Have you recently heard the unmistakable song of red-winged blackbirds that congregate atop reeds in marshy areas? Seen the majestic wingspan of the bald eagle as it soars against the sky’s bright-blue backdrop? Spring is a busy time for birds in and around Sterling Ranch, and May is a month bustling with bird-related events, such as Bird Day, World Bird Migratory Day and guided bird walks at nearby Roxborough State Park. Find joy in the fresh air this month and take note of the vibrant life of birds in the area. 

Year-round birding: 10 commonly seen bird species in Douglas County, CO

Sterling Ranch residents enjoy an array of species that similarly make the area their home year-round. Read on for a list of birds you can expect to see near Sterling Ranch.

American robin with orange belly and dark head perched on a metal rod, facing right, with green blurred background in Littleton CO, southwest of Denver in the Denver metro area.

#1 American robin

This orange-breasted bird and its quintessential blue eggs are the most frequently spotted throughout the state.

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A belted kingfisher with blue-gray feathers and a white belly perches on a bare tree branch, set against a blurred natural background in Sterling Ranch, CO.

#2 Belted kingfisher

Its brown belt and gray-blue mohawk-like head feathers make this bird easily identifiable.

A small bird with black, white, and gray feathers perches on a branch of a flowering tree with white blossoms, evoking the natural beauty found in Sterling Ranch Colorado, just southwest of Denver.

#3 Black-capped chickadee

Cheery sounds emanate from this small bundle of a bird that sports a distinct black head of feathers as it flutters from tree to tree, feeder to feeder.

Two Canada geese and two mallard ducks swim in a body of water with gentle ripples visible on the surface, capturing a peaceful moment in Sterling Ranch Colorado, nestled within the scenic Denver metro area.

#4 Canada goose

This familiar honker, and its friend the mallard, are mainstays around the area, particularly at Chatfield State Park’s expansive reservoir.

A black and white woodpecker with a red patch on its head clings to the side of a tree trunk, facing upward, capturing a glimpse of wildlife commonly seen in Sterling Ranch, Colorado.

#5 Downy woodpecker

This recognizable black-and-white patterned bird boasts a signature red marking along the back of its head as its long, slender body clings to backyard trees and bird feeders.

A grey heron stands at the edge of a pond, surrounded by green and brown foliage, with water and trees in the background—a serene scene often found at Sterling Ranch Colorado, just southwest of Denver in the scenic Denver metro area.

#6 Great blue heron

This stately bird wades through the water’s edge before taking flight with an impressive wingspan.

A Northern Flicker woodpecker with spotted plumage perches on a tree branch, facing left. Captured in Sterling Ranch CO, southwest of Denver, the background shows the tree trunk and blurred green foliage.

#7 Northern flicker

With its cheetah-like spotted belly and wings, and a distinguished bright orange strip extending along its neck beyond its beak, this bird in the woodpecker family can be seen throughout the neighborhood.

A hawk with brown and white feathers perches on a bare branch against a clear blue sky in Sterling Ranch Colorado.

#8 Red-tailed hawk

Garnering attention as it patiently lies in wait along fence posts, searching for its next meal, this bird of prey has spotted brown top feathers and is eye-catchingly white on the undersides of its broad wings.

A brown and white song sparrow is perched on a thin branch, with a blurred background of green leaves and blue sky—captured in the natural beauty just southwest of Denver in Sterling Ranch CO.

#9 Song sparrow

Streaked with brown feathers, this unassuming species delights with fantastical melodies.

A white-breasted nuthatch clings to the side of a tree trunk, facing left, with soft gray and white plumage visible against a blurred background—a charming sight often found in the woodlands of Sterling Ranch Colorado.

#10 White-breasted nuthatch

Not to be confused with the black-capped chickadee, this small bird’s distinct white breast beneath a solid blue back studded with black-tipped wings is a regular backyard visitor throughout the year.

Runners up

These stunning species can be spotted year-round near Sterling Ranch, though in fewer numbers:

  • Bald eagle
  • Red-winged blackbird
  • Great horned owl
  • Common merganser
  • Spotted towhee

Seasonal visitors

May through September is prime time to spot these seasonal visitors to Douglas County.

  • House wren
  • Broad-tailed hummingbird
  • Yellow warbler
  • Lesser goldfinch
  • Cedar waxwing

Interested in further exploring birds in the area? Check out eBird Colorado, an interactive site updated with observations by people living in and visiting the community, and be sure to stay connected with our partner, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.

Sterling Ranch: A bird-friendly community

​In spring, the air buzzes with chirps and songs and trills and calls from the many bird species that make northwest Douglas County their home, year-round or just for the warm seasons. Likewise, residents at Sterling Ranch also buzz with joy as they delight in a full calendar of activities in the fresh air. Looking for a community that values connection with others and the great outdoors? Visit us today and tour our inspiring new model homes — your vibrant future awaits!

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