Big Johnson Reservoir & Bluestem Prairie Open Space

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
LakeGrassland
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Big Johnson Reservoir & Bluestem Prairie Open Space is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 279 species recorded on eBird. This lake and grassland 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-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

3/5/2026Garden of the Gods1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

3/5/2026Garden of the Gods1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

3/4/20266515 Falcon Springs Pt, Peyton US-CO 38.92867, -104.516711 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

3/3/2026Sondermann Park1 observed

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

3/3/2026Sondermann Park3 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

3/2/2026Jimmy Camp Creek Trail--C&S Rd to E Ohio Ave1 observed

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

3/2/2026Fountain Creek Regional Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

13/5/2026

Canada Goose

2003/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

83/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

63/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

63/5/2026

Common Merganser

63/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

23/5/2026

Wild Turkey

13/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

503/5/2026

Horned Grebe

13/5/2026

Canvasback

63/5/2026

Bufflehead

113/5/2026

Bald Eagle

13/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/5/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

23/5/2026

Western Meadowlark

13/5/2026

Wood Duck

13/4/2026

Gadwall

13/4/2026

Mallard

203/4/2026

Redhead

103/4/2026

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