Wildlife
Lush Living in the Desert

The rare riparian habitat of Bill Williams River NWR draws a variety of neotropical migratory birds—winging their way from Central and South America to their breeding grounds in the north. Bright colors from birds like the yellow warbler, vermillion flycatcher, and summer tanager flash like sparks in the desert sky as they flit across the riverbed.

About a dozen endangered Yuma clapper rails spend the summer months in the cattails of the marsh and may overwinter. More likely heard than seen, their dry kek-kek-kek echoes at dusk and dawn. Another endangered bird, the southwestern willow flycatcher, nests on the refuge in the willow trees lining the river.

Crisscrossing tracks in the sand chronicle the nighttime excursions of cottontails, javelina, and deer, as well as predatory coyotes, bobcats, and the less common cougars.

Rattlesnakes are highly mobile at dawn and dusk and may be active during any month. In daytime heat they recede to cooler spots, such as rodent burrows or crevices.

See Bill Williams River NWR bird list for a list of birds at the refuge and
Tips for Watching Wildlife for suggestions to make your visit more enjoyable.

At Bill Williams River NWR, biologists from the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Arizona Fishery Resources Office receive young razorback suckers and bonytail chubs from Dexter National Fish Hatchery, a New Mexico facility that produces endangered fish. The fish are introduced into the cove, where they’ll grow to around 10 inches—a size that offers them a chance against predators. At that point they’re released into Lake Havasu and other areas, where they’ll be monitored to determine their survival. In the future, these fish will also be released into stretches of free-flowing river.

Refuge staff use various management techniques to protect and restore the native plants and animals at Bill Williams River NWR. Cottonwood and willow trees are planted and maintained, salt cedar is controlled, and native fish are being reintroduced. The refuge is also working with the Army Corps of Engineers, the agency in charge of water releases from Alamo Dam, to return water flows in the Bill Williams River to a more natural state.

The lower Colorado River region is within the ancestral boundaries of the Mojave and Chemehuevi, tribes whose legacies date back many thousands of years. Descend-ants of these tribes still use willow stems from the refuge for traditional Native American basket weaving.

The river that flows through the refuge gets its name from Bill Williams, a mountain man who traveled through much of Arizona in the early 1800s. Williams came west from St. Louis, serving as a missionary to Native Americans. He eventually gave up the life of a missionary and spent the rest of his life traveling the west as a trapper.

The year and cause of his death remains a mystery, but legend has it he is buried in an unmarked grave somewhere on Bill Williams Mountain near Williams, Arizona.

Things to do at the Refuge

Watchable Wildlife/Viewing Opportunities

The delta area, including much of the cattail marsh, can be viewed from several turnouts off Arizona Highway 95.

The riparian area along Bill Williams River is best seen by driving the road that begins approximately .3 of a mile south of the river bridge and ends approximately 3 miles east of the highway. Please note that this road is closed until further notice.

Most of the road was washed out by flooding in 1993, but driving is still possible for approximately 3 miles from Highway 95. Visitors are welcome to explore the rest of the refuge on foot.  A 1/4-mile long, informative nature trail is open during office hours.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted for dove, quail, cottontail, and desert bighorn sheep, but is confined to the area south of the road. All hunting activities must comply with State of Arizona and federal regulations.

The hunting of mourning dove, white-winged dove, Gambel's quail, and cottontail rabbit on designated areas of the refuge is subject to the following conditions:

1. In the field, hunters shall possess and use only nontoxic shot.
2. Only shotguns are permitted.
3. Cottontail rabbits will be hunted only during the dates coinciding with quail season.

Fishing and Boating

Fishing for striped and largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, and other fish is permitted on Lake Havasu according to Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations. Please use catch-and-release techniques with any native fish captured and report captures to refuge personnel.

Boating is permitted only at NO WAKE SPEED. Water skiing and personal watercraft are prohibited. All applicable Arizona boating regulations must be followed.

A Few Simple Rules

Camping, fires, firearms, trapping, and off-road vehicle operation is prohibited. All vehicles, including other forms of transportation including but not limited to bicycles, horses, mules, and motorcycles are confined to the La Paz County road right-of-way. The maximum speed is 25 mph. Travel beyond the road is by foot only.

Domestic animals must be kept under control (such as on a leash). This includes dogs used for hunting.  All vehicles and drivers must be licensed.

All plants, animals, and minerals are protected. Removal or undue disturbance of any of these (except for those species legally taken by hunting or fishing) is prohibited. No prospecting, metal detectors or rock hounding is allowed.

Please leave only your footprints; take all litter with you.

Volunteering

There are many volunteer opportunities at the refuge, including maintenance work (carpentry, plumbing, "handyperson" skills, welding, etc.); biological work (if qualified); photographers (landscape or nature and wildlife); clerical (filing, typing, answer phone); artists (crafters, painters, carvers); educators; and someone with a flair for creative writing or design to help design displays for the visitor center.

One gravel trailer pad (with water, electricity, and sewer) is available for volunteers; arrangements must be made at least 2 months in advance. Please contact the refuge for more information.