Trumpeter Swans on a river with geysers steaming in Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park

Wyoming · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
ForestGrasslandMountainWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

May-July

Entrance Fee

$35 per vehicle (7-day pass)

Hours

Open 24 hours; some roads closed seasonally

About This Location

Yellowstone National Park's geothermal features and vast wilderness support over 300 bird species across a mosaic of grasslands, forests, and waterways. Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley are excellent for raptors and waterbirds, while higher elevations host boreal 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

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

6/1/2026Goose Lake OD51 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

5/31/2026Yellowstone NP--Pelican Creek1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

5/30/2026Yellowstone NP--Arnica Creek Picnic Area2 observed

Western x Clark's Grebe (hybrid)

Aechmophorus occidentalis x clarkii

5/29/2026Yellowstone NP--Pelican Creek1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

5/26/2026Yellowstone NP--Indian Pond2 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

5/25/2026Yellowstone NP--Fairy Falls Trail4 observed

Ring-necked Duck x scaup sp. (hybrid)

Aythya collaris x marila/affinis

5/24/2026Yellowstone NP--Mary Bay Picnic Area1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

5/24/2026Yellowstone NP--Indian Pond1 observed

Sanderling

Calidris alba

5/21/2026Yellowstone NP--Pelican Creek2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

25/30/2026

Canvasback

45/30/2026

Lesser Scaup

65/30/2026

Bufflehead

25/30/2026

Barrow's Goldeneye

15/30/2026

Sandhill Crane

15/30/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

25/30/2026

Bald Eagle

15/30/2026

Canada Jay

15/30/2026

Marsh Wren

15/30/2026

Canada Goose

355/27/2026

American Wigeon

25/26/2026

Common Raven

15/26/2026

Common Merganser

35/26/2026

Eared Grebe

75/26/2026

Belted Kingfisher

25/26/2026

Mountain Chickadee

15/26/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

15/26/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

25/26/2026

Chipping Sparrow

25/26/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Lamar Valley at dawn offers the best raptor and owl sightings

  2. 2

    Check the thermal areas for unusual winter bird activity

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

  5. 5

    Bring waterproof boots and scan the marsh edges for rails, herons, and bitterns

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park for birding?
The best months to visit Yellowstone National Park for birding are May-July. The best seasons are Summer and Spring.
What birds can I see at Yellowstone National Park?
Notable species at Yellowstone National Park include Trumpeter Swan, Great Gray Owl, Bald Eagle, Sandhill Crane, American Dipper, Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Clark's Nutcracker, Common Raven. The area supports forest, grassland, mountain, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Yellowstone National Park?
Birding at Yellowstone National Park is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Yellowstone National Park?
The entrance fee at Yellowstone National Park is $35 per vehicle (7-day pass). Hours: Open 24 hours; some roads closed seasonally.
What amenities are available at Yellowstone National Park?
Yellowstone National Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Trails, Campground.