Ryan Gulch Reservoir

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Ryan Gulch Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, 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

43/1/2026

Canada Goose

43/1/2026

Mallard

23/1/2026

Lesser Scaup

143/1/2026

Bufflehead

13/1/2026

Common Goldeneye

23/1/2026

Rock Pigeon

63/1/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

23/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

33/1/2026

Bald Eagle

13/1/2026

Northern Flicker

13/1/2026

Blue Jay

13/1/2026

American Crow

13/1/2026

European Starling

43/1/2026

American Robin

13/1/2026

House Finch

23/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

53/1/2026

Common Merganser

62/27/2026

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 Ryan Gulch Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Ryan Gulch Reservoir for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ryan Gulch Reservoir?
Notable species at Ryan Gulch Reservoir include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ryan Gulch Reservoir?
Birding at Ryan Gulch Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ryan Gulch Reservoir?
Ryan Gulch Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.