This is an excellent birding location, attracting many eastern and western migrants during spring and fall, including Eastern and Mountain Bluebirds, Alder and Hammond’s Flycatchers, Blue-headed and Cassin’s Vireo, and Rose-breasted and Black-headed Grosbeaks. The 270-acre reservoir draws-in a variety of waterbirds including ducks, grebes, and herons. Virginia Rails and Soras can be heard calling in the marshes, and shallow areas can have a variety of shorebirds. Several uncommon and rare flycatchers have been observed here including Hammond’s, Dusky, Cordilleran, and Gray Flycatchers. Other uncommon species observed here include Loggerhead Shrike, Rock Wren, Sage Thrasher, Calliope Hummingbird, and Thick-billed Longspur.

Where to go in the park

This site can require some time to bird as different areas attract different species. Check all areas of the SRA taking time to scan through the trees, shrubs, and the reservoir for birds. While driving around the gravel roads at this site, watch for sparrow flocks and other birds foraging along the road like Savannah and Vesper Sparrows, Lark Bunting, and longspurs. A scope is helpful for scanning distant waterfowl and shorebirds, and for distinguishing between distant Western and Clark’s Grebes. Start by checking the deeper water along the dam for waterfowl on the water. At Lodgepole Wayside Park and the west end of the reservoir, check the scattered trees for common and unusual passerines and scan the shallow areas for shorebirds.

Site’s notable birds

• Cinnamon Teal
• Cassin’s Vireo
• Rock Wren

Birds recently observed

• View on eBird

Common birds

• Mallard
• Great Blue Heron
• Western Meadowlark
• Common Yellowthroat

Field checklist

• Download printable list