Sandstone Ranch

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
MountainForest
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Sandstone Ranch is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and forest habitat attracts Say's Phoebe, 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

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

23/5/2026

Mallard

163/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

143/5/2026

Wild Turkey

93/5/2026

Killdeer

23/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

113/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/5/2026

Great Horned Owl

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

23/5/2026

Song Sparrow

13/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

63/5/2026

Say's Phoebe

13/4/2026

Gadwall

23/4/2026

American Wigeon

43/4/2026

American Coot

13/4/2026

Sandhill Crane

163/4/2026

Bald Eagle

13/4/2026

Common Raven

113/4/2026

Marsh Wren

13/4/2026

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 Sandstone Ranch for birding?
The best months to visit Sandstone Ranch for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sandstone Ranch?
Notable species at Sandstone Ranch include Say's Phoebe, Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports mountain, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sandstone Ranch?
Birding at Sandstone Ranch is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Sandstone Ranch?
Sandstone Ranch offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.