Birding

Birding in Longmont: Top Spots, Best Times, and What to Bring

Longmont offers some exceptional birding locations, each with its unique appeal. Here's a detailed guide to the best birding spots, the species you can expect to see, the optimal times to visit, and what to bring to enhance your birding experience.

Golden Ponds Nature Area

Overview: Golden Ponds is a haven for bird watchers, with four ponds and stunning mountain views that create a serene backdrop for birding. The area’s diverse habitats, including wetlands and open water, attract bird species, making it a top spot for year-round birding.

• You Might See: Double-crested Cormorants, White-faced Ibis, Great Blue Herons, American White Pelicans
• Best Time to Visit: Early spring and late summer are ideal for spotting various species. Early mornings or late afternoons provide the best light and most bird activity.
• What to Bring: Binoculars, a bird identification guide, and a camera with a zoom lens. For the open areas around the ponds, remember a sun hat and sunscreen.

McIntosh Lake Nature Area

Overview: McIntosh Lake offers expansive views of the Front Range and is a key site for spotting resident and migratory birds. The surrounding grasslands and wetlands provide excellent opportunities to see a variety of species in their natural habitat.

• You Might See: Great Egrets, Bald Eagles, Ring-billed Gulls, Redheads, American White Pelican
• Best Time to Visit: Visit in the spring and fall for migration seasons when the lake sees more waterfowl and shorebirds. Early mornings are best for calm conditions and active birds.
• What to Bring: A lightweight tripod for your camera, water, snacks, and a comfortable pair of hiking shoes to explore the trails around the lake.

Sandstone Ranch Community Park & Nature Area

Overview: Sandstone Ranch is a beautiful place to explore and a hotspot for bird watchers. The combination of riparian zones, woodlands, and open fields makes it ideal for observing a variety of bird species. They also offer a great list of birds in the area

• You Might See: Eastern Kingbirds, Great Horned Owls, Great Blue Herons, Red-tailed Hawks
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early summer is perfect for viewing nesting birds and fledglings. Dusk and dawn are prime times for bird activity.
• What to Bring: A birding app for quick identification, insect repellent, and a notepad for recording sightings. Bring a picnic to enjoy in the scenic park area.

St. Vrain State Park

Overview: St. Vrain State Park is a gem for birders. Its numerous ponds and wetlands attract many bird species. The park's quiet trails and observation points provide excellent opportunities for novice and experienced birders. The park also has a downloadable birding list

• You Might See: Wild Turkeys, American White Pelicans, Great Blue Herons, Spotted Sandpipers, Mountain Bluebirds
• Best Time to Visit: This park is excellent in early spring and late fall. Early morning visits offer the best chance to see various species.
• What to Bring: A scope for long-distance viewing, layered clothing for changing temperatures, and plenty of water. A field guide specific to Colorado birds would be very helpful.

Lagerman Agricultural Preserve

Overview: Lagerman Agricultural Preserve is a unique spot combining agricultural fields, grasslands, and wetlands, creating a rich environment for birding. The preserve is mainly known for its raptor sightings, making it a must-visit for bird of prey enthusiasts.

• You Might See: Brewer's Blackbird, Stilt Sandpipers, Sage Thrashers, various sandpipers and plovers
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring through summer is ideal for viewing the grassland and wetland birds that thrive there. Visit during the morning hours for the best light and most bird activity.
• What to Bring: Sturdy walking shoes, a birding vest with plenty of pockets, and a thermos of coffee for those early morning excursions.

St. Vrain Greenway

Overview: The St. Vrain Greenway is a picturesque trail system that follows the St. Vrain Creek, providing a rich environment for birds and bird watchers. The mix of riparian zones, wetlands, and shaded groves offers habitats for various bird species, making it a birding gem close to the city.

• You Might See: Horned Larks, Green-winged Teals, Sandhill Cranes, Bushtits
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer are the best times to visit when the creek is bustling with activity. Early morning hours provide optimal light and a peaceful environment for birding.
• What to Bring: A compact pair of binoculars, a waterproof jacket for unexpected weather, and a lightweight backpack to carry snacks and water.

