Reservoirs are characterised by open surface water, surrounding vegetation, and diverse microhabitats that support rich bird communities. However, increasing anthropogenic activities and population growth have led to habitat fragmentation and loss, forcing many bird species to rely on man-made reservoirs. This study assessed bird species richness and abundance around the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Reservoir during the dry and wet seasons using point transect surveys. A total of 4,673 individual birds representing 16 orders, 41 families, and 80 species were recorded. Compared with an unpublished 2004 inventory around the ABU Reservoir, both species’ richness and abundance increased. Shannon diversity was higher in the dry season (2.36 ± 0.10) than rainy season (2.15 ± 0.08), although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.10). Total bird abundance was significantly higher in the dry season (78%) than rainy season (22%) (p < 0.01). Evening surveys recorded higher encounter rates (55%) than morning surveys (45%), though this difference was not significant (p = 0.08). Migratory species, like the Sandpipers, contributed substantially to increased dry-season abundance. These findings highlight reservoirs’ role in sustaining bird populations. Improved management is recommended to conserve the ABU Reservoir and its wetlands.