Wetland birding habitat

San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 308 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts American Wigeon, Mexican Duck, and Common Ground 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

Gray Hawk

Buteo plagiatus

4/11/2026Guadalupe Canyon (Hidalgo Co.)3 observed

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

4/11/2026Guadalupe Canyon (Hidalgo Co.)1 observed

Gray Vireo

Vireo vicinior

4/11/2026Guadalupe Canyon (Hidalgo Co.)1 observed

Costa's Hummingbird

Calypte costae

4/11/2026Guadalupe Canyon (Hidalgo Co.)2 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

4/11/2026Guadalupe Canyon (Hidalgo Co.)6 observed

Violet-crowned Hummingbird

Ramosomyia violiceps

4/11/2026Guadalupe Canyon (Hidalgo Co.)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mexican Duck

24/3/2026

Ruddy Duck

14/3/2026

Gambel's Quail

124/3/2026

Common Ground Dove

154/3/2026

White-winged Dove

174/3/2026

Mourning Dove

1154/3/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

14/3/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

24/3/2026

Sora

24/3/2026

American Coot

234/3/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

194/3/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

14/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/3/2026

Black Vulture

14/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

94/3/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

14/3/2026

Northern Harrier

14/3/2026

Gray Hawk

44/3/2026

Zone-tailed Hawk

14/3/2026

Swainson's Hawk

24/3/2026

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 San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge include American Wigeon, Mexican Duck, Common Ground Dove, Mourning Dove, Greater Roadrunner. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge?
San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.