South Platte River - McKay Rd & 100th area

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

River/Riparian

Best Seasons

SummerFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

South Platte River - McKay Rd & 100th area is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and American Wigeon 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

Canada Goose Gadwall American Wigeon Mallard Northern Pintail

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/6/2026Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/6/2026Cherry Creek SP--Cottonwood Creek Wetlands2 observed

Pacific Wren

Troglodytes pacificus

3/5/2026Tucker Gulch1 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

3/5/2026Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat--Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together1 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

3/5/2026Plaster Reservoir1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

3/4/2026Cherry Creek SP--Pelican Point area1 observed

Western Bluebird

Sialia mexicana

3/4/2026University of Colorado Boulder--South Campus1 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 South Platte River - McKay Rd & 100th area for birding?▼

The best months to visit South Platte River - McKay Rd & 100th area for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.

What birds can I see at South Platte River - McKay Rd & 100th area?▼

Notable species at South Platte River - McKay Rd & 100th area include Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail. The area supports river/riparian habitats.

How difficult is birding at South Platte River - McKay Rd & 100th area?▼

Birding at South Platte River - McKay Rd & 100th area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at South Platte River - McKay Rd & 100th area?▼

South Platte River - McKay Rd & 100th area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.