Bird walk at Bluff Lake Nature Center — free guided walk in east Denver
Free guided bird walk at Bluff Lake Nature Center in east Denver. Urban wetland and grassland habitat along First Creek. Jun 21, 7:30–10 AM MDT.
Why we picked this
Bluff Lake is one of the few urban wetland preserves in Denver proper — an 123-acre wildlife refuge surrounded by development, where shorebirds, raptors, and grassland sparrows share space with the city skyline visible in the distance.
Bluff Lake Nature Center is a 123-acre wildlife preserve in the Stapleton neighborhood of east Denver — a patchwork of wetlands, grassland, and riparian habitat along First Creek that supports a surprisingly diverse bird list given its urban surroundings. Denver Audubon leads a free guided walk through the preserve on June 21st, running from 7:30 to 10 AM.
June brings breeding birds in full song, and the wetland edges at Bluff Lake are particularly active in early morning. Look for red-winged blackbirds, various duck species on the water, and raptors hunting the grassland sections. The preserve’s location in the urban grid means it acts as a magnet for migrants and residents that have few other options in the area.
All skill levels welcome. A $5 suggested donation supports Denver Audubon’s education and conservation programs, but participation is free. Bluff Lake Nature Center is at 11255 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Register through the Denver Audubon event calendar.