Lake birding habitat

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Aguirre Lake

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Aguirre Lake is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts American Coot, Gambel's Quail, and White-winged Dove 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 Poorwill

15/23/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 - Aguirre Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Aguirre Lake 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 - Aguirre Lake?
Notable species at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Aguirre Lake include American Coot, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Ladder-backed Woodpecker. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Aguirre Lake?
Birding at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Aguirre Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Aguirre Lake?
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Aguirre Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.