Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Wyoming · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Wyoming, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Horned Lark 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

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

3/5/2026University of Wyoming1 observed

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

3/5/2026Laramie Plains Lakes--Twin Buttes Lake2 observed

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

3/2/2026Laramie Plains Lakes--Lake Hattie Reservoir1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/2/2026Laramie Plains Lakes--Lake Hattie Reservoir2 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

3/1/20261746–1798 W Curtis St, Laramie US-WY (41.3282,-105.6116)7 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

2/27/2026770 North 3rd Street, Laramie, Wyoming, US (41.319, -105.593)1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

2/27/2026Laramie Plains Lakes--Lake Hattie Reservoir1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

2/27/2026Laramie Plains Lakes--Lake Hattie Reservoir1 observed

Cooper's Hawk

Astur cooperii

2/25/2026Indian Hills/Navajo Intersection yard1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

2/23/2026Laramie River Greenbelt Trail1 observed

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.