Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive

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 - Wildlife Drive is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and wetland habitat attracts Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, and Ferruginous Hawk 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

Bald Eagle Red-tailed Hawk Ferruginous Hawk Horned Lark European Starling

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

7/21/2026Great Western Reservoir (closed to public)1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/21/2026Clear Creek Trail--Golden to I-701 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

7/20/2026Bluff Lake Nature Center1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

7/20/2026Sagebrush Park, Aurora US-CO 39.63117, -104.814991 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Pelican Point area5 observed

Brewer's Sparrow

Spizella breweri

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Wetlands Preserve1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Wetlands Preserve1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Wetlands Preserve1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Wetlands Preserve4 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

7/20/2026Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR--Bluestem Loop Trail3 observed

Snowy Owl

Bubo scandiacus

7/19/202625241 E Aberdeen Dr, Aurora US-CO 39.60911, -104.693781 observed

Lark Bunting

Calamospiza melanocorys

7/19/2026NE Broomfield County Pond and Area3 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/19/20261809 E Tufts Ave1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American White Pelican

47/20/2026

American Kestrel

17/20/2026

Western Kingbird

117/20/2026

Barn Swallow

17/20/2026

European Starling

27/20/2026

Lark Bunting

237/20/2026

Western Meadowlark

17/20/2026

Canada Goose

7/20/2026

Mallard

7/20/2026

Mourning Dove

7/20/2026

American Coot

27/20/2026

American Avocet

27/20/2026

Killdeer

17/20/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/20/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

17/20/2026

Baird's Sandpiper

27/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

157/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

267/20/2026

White-faced Ibis

27/20/2026

Snowy Egret

7/20/2026

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

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 →

Birding Guides

Where to See Bald Eagles

11 min read

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Bird Identification: The Four Keys

11 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

What birds can I see at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?▼

Notable species at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive include Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Horned Lark, European Starling. The area supports mountain, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?▼

Birding at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive 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 - Wildlife Drive?▼

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