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

Purple Martin

Progne subis

7/20/2026Arivaca Lake1 observed

Crested Caracara

Caracara plancus

7/7/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Ted Tank2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Coot

17/18/2026

Western Kingbird

77/18/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

17/18/2026

Barn Swallow

67/18/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/18/2026

Cassin's Sparrow

57/18/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

27/18/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

37/18/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

17/18/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/18/2026

Gambel's Quail

27/12/2026

Common Ground Dove

77/12/2026

White-winged Dove

17/12/2026

Mourning Dove

67/12/2026

Gila Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Say's Phoebe

27/12/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

17/12/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

17/12/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

17/12/2026

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.