· Longs Peak

Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area

Designated as an “Important Bird Area” by the National Audubon Society, this is one of the best birding locations in the area. Huge numbers of geese often stage here in late fall, including thousands of Cackling Geese, with some Snow, Ross’s, and Greater White-fronted Geese usually mixed in. Sometimes the geese even stay all winter! Ducks, Grebes, Loons, and Gulls can also be seen here between fall and spring, along with Bald Eagles. The cottonwoods around the lake attract breeding Orioles, and the Prairie-dog towns attract raptors, occasionally including  Ferruginous Hawk and Golden Eagle. A Bald Eagle nest located on the opposite side of the lake can be viewed from the gazebo east of the Visitor Center. Please note pets are not allowed at this property. A nearby adjacent site 3/4 of a mile west from the Natural Area entrance is a small pond on the south side of the road that often has many water birds on it.  Be careful, as there is heavy traffic and no pull-off except a small space on the west side of the pond.

County: Larimer

Directions: From I-25: take exit 262, CR 392/E County Rd 32, and head west. Fossil Creek Reservoir is on the north side in 1 mile. Go north onto the access road across from Eagle Ranch Rd. to the parking lot for the Reservoir.

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: Municipal
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Dogs, bikes, and horses are not allowed at Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area. Please obey all rules and regulations.

Parking: Paved parking area
Lodging: Hotels in Loveland or Fort Collins

Handicapped: Yes
Handicapped Access: Heron loop trail is ADA accessible

Latitude: 40.483512
Longitude: -105.015691

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