Lon Hagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Lon Hagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, 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

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

3/5/2026High Plains Environmental Center1 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

3/5/2026Timnath Reservoir2 observed

Acorn Woodpecker

Melanerpes formicivorus

3/5/2026Mountain View Cemetery (Boulder Co.)1 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

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/4/2026Mountain View Cemetery (Boulder Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cackling Goose

23/5/2026

Canada Goose

33/5/2026

Mallard

33/5/2026

Redhead

13/5/2026

Common Merganser

13/5/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

13/5/2026

Killdeer

23/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/5/2026

Horned Grebe

13/5/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/5/2026

Bald Eagle

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

23/5/2026

American Kestrel

13/5/2026

Black-billed Magpie

23/5/2026

European Starling

123/5/2026

Song Sparrow

13/5/2026

American Wigeon

1003/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

43/5/2026

Blue Jay

63/5/2026

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 Lon Hagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Lon Hagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lon Hagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Lon Hagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area include Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, Redhead, Killdeer. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lon Hagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area?
Birding at Lon Hagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lon Hagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area?
Lon Hagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.