Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Cackling Goose, and Canada Goose 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

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

3/6/2026Shriver-Wright SWA2 observed

Brewer's Sparrow

Spizella breweri

3/2/2026Alamosa--Riverwood Dr. wetlands1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

2/27/2026Rio Grande Farm Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

103/5/2026

Cackling Goose

3/5/2026

Canada Goose

3/5/2026

Mallard

473/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

23/5/2026

Sandhill Crane

35003/5/2026

Killdeer

13/5/2026

Northern Harrier

13/5/2026

American Kestrel

13/5/2026

Black-billed Magpie

13/5/2026

House Sparrow

43/5/2026

House Finch

23/5/2026

Gadwall

23/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

93/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

23/5/2026

European Starling

53/5/2026

Song Sparrow

23/5/2026

Western Meadowlark

23/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

33/4/2026

American Crow

33/4/2026

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 Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge include Snow Goose, Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Sandhill Crane, Red-tailed Hawk. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge?
Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.