Aurora Reservoir

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Aurora Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and Northern Shoveler 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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/6/2026Cherry Creek SP--Cottonwood Creek Wetlands2 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/5/2026Rueter-Hess Reservoir (restricted access)3 observed

Western Bluebird

Sialia mexicana

3/5/2026Sampson Creek Trail4 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

3/5/2026Cherry Creek Trail--E-470 through Cottonwood Parks, East & West1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

3/4/2026Cherry Creek SP--Pelican Point area1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/4/2026Cherry Creek SP--Pelican Point area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

82/22/2026

Canada Goose

1832/22/2026

Northern Shoveler

122/22/2026

Gadwall

12/22/2026

Mallard

172/22/2026

Greater Scaup

22/22/2026

Bufflehead

32/22/2026

Common Goldeneye

62/22/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1502/22/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

42/22/2026

Cackling Goose

2/22/2026

Bufflehead x Common Goldeneye (hybrid)

12/22/2026

Hooded Merganser

42/22/2026

Common Merganser

32/22/2026

Ruddy Duck

42/22/2026

American Coot

1442/22/2026

American Herring Gull

12/22/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

12/22/2026

Pacific Loon

12/22/2026

Belted Kingfisher

12/22/2026

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 Aurora Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Aurora Reservoir for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Aurora Reservoir?
Notable species at Aurora Reservoir include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Aurora Reservoir?
Birding at Aurora Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Aurora Reservoir?
Aurora Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.