Lathrop State Park

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
MountainForest
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Lathrop State Park is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 259 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and forest habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Gadwall 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

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

3/1/2026Huerfano - CR 330 (Rowell Rd to Big Dike)1 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

3/1/2026Pryor (Santa Clara Creek)1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

3/1/20267200–7412 County Road 360, La Veta US-CO 37.41953, -104.974991 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/1/2026Orlando Reservoir7 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

2/27/2026Orlando Reservoir2 observed

Lapland Longspur

Calcarius lapponicus

2/27/2026Orlando Reservoir20 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cackling Goose

42/27/2026

Canada Goose

452/27/2026

Gadwall

22/27/2026

Mallard

42/27/2026

Redhead

32/27/2026

Ring-necked Duck

22/27/2026

Bufflehead

22/27/2026

Common Goldeneye

12/27/2026

Common Merganser

402/27/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

12/27/2026

Greater Roadrunner

12/27/2026

Virginia Rail

12/27/2026

American Coot

62/27/2026

Ring-billed Gull

12/27/2026

Bald Eagle

12/27/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

22/27/2026

Northern Flicker

12/27/2026

American Kestrel

12/27/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

12/27/2026

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

72/27/2026

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 Lathrop State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Lathrop State Park for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lathrop State Park?
Notable species at Lathrop State Park include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Redhead. The area supports mountain, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lathrop State Park?
Birding at Lathrop State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Lathrop State Park?
Lathrop State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.