Wetland birding habitat

Ouray National Wildlife Refuge

Utah · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Ouray National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Utah, with 229 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

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/29/2026Ouray NWR -- Sheppard Bottoms4 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

5/25/2026Ouray NWR -- Sheppard Bottoms1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/25/2026Ouray NWR -- Sheppard Bottoms9 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

5/23/2026Pelican Lake1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

5/23/2026Pelican Lake1 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/21/2026Pelican Lake2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

15/30/2026

Blue-winged Teal

15/30/2026

Cinnamon Teal

215/30/2026

Gadwall

75/30/2026

Mallard

505/30/2026

Green-winged Teal

15/30/2026

Mourning Dove

25/30/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

15/30/2026

American Coot

25/30/2026

Sandhill Crane

25/30/2026

Black-necked Stilt

105/30/2026

American Avocet

45/30/2026

Killdeer

75/30/2026

Wilson's Phalarope

85/30/2026

Willet

15/30/2026

White-faced Ibis

505/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/30/2026

Osprey

25/30/2026

Swainson's Hawk

15/30/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

35/30/2026

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 Ouray National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Ouray National Wildlife Refuge for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ouray National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Ouray 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 Ouray National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Ouray National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ouray National Wildlife Refuge?
Ouray National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.