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
White-faced Ibis
Plegadis chihi
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Nyctanassa violacea
Green Heron
Butorides virescens
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
Northern Pintail
Anas acuta
Brewer's Sparrow
Spizella breweri
Least Flycatcher
Empidonax minimus
Semipalmated Plover
Charadrius semipalmatus
Red Crossbill
Loxia curvirostra
Cassin's Kingbird
Tyrannus vociferans
Snowy Owl
Bubo scandiacus
Lark Bunting
Calamospiza melanocorys
Western Tanager
Piranga ludoviciana
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Mallard
American Coot
Killdeer
Long-billed Dowitcher
Spotted Sandpiper
Solitary Sandpiper
Stilt Sandpiper
Ring-billed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Snowy Egret
Great Blue Heron
Northern Flicker
Say's Phoebe
Barn Swallow
European Starling
American Goldfinch
Lark Sparrow
Yellow-headed Blackbird
Red-winged Blackbird
Canada Goose
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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Pawnee National Grassland
Colorado shortgrass prairie with grassland specialists and nesting raptors at Pawnee Buttes.
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 →