description:
    Brighton provides the closest facilities to famed birding locations such as Barr Lake, in addition to several nice city parks. The best of these is Veterans Park on the South Platte River, which is contiguous with the Getz and Morgan-Smith Nature Areas. Extensive riparian habitat offers chances at various migrants in season, while the river can host waterfowl during the winter.

    Directions:
    Brighton is along US 85, about 20 miles from Denver. To get to Veterans Park from US 85: turn west onto CO 7 and proceed a short distance to the parking lot on the north side, just before the South Platte River. See the website for directions to the other sites.

    Access:
    Open all year, Daylight hours

  12. North Star Reservoir

    Description:

    Directions:
    From I-25: take exit 232/Weld CR 8 and go east 10 miles to the reservoir, located on the north side of the road.

    Access:
    Open all year, Daylight hours

  13. Fort Lupton

    Description:
    The highlight of birding in the Fort Lupton area is Pearson Park. A patchwork of dirt trails runs through thickets of cottonwood, Russian-olive, and willow that are home to woodpeckers, nuthatches, and jays. In spring, look for migrant warblers and thrushes.

    Directions:
    Pearson Park is located on the west side of US 85 in Fort Lupton. Take I-76 east to US 85 and go north. At CO 52/Mineral Rd., head west past the baseball field. Turn north and once past the baseball field, turn east and continue to the parking area.

    Access:
    Open all year, Daylight hours

  14. Ireland Reservoir #5

    Description:
    This reservoir can be a great place to see ducks and other waterbirds, at least in spring before the weeds grow tall enough to block the view. A scope is helpful and note that in some years, the reservoir runs dry.

    Directions:

    Access:
    Open all year, Daylight hours

  15. Banner Lakes State Wildlife Area

    Description:

    Directions:

    Access:
    Open all year with limitations. North of Hwy 52 is closed April 1 - July 15. Closed from second weekend of October to second weekend of November. Limited access between September 1 to February 28. Refer to CPW website for more detailed information, Daylight hours

  16. Prospect Reservoir

    Description:
    This large private lake can only be scanned from one pullout near the southeast corner of the reservoir but, with a scope, one can see breeding Western and Eared Grebes and many ducks in winter. The marsh northeast of the reservoir has breeding Yellow-headed Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, and Marsh Wren. Grasshopper Sparrows nest in some fields east of the reservoir.

    Directions:

    Access:
    Open all year, Daylight hours