Birding at the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
With over 300 species documented on the refuge birding is a popular activity at the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.
Spring and Fall
The spring and fall migration seasons are particularly popular for birding, this is when visitors are likely to see the most bird species. These seasons bring neotropical migrants like the yellow warbler, and summer tanager. Many waterfowl species can be spotted traveling to or from their breeding grounds, and resident species like the Abert鈥檚 towhee and vermillion flycatcher are most active during these times of year stimulated by the change of season. The spring nesting season is when you can see some of the most interesting bird activity on the refuge as birds court, build nests, and rear young. But be respectful of their space, Havasu Refuge provides nesting habitat for several threatened and endangered bird species and this season is the most crucial time for species recovery. When birding during nesting season be sure to cause minimal disturbance to nesting birds. Stay on designated roads and trails and if you see a bird displaying territorial behavior give them their space and observe from afar. Nesting bird species include the ash throated and brown crested flycatcher, Bell鈥檚 vireo, and Lucy鈥檚 warbler.
Summer
Summer is a great time of year for birding. You can observe recently fledged birds learning the ropes of juvenile life. Keep your binoculars ready when birding in the riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.
Learn more about riparian areas of the refuge many beautiful neotropical migrant species spend the season preparing for migration by feeding on the rich and abundant insect life along the river. Some species time their breeding and nesting to coincide with the emergence of cicadas (large bodied flying insects) to take advantage of this nutrient rich resource. Summer visitors may even have a chance to see a rare species such as the blue footed or brown footed booby. These species travel up the Colorado river from the Sea of Cortez in Mexico when hurricanes approach the region. Watch the weather and be prepared you might see one of these rare pelagic birds on the lower Colorado river.
Winter
The winter months from December through February are the best season for spotting wintering waterfowl. The mild winter weather on the lower Colorado river provides ideal conditions when the northern water bodies freeze over and food becomes scarce. Visitors can view northern pintail, teal, and snow geese. Other common winter species include the American white pelican and double-crested cormorant.
Resident species
Due to the abundant resources of the lower Colorado river several bird species make this area their permanent home and can be seen year-round. Throughout the year you can spot several resident wading species including the great blue heron, great egret, snowy egret, black-crowned night-heron, and green heron. Many raptor species call the refuge their permanent home including the great horned owl, bald eagle, and Cooper鈥檚 hawk.
Planning your trip
At the Havasu Refuge every season has something to offer the intrepid birder. Whatever season you plan to visit be prepared for the conditions. In the winter be prepared to bundle up in the morning and peel the layers off as the day warms up. In the summer come prepared to start early in the morning, dawn is the ideal time because the day will get dangerously hot quickly. We see temperatures between 115- and 120-degrees Fahrenheit regularly in June, July, and August bring lots of water and electrolytes, a hat, and long sleeves to keep the sun off of your body. The spring and fall seasons are moderate to hot with temperatures in the mid to upper 90鈥檚 on the warm days. These transition seasons are when we see the most wind, this can make finding birds difficult so be sure to check the wind forecast and plan your day accordingly.
The best way to plan your trip is to visit ebird.org by searching keyword 鈥渆bird Havasu鈥�. Using this tool you can determine where to go to see your target species and find locations with ebird maps.