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

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

8/14/2026Longstreet Inn & Casino1 observed

Ridgway's Rail

Rallus obsoletus

8/9/2026Ash Meadows NWR--Peterson Reservoir1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gambel's Quail

58/17/2026

Mourning Dove

28/17/2026

Lesser Nighthawk

18/17/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

18/17/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

28/17/2026

Verdin

38/17/2026

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher

28/17/2026

Crissal Thrasher

28/17/2026

Black Phoebe

18/17/2026

Bewick's Wren

18/17/2026

Northern Mockingbird

18/17/2026

Phainopepla

48/17/2026

House Finch

18/17/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

18/17/2026

MacGillivray's Warbler

18/17/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

18/17/2026

Lazuli Bunting

18/17/2026

Virginia Rail

18/17/2026

Sora

18/17/2026

Black-necked Stilt

18/17/2026

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.