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

Scaled Quail

Callipepla squamata

4/14/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Arivaca Cienega1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

4/11/2026Arivaca Lake1 observed

Chihuahuan Raven

Corvus cryptoleucus

4/6/2026Ruby Road At yellow jacket rdUS (31.539, -111.301)2 observed

Steller's Jay (Southwest Interior)

Cyanocitta stelleri

4/5/2026Arivaca Lake1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

4/1/2026Arivaca Lake2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Loggerhead Shrike

44/14/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

74/14/2026

Canyon Towhee

24/14/2026

Mourning Dove

44/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/13/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

14/13/2026

Common Raven

24/13/2026

Horned Lark

54/13/2026

House Finch

24/13/2026

Western Meadowlark

14/13/2026

American Coot

24/8/2026

Swainson's Hawk

24/8/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/8/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

14/8/2026

Northern Mockingbird

34/8/2026

Abert's Towhee

24/8/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

154/8/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

14/8/2026

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.