Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife Area

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
CanyonWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This canyon and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, and American Wigeon 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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/6/2026Highline Lake State Park, Loma US-CO 39.26602, -108.844212 observed

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

3/5/2026Crown Point Cemetery1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

3/2/2026Highline Lake SP1 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

3/1/2026Westwater Canyon2 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

2/28/2026Colorado River SP--Connected Lakes section2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

83/5/2026

Cinnamon Teal

73/5/2026

American Wigeon

43/5/2026

Mallard

733/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

233/5/2026

Common Merganser

13/5/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

13/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

American Kestrel

13/5/2026

Peregrine Falcon

13/5/2026

Say's Phoebe

33/5/2026

Common Raven

33/5/2026

Spotted Towhee

13/5/2026

Western Meadowlark

13/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

13/3/2026

Mourning Dove

23/3/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/3/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/3/2026

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

13/3/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for echoing calls of Canyon Wren and other canyon specialties.

  2. 2

    Check rocky ledges and cliff faces for nesting raptors.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife Area for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife Area include Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, American Wigeon, Mallard, Green-winged Teal. The area supports canyon, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife Area?
Birding at Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife Area is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife Area?
Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.