Urban Refuges

The main attraction at this park is the large Johnson Lake, good for waterfowl of various species (including Canvasback, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, and Common Goldeneye), as well as Eared Grebe and the occasional loon. There are quite a few trees in the area as well, though the lack of undergrowth cuts into the variety of birds that could show up. Still, they are worth a look especially during migration.

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While not quite the same caliber as Chatfield or Cherry Creek Reservoirs, Marston is still one of the best lakes in the Denver area. Productive at almost any time of year (perhaps least interesting in the middle of the summer), the lake can have almost any of the waterfowl species that occur in the state. It is semi-reliable for Barrow’s Goldeneye during the late fall and winter, and is among the best spots in the area for loons (including Pacific) and all the regular grebe species. When an ice shelf forms, there can sometimes be large flocks of gulls; look especially for Thayer’s and Lesser Black-backed Gulls from late fall through early spring. The property is private, and can only be viewed through a chain-link fence.

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The medium-sized pond here is probably the best pond for waterbirds in the area. Large flocks of dabblers and divers can be found here during the colder months, and keep an eye out for grebes and maybe even the stray loon or two. Gull flocks could potentially hold an interesting species or two during the winter, and the thickets often have flocks of sparrows and sometimes Cedar Waxwings.

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This little pond in the middle of Littleton Historic Park may not look like much at first glance, but it’s usually full to the brim with ducks. Most popular is surely the remarkably common Wood Duck, and this is among the best places in the state to get point-blank views of this gorgeous bird. A surprising variety of diving ducks can be seen during the colder months (until the lake freezes), occasionally including Barrow’s Goldeneye. A small trail system in the area offers some riparian habitat that could host migrants in season, and connects to a wider bike-trail system for anyone looking to embark on a longer trip.

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The extensive South Platte Park, just to the north of C-470, has both an excellent trail system and a wide variety of habitat – the perfect birding spot for a short outing or a longer bike or walking trip in the south metro area. Several small but productive ponds can be found to the south of the Visitor’s Center; check for a wide variety of species that often include several divers during the colder months, and even rarities at times. The extensive riparian corridor has breeding Great Horned Owl, Eastern Screech-Owl, Yellow-breasted Chat, Bullock’s Oriole, and Lazuli Bunting among the more common birds, and can act as a magnet for migrants during fall and spring. While wintertime in the area tends to be slower, the abundant thickets usually have several sparrow species, and it is a good time of year to look for American Dipper on the river. Be sure to visit the Carson Nature Center, which has interactive nature exhibits and live animals on site.

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Sitting safe behind a high fence, McLellan Reservoir is not accessible to the public. However, a good pullout along County Line Road lets you safely park and scan the lake, which is often full of waterfowl from fall through spring. Less common species like Hooded Merganser and Canvasback can be spotted, as well as the occasional Barrow’s Goldeneye among the more common species. When an ice shelf forms, gulls can congregate along its edge. The Highline Canal bike trail has a spur that rings the northern end of the reservoir, and there are several places you can scan through the trees to get a different perspective, as well as check for passerines and Great Horned Owl in the riparian habitat.

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While rarely used as a canal these days, the extensive bike trails and beautiful riparian habitat make this woodland corridor the perfect place to combine a morning jog or bike ride with some birding. During migration, look for various songbird migrants, and during summer, check for Lazuli Bunting, Yellow-breasted Chat, Spotted Towhee, Great Horned Owl, and more.

You can read about author Robert Michael Pyle’s adventures growing up along the High Line Canal in The Thunder Tree: Lessons from an Urban Wildland.

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One of the crown jewels of Denver area reservoirs, Cherry Creek is famed among birders in the state both as a rarity magnet and an all-round good birding location. The reservoir typically ices over for a short time typically between December through the end of March. There are a number of good locations to observe birds around the reservoir from various viewpoints onto the lake; as a general rule, the southern parts of the lake are better for shorebird species (especially when the water is low), while areas closer to the dam tend to have more diving ducks. Gulls congregate around the marina and swim beach during colder months, and birds like loons and grebes are most often seen in the middle of the reservoir. In summer months, the extensive cottonwood forest along Cherry Creek is home to breeding species such as Yellow-breasted Chat and Yellow Warbler. Check for raptors, sparrows, flocks of Horned Lark, and the occasional longspur in the open prairie habitats on the western part of the park. A State Parks pass is required for entry.

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Situated a bit east of the Denver metro area, Aurora Reservoir sits outside the main urban sprawl that defines the city meaning this lake is still surrounded by a good-sized block of native prairie habitat, and is also more likely to catch birds migrating away from the mountains. The reservoir has excellent access, with a road around the lake offering many prime viewpoints, and provides good facilities making for an easy visit.  Check the lake itself for the full variety of waterfowl from fall through spring, including good numbers of diving ducks and a better chance at Snow and Ross’s Geese than most Denver-area lakes.  As a result of nearby landfills, gulls are often found here in numbers, and this is a good place to look for less common species such as Thayer’s, Lesser Black-backed, and Glaucous Gulls.  The prairie habitat occasionally has Lark Buntings, Horned Lark, and Lapland Longspur during the winter, as well as a variety of sparrows and raptors.  There is a fee for entrance.

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