Bellvue Watson Fish Hatchery & Lake

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Bellvue Watson Fish Hatchery & Lake is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 237 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Mallard 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

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

3/5/2026High Plains Environmental Center1 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

3/5/2026Timnath Reservoir2 observed

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentalis

3/5/2026Fossil Creek Reservoirnatural Area, Fort Collins US-CO 40.48372, -105.015722 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

3/4/2026300 W Oak St, Fort Collins US-CO 40.58562, -105.081421 observed

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

3/4/2026Prospect Ponds Natural Area2 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

3/4/2026Prospect Ponds Natural Area1 observed

Red-naped Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus nuchalis

3/4/2026Power trail1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon x Pink-sided)

Junco hyemalis

3/2/2026High Plains Environmental Center1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

3/2/20262716 Second St, Bellvue US-CO 40.62659, -105.173091 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

3/2/2026Lake Donath1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cackling Goose

53/5/2026

Canada Goose

123/5/2026

Mallard

113/5/2026

Common Merganser

113/5/2026

Rock Pigeon

33/5/2026

Golden Eagle

23/5/2026

Northern Flicker

23/5/2026

American Kestrel

23/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

23/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/2/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/2/2026

American Robin

23/2/2026

Gadwall

22/28/2026

Ring-necked Duck

12/28/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

32/22/2026

Snow/Ross's x Cackling/Canada Goose (hybrid)

12/22/2026

Black-billed Magpie

12/22/2026

Common Raven

12/22/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

32/22/2026

Bald Eagle

12/21/2026

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 Bellvue Watson Fish Hatchery & Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Bellvue Watson Fish Hatchery & Lake for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Bellvue Watson Fish Hatchery & Lake?
Notable species at Bellvue Watson Fish Hatchery & Lake include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bellvue Watson Fish Hatchery & Lake?
Birding at Bellvue Watson Fish Hatchery & Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bellvue Watson Fish Hatchery & Lake?
Bellvue Watson Fish Hatchery & Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.