Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - East Auto Tour

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

ChallengingView on eBird Directions

Habitat

MountainWetland

Best Seasons

Summer Fall

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - East Auto Tour is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and wetland habitat attracts Red-tailed Hawk, Black-billed Magpie, and Marsh Wren 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

Red-tailed Hawk Black-billed Magpie Marsh Wren European Starling Song Sparrow

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

5/31/2026CommonGround (Westerly) Wetlands2 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

5/31/2026CommonGround (Westerly) Wetlands4 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

5/31/2026Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR (Please use more specific locations)1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

5/31/2026Cherry Creek SP--Prairie Loop1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

5/31/2026Cherry Creek SP--Prairie Loop1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/31/2026Cherry Creek SP--Marina & nearby Dam Trail1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/31/2026Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR--Havana Ponds and Trail1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

5/31/2026Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR--Havana Ponds and Trail1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/31/2026Cherry Creek SP--Pelican Point area2 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

5/31/2026Cherry Creek State Park, Greenwood Village US-CO 39.63455, -104.863231 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

345/30/2026

Blue-winged Teal

25/30/2026

Gadwall

45/30/2026

American Wigeon

25/30/2026

Mallard

155/30/2026

Green-winged Teal

45/30/2026

Redhead

25/30/2026

Mourning Dove

95/30/2026

American Coot

205/30/2026

American Avocet

25/30/2026

Killdeer

115/30/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/30/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

15/30/2026

Willet

15/30/2026

Ring-billed Gull

45/30/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

105/30/2026

Eared Grebe

15/30/2026

Western Grebe

75/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/30/2026

White-faced Ibis

75/30/2026

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.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Auto Tour Route

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Colorado Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Colorado →

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - East Auto Tour for birding?▼

The best months to visit Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - East Auto Tour for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.

What birds can I see at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - East Auto Tour?▼

Notable species at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - East Auto Tour include Red-tailed Hawk, Black-billed Magpie, Marsh Wren, European Starling, Song Sparrow. The area supports mountain, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - East Auto Tour?▼

Birding at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - East Auto Tour is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.

What amenities are available at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - East Auto Tour?▼

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - East Auto Tour offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.