Birding on Refuges
There are more than 700 species of birds on National Wildlife Refuges. More than 200 refuges were created specifically to protect, manage and restore habitat for migratory birds.
You may find birding guides or checklists on individual refuge Web sites. The U.S. Geological Survey also keeps birding checklists for some refuges. A guide provides pictures and descriptions of birds; a checklist provides more detailed information, including the best time of year to see individual species.
In 2014, five national wildlife refuges earned places on a USA Today “10 best” list for bird-watching. Here's the story.
Find Your Refuge
Featured Birds
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Saw-whet owls are one of the most common owls across northern North America but because they are active almost exclusively at night, they are rarely seen. READ MORE >>
Featured Refuges
Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, NJ
From songbirds to shorebirds, waterfowl to raptors and seabirds, Cape May in the fall is one of the most famous places in the United States to see resident and migrating birds. READ MORE >>
Featured Birds
Common Tern
It may look like your average seagull, but don’t expect the common tern to steal your snacks at the beach. Read more…READ MORE >>
Featured Refuges
Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, TX
About an hour and a half north of Dallas – on the Big Mineral Arm of Lake Texoma - there are good bird watching opportunities in every season. READ MORE >>
Featured Birds
Piping Plover
Named for its full, melodic tone, the piping plover is unique to North America, and despite widespread habitat loss, can be found on stretches of sandy beach all across the Atlantic coast. READ MORE >>
Featured Refuges
San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, CA
Overlooking D Pool on Marshland Wildlife Drive, the loon observation deck is a good place to look for wildlife. READ MORE >>
Featured Birds
Black Oystercatcher
As its name suggests, the black oystercatcher has a particular taste for shellfish, and settles its nest along rocky shorelines. While it eats mainly mollusks, it hardly ever eats actual oysters, instead opting for mussels and limpets. READ MORE >>
Featured Refuges
Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, TX
About an hour and a half north of Dallas – on the Big Mineral Arm of Lake Texoma - there are good bird watching opportunities in every season. READ MORE >>
Featured Birds
Black Swift
An enigmatic bird local to the western United States, the black swift is highly sought after by birders. READ MORE >>
Featured Refuges
San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, CA
Overlooking D Pool on Marshland Wildlife Drive, the loon observation deck is a good place to look for wildlife. READ MORE >>