The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

Yellowstone National Park

Wyoming · Rocky Mountains

ModerateOfficial Site
Habitat
ForestGrasslandMountainWetland
Best Seasons
SummerSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

May-July

Entrance Fee

$35 per vehicle (7-day pass)

Hours

Open 24 hours; some roads closed seasonally

About This Location

Yellowstone National Park's geothermal features and vast wilderness support over 300 bird species across a mosaic of grasslands, forests, and waterways. Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley are excellent for raptors and waterbirds, while higher elevations host boreal species.

Location

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Notable Species

Trumpeter SwanGreat Gray OwlBald EagleSandhill CraneAmerican Dipper

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Redhead

Aythya americana

3/3/2026Rafter J Pond1 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

3/3/2026Rafter J Pond2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/3/2026Lander Trail New Fork River Crossing Historical Park1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/3/2026Paul Stock Trails1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/3/2026Ray Lake East1 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

3/3/2026LAK Reservoir area1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/2/2026Ray Lake East1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/2/2026Lovell Lakes2 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

3/2/2026Lovell Lakes1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/2/2026Lovell Lakes10 observed

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

3/2/2026Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

3/2/2026Osage Fishing Lake1 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

3/2/2026Osage Fishing Lake7 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/2/2026Ray Lake East1 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

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

3/2/2026Laramie Plains Lakes--Twin Buttes Lake2 observed

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

3/2/2026Laramie Plains Lakes--Twin Buttes Lake2 observed

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

3/2/2026Muddy Creek Wetlands4 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

3/2/2026Muddy Creek Wetlands1 observed

Recent Observations

House Finch

602 S Kendrick Ave, Gillette US-WY 44.28892, -105.50283

3/4/2026

1 birds

House Sparrow

602 S Kendrick Ave, Gillette US-WY 44.28892, -105.50283

3/4/2026

8 birds

Eurasian Collared-Dove

602 S Kendrick Ave, Gillette US-WY 44.28892, -105.50283

3/4/2026

2 birds

Golden Eagle

Grand Teton NP--Gros Ventre River at WY191

3/4/2026

2 birds

Common Raven

Grand Teton NP--Gros Ventre River at WY191

3/4/2026

2 birds

Belted Kingfisher

Flat Creek Wildlife Observation Point and Marshes

3/4/2026

1 birds

Canada Goose

Flat Creek Wildlife Observation Point and Marshes

3/4/2026

5 birds

Mallard

Flat Creek Wildlife Observation Point and Marshes

3/4/2026

1 birds

Green-winged Teal

Flat Creek Wildlife Observation Point and Marshes

3/4/2026

10 birds

Black-billed Magpie

Flat Creek Wildlife Observation Point and Marshes

3/4/2026

2 birds

Trumpeter Swan

Flat Creek Wildlife Observation Point and Marshes

3/4/2026

2 birds

Red-tailed Hawk

Skyline Pond

3/4/2026

1 birds

Black-capped Chickadee

Peaks Rd - yard

3/4/2026

1 birds

Red-winged Blackbird

Peaks Rd - yard

3/4/2026

1 birds

American Goldfinch

Peaks Rd - yard

3/4/2026

5 birds

Northern Flicker

Peaks Rd - yard

3/4/2026

1 birds

Townsend's Solitaire

Peaks Rd - yard

3/4/2026

1 birds

Horned Lark

Banjo Flats Road

3/4/2026

4 birds

Northern Harrier

Banjo Flats Road

3/4/2026

2 birds

European Starling

Banjo Flats Road

3/4/2026

2 birds

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Lamar Valley at dawn offers the best raptor and owl sightings

  2. 2

    Check the thermal areas for unusual winter bird activity

Amenities

Parking
Restrooms
Visitor Center
Trails
Campground

Nearby Attractions

  • Grand Teton National Park
  • Old Faithful

More in Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park

Stunning Teton Range setting with sage-steppe and mountain forest bird communities.

Birding Guides

Best Places to See Bald Eagles in North America

11 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 Yellowstone National Park for birding?▼
The best months to visit Yellowstone National Park for birding are May-July. The best seasons are Summer and Spring.
What birds can I see at Yellowstone National Park?▼
Notable species at Yellowstone National Park include Trumpeter Swan, Great Gray Owl, Bald Eagle, Sandhill Crane, American Dipper. The area supports forest, grassland, mountain, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Yellowstone National Park?▼
Birding at Yellowstone National Park is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Yellowstone National Park?▼
The entrance fee at Yellowstone National Park is $35 per vehicle (7-day pass). Hours: Open 24 hours; some roads closed seasonally.
What amenities are available at Yellowstone National Park?▼
Yellowstone National Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Trails, Campground.