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

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

25/31/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

15/31/2026

American Coot

45/31/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/31/2026

Swainson's Hawk

15/31/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

25/31/2026

Say's Phoebe

15/31/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

15/31/2026

Western Kingbird

35/31/2026

Black-billed Magpie

15/31/2026

Horned Lark

45/31/2026

Tree Swallow

25/31/2026

Barn Swallow

505/31/2026

Cliff Swallow

805/31/2026

European Starling

805/31/2026

House Sparrow

15/31/2026

House Finch

75/31/2026

Chipping Sparrow

15/31/2026

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

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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 →

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.