Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Western Meadowlark and Vermilion Flycatcher 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

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/5/2026Arivaca Lake1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/5/2026Arivaca Lake1 observed

Crested Caracara

Caracara plancus

3/1/2026Hwy 2862 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

2/27/2026Arivaca Lake5 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk (elegans)

Buteo lineatus

2/26/2026Arivaca Lake1 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

2/26/2026Arivaca Lake1 observed

Sage Thrasher

Oreoscoptes montanus

2/22/202685736, Tucson US-AZ 31.81533, -111.326581 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Western Meadowlark

13/1/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

23/1/2026

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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