Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive

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 - Wildlife Drive is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and wetland habitat attracts Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, and Ferruginous Hawk 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

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

Bald Eagle

43/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/4/2026

Ferruginous Hawk

13/4/2026

Horned Lark

53/4/2026

European Starling

13/4/2026

Western Meadowlark

103/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

23/4/2026

Canada Goose

33/3/2026

Northern Shoveler

43/3/2026

Gadwall

183/3/2026

American Wigeon

43/3/2026

Mallard

103/3/2026

Lesser Scaup

33/3/2026

Common Goldeneye

33/3/2026

Hooded Merganser

43/3/2026

Common Merganser

83/3/2026

American Coot

63/3/2026

Black-billed Magpie

63/3/2026

American Robin

23/3/2026

Song Sparrow

23/3/2026

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 - Wildlife Drive for birding?
The best months to visit Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?
Notable species at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive include Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Horned Lark, European Starling. The area supports mountain, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?
Birding at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive 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 - Wildlife Drive?
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.