Pella Crossing

Overview: Pella Crossing is known for its tranquil ponds and diverse bird life, particularly waterfowl and shorebirds. The serene setting is perfect for a relaxing birding experience, with several interconnected ponds providing plenty of opportunities to spot different species.

• You Might See: Red-winged Blackbirds, Cliff Swallows, Red-breasted Mergansers, Lesser Scaup
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring and early fall are the ideal times to visit Pella Crossing, with migratory birds passing through and abundant nesting waterfowl. Morning visits are best for calm conditions on the ponds.
• What to Bring: A portable bird blind for more discreet viewing, insect repellent, and a detailed birding guide to help identify less common species.

Jim Hamm Nature Area

Overview: Jim Hamm Nature Area is a peaceful spot in northeast Longmont centered around a small lake with surrounding wetlands and wooded areas. It’s a fantastic place to spot a variety of species, from waterfowl to songbirds, and is especially known for its owl sightings.

• You Might See: Osprey, Yellow Headed Blackbird, Gadwall, Mountain Bluebird, Common Yellowthroat
• Best Time to Visit: Early spring and fall are the best times to visit, with plenty of migratory activity and abundant resident birds. Mid-morning offers the best combination of light and bird activity.
• What to Bring: A spotting scope for distant views across the lake, a sturdy walking stick for the trails, and a thermos for hot coffee or tea during visits on cooler days.

Union Reservoir

Overview: Union Reservoir is a large, scenic body of water that serves as a vital stopover for migrating birds and a home for many resident species. The wide-open water and surrounding fields make it a prime location for spotting waterfowl, raptors, and shorebirds throughout the year.

• You Might See: American White Pelicans, Sandhill Cranes, Red-necked Phalarope, Long-billed Dowitcher, Willet
• Best Time to Visit: Visit in late fall through early spring for the best chance to see migrating waterfowl and wintering eagles. Early morning visits are ideal for catching the sunrise over the reservoir and the calmest conditions on the water.
• What to Bring: A camera with a telephoto lens for capturing distant birds, warm clothing for cooler months, and a birding app for quick identification.

Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain

Overview: The Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain offers a unique birding experience with its rugged terrain and sweeping vistas. The preserve’s combination of grasslands, rock outcrops, and wooded areas provides a diverse habitat that attracts a wide range of bird species, especially raptors. It’s a fantastic spot for birders who enjoy a bit of a hike while searching for birds in a stunning natural setting.

• You Might See: Mountain Bluebirds, Western Flycatcher, Killdeer, Prarie Falcon
• Best Time to Visit: Late winter through early spring is the best time to visit, especially for raptor sightings. Early morning offers the best light for photography and the most bird activity.
• What to Bring: A powerful spotting scope for viewing raptors from a distance, hiking boots for the rugged terrain, and a windbreaker for breezy conditions on the ridges.

Essential Birding Gear

• Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars is essential for birding. Look for ones with 8x or 10x magnification for a good balance of power and field of view.
• Field Guide or Birding App: Identifying birds can be challenging, so a regional field guide or a smartphone app like Merlin Bird ID can be beneficial.
• Notebook and Pen: Record your sightings to track which birds you’ve seen and where. This can also help with future birding trips.
• Comfortable Clothing: Dress in layers, as temperatures vary throughout the day. Neutral-colored clothing can help you blend into the environment, making you less noticeable to birds.
• Sun Protection: Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, especially if you plan to be out midday.
• Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated and keep your energy up, mainly if you’re birding for several hours.

With this guide, you can explore Longmont’s rich birding opportunities. Each location offers a unique experience, whether tracking waterfowl by the lake, scanning for raptors in the preserve, or enjoying the serenity of a natural area. Happy birding!

Grab a map of the parks and trails within Longmont or stop by the Visitor Center at 320 Main Street for a hard copy.