McIntosh Lake

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

McIntosh Lake is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 231 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Ring-billed Gull, and Bald Eagle 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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/5/2026Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat--Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together3 observed

Acorn Woodpecker

Melanerpes formicivorus

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

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

3/5/2026Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat--Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together2 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

3/5/2026Plaster Reservoir1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

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

Western Bluebird

Sialia mexicana

3/4/2026University of Colorado Boulder--South Campus1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

233/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

293/4/2026

Bald Eagle

13/4/2026

Northern Flicker

33/4/2026

European Starling

13/4/2026

House Finch

53/4/2026

American Goldfinch

13/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

283/4/2026

Cackling Goose

63/1/2026

Killdeer

13/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/1/2026

American Crow

43/1/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

13/1/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

23/1/2026

Blue Jay

33/1/2026

American Robin

13/1/2026

Song Sparrow

13/1/2026

Gadwall

33/1/2026

Northern Pintail

23/1/2026

Horned Grebe

63/1/2026

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 McIntosh Lake for birding?
The best months to visit McIntosh Lake for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at McIntosh Lake?
Notable species at McIntosh Lake include Canada Goose, Ring-billed Gull, Bald Eagle, Northern Flicker, European Starling. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at McIntosh Lake?
Birding at McIntosh Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at McIntosh Lake?
McIntosh Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.