Smith Reservoir State Wildlife Area

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Smith Reservoir State Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Horned Lark, and Snow 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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

3/4/2026Costilla - CR 212 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

3/4/2026Costilla - CR 211 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/4/2026Alamosa NWR—Bluff Overlook2 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

3/1/2026Pikes Stockade9 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

2/28/2026Smith Reservoir SWA3 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

2/28/2026Smith Reservoir SWA4 observed

Sage Thrasher

Oreoscoptes montanus

2/28/2026Smith Reservoir SWA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

13/5/2026

Cackling Goose

43/5/2026

Canada Goose

3/5/2026

Cinnamon Teal

33/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

3/5/2026

Gadwall

3/5/2026

American Wigeon

3/5/2026

Mallard

3/5/2026

Northern Pintail

3/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

3/5/2026

Canvasback

23/5/2026

Redhead

3/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

3/5/2026

Bufflehead

3/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

3/5/2026

Common Merganser

63/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

3/5/2026

American Coot

3/5/2026

Sandhill Crane

3/5/2026

Killdeer

43/5/2026

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