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Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space Conditions

photo from Park
A beautiful day at Fossil Creek Reservoir. Photo by Jacob Wells, Larimer County Ranger

Current Conditions

Report Last Updated: 10/9/2008
These reports are updated only when conditions change

Please see the Natural Resources Events Calendar for guided nature hikes.  The fourth annual Northern Colorado Birding Fair was a great success.  Thanks to those who organized and those who attended this great event!

Trail Conditions

Trails are well maintained and in great shape. There is a water fountain in front of the bathrooms if you need to fill up.  Snacks and a lightweight rain jacket (just in case) are also good to have with you.

Raptor Sightings

It has been a great year to view raptors at Fossil Creek Reservoir!  Northern harriers, peregrine falcons, prairie falcons, Swainson's hawks, immature bald eagles and American kestrals have been sighted recently. 

Wildlife Sightings

A small family of three to six coyotes can sometimes be seen in the grassland areas alone or with the pack howling, napping, and playing.  Their tracks wind in and out of the Sandpiper Trail. 

Shorebird/Gull Sightings

Great blue herons, white egret, snowy egret, avocet and ring-billed gulls are the most prevelant.

Waterfowl Sightings

Here are just some of the water birds that have been spotted at Fossil Creek recently:  northern pintail, lesser scaup, common goldeneye, northern shoveler, common merganser, redhead, greater scaup, horned grebe, eared grebe, American coot, green-winged teal, blue-winged teal, gadwall, cinnamon teal, American wigeon, ruddy duck, ring-necked duck, mallards, and more! 

Songbird Sightings

Meadowlarks constantly remind you that they are there with their distinct songs. Red-winged blackbirds are always hanging around around for you to spot.  Horned larks can also be seen and heard on the grassland areas.