Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - East Auto Tour

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
MountainWetland
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - East Auto Tour is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and wetland habitat attracts Red-tailed Hawk, Black-billed Magpie, and Marsh Wren 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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/5/2026Cherry Creek State Park Wetlands1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

3/5/2026Cherry Creek Trail--E-470 through Cottonwood Parks, East & West1 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

3/5/2026Plaster Reservoir1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

3/4/2026Cherry Creek SP--Pelican Point area1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/4/2026Cherry Creek SP--Pelican Point area1 observed

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

3/4/2026Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR--Lake Mary1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

3/4/2026Cherry Creek SP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-tailed Hawk

13/2/2026

Black-billed Magpie

43/2/2026

Marsh Wren

13/2/2026

European Starling

73/2/2026

Song Sparrow

13/2/2026

Western Meadowlark

13/2/2026

Golden Eagle

13/2/2026

Bald Eagle

53/2/2026

Ferruginous Hawk

13/2/2026

American Kestrel

23/2/2026

Horned Lark

103/2/2026

Mountain Bluebird

53/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

243/2/2026

American Crow

12/28/2026

Cackling Goose

22/28/2026

Canada Goose

302/28/2026

Northern Shoveler

42/28/2026

Gadwall

22/28/2026

American Wigeon

52/28/2026

Mallard

62/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.

  2. 2

    Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - East Auto Tour for birding?
The best months to visit Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - East Auto Tour for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - East Auto Tour?
Notable species at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - East Auto Tour include Red-tailed Hawk, Black-billed Magpie, Marsh Wren, European Starling, Song Sparrow. The area supports mountain, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - East Auto Tour?
Birding at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - East Auto Tour is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - East Auto Tour?
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - East Auto Tour offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.