Greeley, Sterling, Fort Morgan
The counties and hotspots listed below represent well-known birding areas within the region and are provided for planning and reference. Specific trip locations vary based on season, access, and local conditions.
Weld County anchors the region with its iconic grasslands and productive reservoirs. Pawnee National Grassland (Crow Valley, Buttes, Bird Tour routes) highlights prairie longspurs, plovers, and raptors. Union Reservoir and the Lower Latham Reservoir area support waterfowl and shorebirds, while St. Vrain State Park & nearby lakes provide year-round wetland birding. Loloff Reservoir & Stewart’s Pond add seasonal concentrations. Collectively, these sites illustrate Weld’s combination of grassland spectacle and wetland diversity.
Adams County blends metro-accessible wetlands with riparian corridors. Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR (Lake Ladora, Wildlife Drive, Lake Mary) combines open water, grasslands, and restored prairie birding. Barr Lake State Park (Visitor Center, Neidrach Trail, Banding Station) stages massive waterbird and migrant flocks. Lowell Ponds Open Space and the South Platte River (88th Ave & downstream areas) add riparian birding, while Clear Creek Valley Park & Trails provide urban access. Together, Adams showcases the plains–metro interface at its best.
Morgan County delivers premier plains waterbirding. Jackson Lake State Park (North Shore, Marina, Outlet Canal) and Jackson Lake SWA & Andrick Ponds SWA host large gatherings of waterfowl and shorebirds. Riverside Parkin Fort Morgan offers riparian stopovers, while Brush SWA & adjacent ponds provide migrant habitat. Bijou Reservoir viewpoints add expansive wetland birding opportunities. Collectively, these sites underscore Morgan County’s importance as a migration crossroads.
Nearest Airports
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Cheyenne Regional Airport (CYS)
Fort Collins–Loveland Municipal Airport (FNL)
Greeley–Weld County Airport (GXY)
Drive Times
Greeley to Fort Morgan: 45–60 minutes
Greeley to Sterling: 1.25–1.75 hours
Denver to Greeley: 1–1.25 hours
Cheyenne to Greeley: 1–1.5 hours
Spring (Mar–May) brings waves of shorebirds, longspurs, and warblers through prairies and riparian oases. Days are cool and breezy, with greening grasslands.
Summer (Jun–Aug) highlights breeding longspurs, plovers, and grassland raptors, while cottonwoods shelter orioles and flycatchers. Conditions are warm to hot, often with afternoon thunderstorms.
Fall (Sep–Oct) ushers in waterfowl and crane movements, with sparrows and raptors staging across fields and rivers. Weather is mild, with crisp mornings and golden prairie light.
Winter (Nov–Feb) concentrates geese, raptors, and hardy waterfowl on open waters, while longspur flocks sweep snowy fields. Conditions are cold but clear, with far-reaching vistas under bright skies.
