Red River National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters Unit

Louisiana · Southeast

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Red River National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters Unit is a productive birding destination in Louisiana, with 250 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, and Downy Woodpecker among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

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

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

3/2/2026Cross Lake Municipal Pier1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/1/2026Lake Bistineau, Heflin US-LA (32.4227,-93.3674)11 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

2/28/2026Red River NWR -- Lake Trail9 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

2/28/2026Charlotte’s house1 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

2/28/2026Ford Park1 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

2/23/2026Newburn Lane, Shreveport, LA3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

13/4/2026

Mourning Dove

13/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/4/2026

American Robin

53/4/2026

White-throated Sparrow

33/4/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

13/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/4/2026

Blue-winged Teal

53/3/2026

Gadwall

73/3/2026

Canvasback

13/3/2026

Ring-necked Duck

113/3/2026

Lesser Scaup

43/3/2026

American Coot

683/3/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

83/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

53/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/3/2026

Black Vulture

13/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

23/3/2026

Osprey

13/3/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Red River National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters Unit for birding?
The best months to visit Red River National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters Unit for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Red River National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters Unit?
Notable species at Red River National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters Unit include White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Mockingbird, American Robin. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Red River National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters Unit?
Birding at Red River National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Red River National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters Unit?
Red River National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.