Kettle Lakes

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
MountainForest
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Kettle Lakes is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and forest habitat attracts Gadwall, American Wigeon, 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

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

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

3/2/2026Fountain Creek Regional Park1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

3/2/2026Fountain Creek Regional Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

23/1/2026

American Wigeon

103/1/2026

Mallard

23/1/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/1/2026

Northern Flicker

33/1/2026

Steller's Jay

53/1/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

23/1/2026

Mountain Chickadee

13/1/2026

Pygmy Nuthatch

33/1/2026

Mountain Bluebird

63/1/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

43/1/2026

Spotted Towhee

43/1/2026

Virginia Rail

13/1/2026

Northern Harrier

13/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

33/1/2026

Western Bluebird

13/1/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

33/1/2026

Song Sparrow

33/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.

  2. 2

    Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Kettle Lakes for birding?
The best months to visit Kettle Lakes for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Kettle Lakes?
Notable species at Kettle Lakes include Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Cooper's Hawk, Northern Flicker. The area supports mountain, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Kettle Lakes?
Birding at Kettle Lakes is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Kettle Lakes?
Kettle Lakes offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.