Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Colorado · Rocky Mountains
Challenging
June-October
Free
Open daily, sunrise to sunset; visitor center Wed-Sun 9 AM - 4 PM
About This Location
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 284 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and wetland habitat attracts Wild Turkey, Canada Goose, and Northern Shoveler among many others. Elevation changes create diverse habitats, from riparian valleys to alpine meadows, supporting a wide range of species.
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
Black Phoebe
Sayornis nigricans
Mountain Bluebird
Sialia currucoides
Long-billed Dowitcher
Limnodromus scolopaceus
Eastern Warbling Vireo
Vireo gilvus
Calliope Hummingbird
Selasphorus calliope
Bonaparte's Gull
Chroicocephalus philadelphia
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatus
Neotropic Cormorant
Nannopterum brasilianum
Indigo Bunting
Passerina cyanea
Baltimore Oriole
Icterus galbula
White-rumped Sandpiper
Calidris fuscicollis
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Mourning Dove
Black-chinned Hummingbird
American Coot
Pied-billed Grebe
Swainson's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Say's Phoebe
Cassin's Kingbird
Western Kingbird
Black-billed Magpie
Horned Lark
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Cliff Swallow
European Starling
House Sparrow
House Finch
Chipping Sparrow
Birding Tips
- 1
Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.
- 2
Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.
- 3
Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.
- 4
Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail maps.
- 5
Check the refuge website for seasonal road and trail closures before visiting.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Barr Lake State Park
- Two Ponds NWR
- Cherry Creek State Park
More in Colorado
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Adobe Creek Reservoir (Blue Lake) - Bent Co
Lake birding hotspot in Colorado with 227 recorded species.
Colorado Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Colorado →