The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge

Nevada · Southwest

ModerateOfficial Site
Habitat
WetlandDesertMarsh
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, August-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily

About This Location

Stillwater NWR is a critical Great Basin oasis in the Lahontan Valley of western Nevada, providing vital wetland habitat in an otherwise arid landscape. The refuge supports over 280 species and serves as an important stop along the Pacific Flyway.

When water levels are favorable, the refuge attracts impressive numbers of White-faced Ibis, American Avocets, and other shorebirds. The surrounding desert and alkali flats add species like Sage Thrasher and Burrowing Owl to the diverse bird list.

Location

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Notable Species

White-faced IbisAmerican AvocetSnowy PloverLong-billed CurlewCanvasback

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/4/2026Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/4/2026Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/4/2026Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve3 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/4/2026Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/4/2026Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/3/2026Hidden Valley Golf Course (limited access)1 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

3/3/2026Damonte Ranch Wetlands--Veterans Pkwy Lake and Wetlands4 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

3/3/2026Damonte Ranch Wetlands--Veterans Pkwy Lake and Wetlands4 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

3/3/2026Damonte Ranch Wetlands--Veterans Pkwy Lake and Wetlands4 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

3/3/2026Damonte Ranch Wetlands--Veterans Pkwy Lake and Wetlands4 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

3/3/2026Damonte Ranch Wetlands--Veterans Pkwy Lake and Wetlands1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/3/2026Henderson Bird, Viewing Preserve2 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/3/2026Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve3 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

3/3/2026Carson Lake2 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

3/2/2026Damonte Ranch Wetlands1 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

3/2/2026Damonte Ranch Wetlands1 observed

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

3/2/2026Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

3/2/2026Carson Lake1 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

3/2/2026Horizon Heights3 observed

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

3/1/2026Swan Lake Nature Study Area (IBA)--Boardwalk1 observed

Recent Observations

Mallard

Idlewild Park

3/4/2026

2 birds

American Coot

Idlewild Park

3/4/2026

33 birds

Canada Goose

Idlewild Park

3/4/2026

6 birds

Hooded Merganser

Idlewild Park

3/4/2026

5 birds

Wood Duck

Idlewild Park

3/4/2026

1 birds

Cackling Goose

Idlewild Park

3/4/2026

1 birds

Black Phoebe

Jake's Wetland

3/4/2026

1 birds

White-crowned Sparrow

Jake's Wetland

3/4/2026

1 birds

Turkey Vulture

Jake's Wetland

3/4/2026

1 birds

Canvasback

Jake's Wetland

3/4/2026

4 birds

American Robin

Jake's Wetland

3/4/2026

4 birds

Ring-necked Duck

Jake's Wetland

3/4/2026

8 birds

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Jake's Wetland

3/4/2026

1 birds

Gadwall

Jake's Wetland

3/4/2026

2 birds

Red-tailed Hawk

Grand Army of the Republic Highway, Tonopah, Nevada, US (38.697, -115.526)

3/4/2026

1 birds

Mourning Dove

1323 Beehive Lane, Mesquite, Nevada, US (36.826, -114.122)

3/4/2026

2 birds

House Finch

1323 Beehive Lane, Mesquite, Nevada, US (36.826, -114.122)

3/4/2026

1 birds

Northern Mockingbird

1323 Beehive Lane, Mesquite, Nevada, US (36.826, -114.122)

3/4/2026

1 birds

Rock Pigeon

1323 Beehive Lane, Mesquite, Nevada, US (36.826, -114.122)

3/4/2026

5 birds

Gambel's Quail

1323 Beehive Lane, Mesquite, Nevada, US (36.826, -114.122)

3/4/2026

8 birds

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check water conditions before visiting — bird concentrations depend heavily on water levels

  2. 2

    A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for some refuge roads

Amenities

Parking

Nearby Attractions

  • Fallon Naval Air Station
  • Grimes Point Archaeological Site

Birding Guides

Fall Migration Guide: Hawks, Sparrows, and More

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Top Spring Migration Hotspots Across America

10 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge for birding?▼
The best months to visit Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, August-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge?▼
Notable species at Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge include White-faced Ibis, American Avocet, Snowy Plover, Long-billed Curlew, Canvasback. The area supports wetland, desert, marsh habitats.
How difficult is birding at Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge?▼
Birding at Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge?▼
There is no entrance fee at Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily.
What amenities are available at Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge?▼
Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking.