Wellington State Wildlife Area - Cobb Lake Unit

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Wellington State Wildlife Area - Cobb Lake Unit is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 241 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Ring-necked Pheasant, Ring-billed Gull, and American Robin 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

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

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

3/4/2026Prospect Ponds Natural Area2 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

3/4/2026Prospect Ponds Natural Area1 observed

Red-naped Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus nuchalis

3/4/2026Power trail1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon x Pink-sided)

Junco hyemalis

3/2/2026High Plains Environmental Center1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

3/2/20262716 Second St, Bellvue US-CO 40.62659, -105.173091 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

3/2/2026Lake Donath1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

63/5/2026

Gadwall

533/5/2026

American Wigeon

713/5/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

33/5/2026

American Coot

33/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/5/2026

European Starling

13/5/2026

American Robin

173/5/2026

Western Meadowlark

13/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

503/5/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

13/1/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

53/1/2026

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 Wellington State Wildlife Area - Cobb Lake Unit for birding?
The best months to visit Wellington State Wildlife Area - Cobb Lake Unit for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Wellington State Wildlife Area - Cobb Lake Unit?
Notable species at Wellington State Wildlife Area - Cobb Lake Unit include Ring-necked Pheasant, Ring-billed Gull, American Robin, White-crowned Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wellington State Wildlife Area - Cobb Lake Unit?
Birding at Wellington State Wildlife Area - Cobb Lake Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Wellington State Wildlife Area - Cobb Lake Unit?
Wellington State Wildlife Area - Cobb Lake Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.