Wetland birding habitat

Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

Montana · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Montana, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

7/19/2026Sheridan Reservoir2 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

7/14/2026Sheridan Reservoir, Dubois US-ID 44.46008, -111.688942 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

7/14/2026Sheridan Reservoir, Dubois US-ID 44.46008, -111.688946 observed

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

7/14/2026Sheridan Reservoir, Dubois US-ID 44.46008, -111.688943 observed

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentalis

7/14/2026Sheridan Reservoir, Dubois US-ID 44.46008, -111.688942 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/8/2026Henrys Lake--North Parking Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

27/17/2026

Wood Duck

27/17/2026

Mallard

107/17/2026

American Coot

87/17/2026

Sandhill Crane

27/17/2026

Long-billed Curlew

17/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/17/2026

White-faced Ibis

247/17/2026

American White Pelican

167/17/2026

Northern Harrier

17/17/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

27/17/2026

Black-billed Magpie

17/17/2026

Tree Swallow

27/17/2026

Mountain Bluebird

37/17/2026

American Robin

17/17/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

57/17/2026

Western Meadowlark

17/17/2026

Gadwall

7/13/2026

Sora

17/13/2026

Killdeer

7/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge?
Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.