BIRDWATCHING

Our beautiful and diverse habitat has encouraged a large and active community of birders, who have helped identify over 230 different bird species at Bluff Lake! We hope you will enjoy these free resources and join us for a bird walk on the first Saturday of each month.

Bird Walks

  • Monthly Saturday morning bird walks are currently taking place on the first Saturday of each month, weather permitting. Our walks are led by volunteers who know and love Bluff Lake. During warmer months you will have the option to register for the 2.5 hour walk or the 2 hour walk. These events are free but require an RSVP.

    Please note: Registration closes at 3 p.m. the Friday before the event, so please be sure to RSVP early!

    Upcoming dates for 2024 Bird Walks:

    RSVP HERE

    • Saturday, January 6

    • Saturday, February 3

    • Saturday, March 2

    • Saturday, April 6

    • Saturday, May 4

    • Saturday, June 1

    Stay up to date on events by liking our Facebook page and registering for birding news HERE.

  • -These walks are for expert birders and newbies alike. We won't split groups according to levels of knowledge or experience, as we believe those who are more seasoned can help introduce birding to a new audience.

    We are always excited to introduce birding to new folks, please feel welcome.

  • - Dress accordingly! The weather can vary wildly in Denver, so layers are key, as is making sure you are warm enough (hat and gloves can be vital on those chilly mornings), wear sunscreen, and pack a water bottle.

    - If you see something, say something. Let the group leader or assistant know when you spot a bird.

    - If you leave, let the leader or assistant know. We understand sometimes you might not be able to do the full birding walk, but we need to know when you leave so we're not searching for folks when keeping the group together.

    -We will have a leader in the front and assistant in the back of the group to ensure we can keep track of folks joining or leaving.

    - Please respect the rules of Leave No Trace! That means applying these principles to your birding experience:

    • Plan Ahead and Prepare. Check the weather, dress in layers (hat and gloves highly recommended), wear sunscreen and bring water.

    • Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces. While Bluff Lake has no camping, this applies to staying on the path and not making social trails, which damages the site and habitats.

    • Dispose of Waste Properly (Pack It In, Pack It Out). Don’t throw trash (or anything) on the site.

    • Leave What You Find. Don’t give into the temptation of taking any souvenirs, no matter how insignificant. Even that leaf could be a snack or nesting material for an animal!

    • Minimize Campfire Impacts. Campfires are also not allowed at Bluff Lake, but take care to not add to the possibility of wildfires, including not smoking on site and no littering.

    • Respect Wildlife. Distance yourself from the birds you are watching and stay on the designated trails. Do not closely approach any animals, especially nests.

    • Be Considerate of Other Visitors. Help your fellow birders out, give everyone a chance when viewing, and be aware of all the other people who enjoy Bluff Lake in a multitude of different ways.

Photojournalistic Essays From George Ho, Jr.

These photojournalistic pieces by George Ho, Jr. walk us through a variety of fascinating stories experienced by some of the birds in and around Bluff Lake. George has provided photographs, narration, and in some cases philosophical reflection about nature’s life cycles.

Click on any of the title pages below to get started, then keep clicking to advance through the pages.

Birding Resources

  • Follow this link to read about Bluff Lake Swainson’s Hawks in Denver Field Ornithologists Newsletter. Essay and photos by Jason Bidgood.

  • Follow this link to learn more about mobbing! Essay and photos by George Ho Jr.

  • Read this story to learn more about black-chinned hummingbirds! Photos by George Ho Jr., story compilation by Lauren Keller.

  • Read this story to learn more about great horned owls! Photos by George Ho Jr., editing by Lauren Keller.

  • Click here to read about out bird blind from “A Guide To Wildlife Viewing and Photography Blinds”!

  • This checklist is great to carry with you while birdwatching at Bluff Lake! It lists all the different bird species ever spotted on site, each along with information about the best habitat and best season to find them. Download it HERE, or pick one up at the welcome kiosk when you arrive. Last updated March 2021.

  • eBird is a collaborative effort of citizen birders worldwide, organized and maintained by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Updated daily, these lists name all the birds spotted at various birding "hotspots" around the world - including here at our very own Bluff Lake Nature Center!

  • As natural habitats are being destroyed, many species of birds are being put in danger. As individuals, we can help with conservation efforts by creating bird-friendly environments in and around our own homes. To encourage backyard habitats that attract and protect local bird species, the Today’s Homeowner team created a detailed guide with bird-friendly yard ideas. Follow this link to learn more!

  • Working on a landscaping project? Planting a tree? Check out Denver Audubon’s Native Plants for Birds list, for some guidance! This is specific to the Denver Metro Area.

    • Hailey (Age 11) and the Lyndhurst STEMettes recommended website All About Bald Eagles. The club enjoyed our All About Birds Virtual Activity Series during the social distancing of COVID, and afterward Hailey wanted to share this article she found about her favorite bird.

    • Backyard Birdwatching and Building Your Own Birdhouse has some useful information about birdwatching near your home, beginner. birdwatching tools, attracting birds to your backyard, and options for DIY birdhouses. If you would like a pre-built wooden bird house, or a wooden nest box building kit to assemble yourself, scroll to the Bluff Lake Bird store at the bottom of this page!

Bird ID Tips for Beginner Birdwatchers

Interviews

Bird Day Interview with George Ho

Birder and nature photographer George Ho, Jr., M.D., is interviewed by Bluff Lake Education Manager Heidi Pfeiffer, Ph.D., as he takes us on a photo tour of 21 different birds of Bluff Lake. Recorded on May 6, 2020, this interview was premiered as part of Bluff Lake's 2020 Virtual Bird Day.

Rare and Elusive Birds with George Ho

Back by popular demand, George Ho, Jr., M.D., returns for another interview about his birding and nature photography at Bluff Lake, again with Education Manager Heidi Pfeiffer, Ph.D. This concise video covers the first 10 birds, and the full-length interview is also available HERE. Recorded on September 29, 2020, this video premiered as part of Bluff Lake Wine & Zoom 2020.