Wetland birding habitat

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Western Meadowlark and Vermilion Flycatcher among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

5/31/2026Arivaca Lake3 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

5/30/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Arivaca Creek access at Cañada del Toro1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/30/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Arivaca Creek Trailhead1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

5/30/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Arivaca Creek access at Cañada del Toro1 observed

American Coot (White-shielded)

Fulica americana

5/26/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Triangle Pond1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

5/26/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Arivaca Creek Trailhead1 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

5/22/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Arivaca Creek Trailhead1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

5/22/2026Arivaca Lake1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/21/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Headquarters Area1 observed

Swainson's Thrush (Russet-backed)

Catharus ustulatus

5/21/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Arroyo Seco at eastern boundary and unnamed tributary2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Ground Dove

16/1/2026

White-winged Dove

66/1/2026

Mourning Dove

26/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/1/2026

Gray Hawk

26/1/2026

Zone-tailed Hawk

16/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/1/2026

Elf Owl

16/1/2026

Gila Woodpecker

106/1/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

26/1/2026

Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet

36/1/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

36/1/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

126/1/2026

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

46/1/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

26/1/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

66/1/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

86/1/2026

Bell's Vireo

126/1/2026

Verdin

66/1/2026

Barn Swallow

16/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge?
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.