San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 308 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts American Wigeon, Mexican Duck, and Common Ground Dove 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

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

3/4/2026Guadalupe Canyon (Hidalgo Co.)1 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

3/4/2026Guadalupe Canyon (Cochise Co.)1 observed

Great Egret

Ardea alba

3/3/2026Slaughter Ranch1 observed

Bendire's Thrasher

Toxostoma bendirei

3/3/2026East Geronimo Trail, Douglas, Arizona, US (31.349, -109.393)2 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

3/2/2026Coronado National Forest, Cottonwood Creek- US-NM 31.50032, -109.047423 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

3/2/2026East 9th Street and Bonita, Douglas, Arizona, US12 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Wigeon

42/22/2026

Mexican Duck

42/22/2026

Common Ground Dove

102/22/2026

Mourning Dove

1482/22/2026

Greater Roadrunner

12/22/2026

American Coot

42/22/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

12/22/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

12/22/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

32/22/2026

Red-naped Sapsucker

12/22/2026

Gila Woodpecker

32/22/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

32/22/2026

Northern Flicker

12/22/2026

American Kestrel

12/22/2026

Merlin

12/22/2026

Dusky Flycatcher

12/22/2026

Black Phoebe

22/22/2026

Say's Phoebe

32/22/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

52/22/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

12/22/2026

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 San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge include American Wigeon, Mexican Duck, Common Ground Dove, Mourning Dove, Greater Roadrunner. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge?
San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.