Waneka Lake/Greenlee Preserve
Colorado · Rocky Mountains
Moderate
June-October
Free
Open daily, 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
About This Location
Waneka Lake/Greenlee Preserve is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 272 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Cackling Goose, 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
Western Kingbird
Tyrannus verticalis
Blue-winged Teal
Spatula discors
Acorn Woodpecker
Melanerpes formicivorus
Pacific Wren
Troglodytes pacificus
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rustica
Winter Wren
Troglodytes hiemalis
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Sphyrapicus varius
Western Bluebird
Sialia mexicana
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Mallard
Bufflehead
Northern Flicker
Black-capped Chickadee
White-crowned Sparrow
Spotted Towhee
Cackling Goose
Ring-necked Duck
Common Merganser
Ring-billed Gull
Downy Woodpecker
Bushtit
European Starling
American Robin
House Finch
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Birding Tips
- 1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
- 2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
- 3
Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.
- 4
A spotting scope is essential here — many waterbirds stay far from shore and are difficult to identify with binoculars alone.
- 5
Winter months bring peak waterfowl diversity — visit November through February for the best duck and goose viewing.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Greenlee Preserve
- Rock Creek Trail
- Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat
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