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

Thick-billed Kingbird

Tyrannus crassirostris

5/28/2026Guadalupe Canyon (Cochise Co.)4 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

5/28/2026Guadalupe Canyon (Cochise Co.)1 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

5/23/2026Guadalupe Canyon (Cochise Co.)1 observed

Gray Vireo

Vireo vicinior

5/23/2026Guadalupe Canyon (Cochise Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gambel's Quail

115/30/2026

White-winged Dove

225/30/2026

Mourning Dove

4355/30/2026

Greater Roadrunner

15/30/2026

White-throated Swift

15/30/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

25/30/2026

American Coot

325/30/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

75/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

135/30/2026

Cooper's Hawk

15/30/2026

Gray Hawk

35/30/2026

Swainson's Hawk

35/30/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

35/30/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

115/30/2026

Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet

15/30/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

25/30/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Black Phoebe

55/30/2026

Say's Phoebe

25/30/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

35/30/2026

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.