Lake birding habitat

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Crystal Reservoir

Nevada · Southwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Crystal Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Nevada, with 230 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, and Northern Shoveler among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

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

Ridgway's Rail

Rallus obsoletus

6/8/2026Ash Meadows NWR--Lower Crystal Marsh1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

6/8/2026Ash Meadows NWR--Lower Crystal Marsh2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Yellow-headed Blackbird

16/15/2026

Common Yellowthroat

16/15/2026

Blue-winged Teal

16/8/2026

Cinnamon Teal

36/8/2026

Gadwall

16/8/2026

Mallard

26/8/2026

Redhead

106/8/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

26/8/2026

Ruddy Duck

26/8/2026

Mourning Dove

106/8/2026

Lesser Nighthawk

206/8/2026

Ridgway's Rail

16/8/2026

American Coot

26/8/2026

Killdeer

56/8/2026

California Gull

16/8/2026

White-faced Ibis

406/8/2026

Gambel's Quail

46/8/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

16/8/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

16/8/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

16/8/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Crystal Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Crystal Reservoir for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Crystal Reservoir?
Notable species at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Crystal Reservoir include Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Crystal Reservoir?
Birding at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Crystal Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Crystal Reservoir?
Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Crystal Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.