Don’t let their location right by the interstate fool you: these small ponds, formerly a State Wildlife Area, can often be full of waterfowl. Migration times tend to be best, but during the summer, several breeding species should be present. The associated riparian habitat may also have migrants in season.
Waterfowl
Cityscape to Solitude
This trail encompasses the parks and waterways of northeast urban Denver, plus a large swath of the adjacent plains. The South Platte River and many urban lakes attract birds in migration and winter, ranging from Bald Eagles to Hooded Mergansers. In summer, Cliff and Bank Swallows skim over prairie pothole ponds, and Grasshopper Sparrows lisp in nearby fields. If you are lucky, you might spot a Burrowing Owl peeking out of a prairie-dog hole. From urban fox squirrels to rural foxes, this trail strings together the finest spots to enjoy nature right in the shadow of the city.
Admission: $7 per vehicle, walk-in and bike-in access is free
Ownership: Municipal
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Admission: Free
Ownership: US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Admission: State Parks Pass.
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Banner Lakes State Wildlife Area
Admission: A valid hunting or fishing license, or State Wildlife Area pass is required for everyone 16 or older accessing any state wildlife area or state trust lands.
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Jim Baker Reservoir and nearby ponds
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.
Ponds on the east side of Lowell are private. Good views of the ponds and rookery can be obtained from the public sidewalk or high points along the trail at Jim Baker.
Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge
One of the smallest and most urban refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System, Two Ponds is split up into two parts: the Environmental Education Zone and the Prairie Management Zone. The Environmental Education Zone, which is located east of Croke Canal, is only open May to September. In the Environmental Education Zone, the namesake ponds are too small to have much draw for waterfowl, but they do make the surrounding woodland much more attractive to migrants and breeding species. In this area you will also find a gazebo, amphitheater, shelters and viewing blinds. The Prairie Management Zone, which is located west of Farmers Highline Canal, is open year round from dawn to dusk. The Prairie Management Area is criss-crossed by three irrigation canals which all have mature trees along at least part of their length. There are walking trails with good access along each canal. At both parts of the refuge look for breeders like Warbling Vireo, Western Wood-Pewee, and Cooper’s Hawk. In the prairie areas, Swainson’s Hawk, Loggerhead Shrike, Savannah Sparrow, and others could be found. During migration you never know what might show up! Note that dogs are not allowed at the refuge.
Standley Lake Regional Park
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. In early spring, gull variety often increases and waterfowl numbers pick up again as they move north. The summer months tend to be fairly quiet, though the remnant open prairie habitat can have a few breeding species, while the small tree groves play host to birds such as Spotted Towhee, Bullock’s Oriole, and Lazuli Bunting, and in recent years, a nesting pair of Bald Eagles. Be sure to check out Standley Lake’s live Eagle Cam.
Stearns Lake
Stearns Lake attracts waterfowl between fall and spring, sometimes including geese by the thousands. Savannah Sparrows forage along the shoreline in fall. Large trees in the vicinity are likely to feature Swainson’s Hawks in summer and Bald Eagles in winter. Follow Rock Creek Trail for access to the surrounding fields, home to meadowlarks and a few Ring-necked Pheasants, which are very local in the area. Coyotes are also regularly seen here. Some trails may be closed seasonally to protect nesting Bald Eagles.
McKay Lake
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 passerine migrants during appropriate times of year. In the late fall or early spring when ice is on the reservoir, this can also be a good place to look for gulls.
Eastlake #3 Park and Nature Preserve
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.
88th Avenue Open Space
This area covers the gravel pits along the South Platte corridor between about 80th and 104th Avenues, including the area sometimes referred to by birders as ’88th and the South Platte’ or ‘the Dahlia ponds.’ This stretch is 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! Long-tailed Ducks also occur here during some winters. Check for sparrow flocks in the riverside willows; with luck you might find a Harris’s Sparrow among the more common American Tree and White-crowned Sparrows.
Note: As of January 2018, this area is part of a major restoration and enhancement project. What is already good habitat for birds and other wildlife will only be improved, so visit in the future to explore the new enhancements!
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
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 former Visitor’s Center can have various ducks in season, and has pulled in a few rarities such as scoters. Lake Ladora has a parking lot on its west side and often contains lots of water birds and easy walking around the lake in either direction. The open prairie houses Burrowing Owls and can even have breeding Lark Buntings. In winter, there are often double-digit Bald Eagles in the area. In 2015, the refuge re-introduced the endangered black-footed ferret back to the property and an outdoor ferret exhibit can be viewed just outside the Visitor Center’s back patio. Visitors can also see a small herd of American bison, which were re-introduced to the Arsenal in 2007.
Public access is limited to certain parts of the refuge; guided trips deeper into the property leave periodically. Be sure to stop by the Visitor’s Center to inquire about guided trips as well as check out their interactive exhibits.
Barr Lake State Park
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. Visit here and you will see why! 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. Other birds of interest you could spot at Barr include: large variety of warblers, longspurs, and sparrows. Over 350 species of migratory and resident birds have been observed at the park, so there is always something to see year-round!
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.
Brighton
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 and the usual suite of breeding species, while the river can host waterfowl during the winter (including Common and Hooded Mergansers and Common Goldeneye), as well as flocks of sparrows in the associated scrub. Check the gravel pits at Ken Mitchell Park (ebird hotspot checklist) and adjacent Ergers Pond for diving ducks during the colder months, as Barrow’s Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser have been seen here among the more common species.
North Star Reservoir
This pond can be scanned from a county road and can hold a good diversity of ducks and other waterbirds at almost any season. In warmer months, huge flocks of swallows can swarm over the surface of the water.
Fort Lupton
The highlight of birding in the Fort Lupton area is Pearson Park, west of town along the South Platte River. Here, underneath the tall cottonwoods north of the baseball diamond, are thickets of Russian-olive and willow that are home to Downy Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Blue Jay, and other typical birds of riverside woods. In spring, look for migrant warblers and thrushes. A patchwork of dirt trails runs through the trees.
Ireland Reservoir #5
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.
Banner Lakes State Wildlife Area
This large wildlife area is a very worthwhile destination; however, it is closed during waterfowl hunting season to everyone except hunters. In addition, the north half of the area is closed from April 1 through July 15 to protect nesting waterfowl. However, the trails south of CO 52 are still accessible during that time, and provide access to several nice marshes, ponds, and thickets. Several species of ducks and other waterbirds nest here, along with several species of raptors, and owls sometimes roost in the thickets. Be sure to check for seasonal restrictions before heading out.
Prospect Reservoir
This large private lake can only be scanned from one spot: the pullout in front of the gun club access gate near the southeast corner of the reservoir. From this vantage point, a variety of waterbirds can be seen (especially with a scope), including breeding Western and Eared Grebes and many duck species in winter. The marsh at the northeast corner of the reservoir is a breeding site for Yellow-headed Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, and Marsh Wren. Grasshopper Sparrows nest in some of the fields to the east of the reservoir.