Poudre River Trail near US 287

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

River/Riparian

Best Seasons

SummerFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Poudre River Trail near US 287 is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Cackling Goose, American Dipper, and Canada Goose 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

Cackling Goose American Dipper Canada Goose Mallard Downy Woodpecker

Live Bird Data

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

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

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

3/4/2026Prospect Ponds Natural Area2 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

3/4/2026Prospect Ponds Natural Area1 observed

Red-naped Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus nuchalis

3/4/2026Power trail1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon x Pink-sided)

Junco hyemalis

3/2/2026High Plains Environmental Center1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

3/2/20262716 Second St, Bellvue US-CO 40.62659, -105.173091 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

3/2/2026Lake Donath1 observed

Birding Tips

1
Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.
2
Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.
3
Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado alpine park with accessible tundra birding and elevation-diverse habitats.

Pawnee National Grassland

Colorado shortgrass prairie with grassland specialists and nesting raptors at Pawnee Buttes.

Adobe Creek Reservoir (Blue Lake) - Bent Co

Lake birding hotspot in Colorado with 227 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

How to Identify Birds Like an Expert: The Four Keys to Field Identification

11 min read

The Best Birding Apps in 2026: The Ultimate Digital Field Guide

7 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Poudre River Trail near US 287 for birding?▼

The best months to visit Poudre River Trail near US 287 for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.

What birds can I see at Poudre River Trail near US 287?▼

Notable species at Poudre River Trail near US 287 include Cackling Goose, American Dipper, Canada Goose, Mallard, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports river/riparian habitats.

How difficult is birding at Poudre River Trail near US 287?▼

Birding at Poudre River Trail near US 287 is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Poudre River Trail near US 287?▼

Poudre River Trail near US 287 offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.