Yellowstone National Park
Expectedly, Yellowstone National Park tops the list of Wyoming’s best bird watching spots. Covering up to 2,200,000 acres, this world-renowned park has no shortage of great birding spots. Up to 280 bird species have been spotted at this park, and about 150 nest permanently in the area. This park is one of the most popular in the entire country, with wildlife of various kinds to explore. The park offers diverse habitats ranging from riparian woodlands, coniferous forests, open valleys, and rocky rivers. The different habitats of Yellowstone are teeming with birds, and several species not native to the area stop over here during specific seasons of the year. Common birds to see at Yellowstone National Park:
Clark’s NutcrackerNorthern FlickerAmerican DipperGray-Crowned Rosy-FinchYellow-Rumped WarblerCommon RavenRing-Necked DuckGreat Blue HeronRed-Tailed HawkDowny WoodpeckerCommon RedpollTownsend’s Solitaire
Grand Teton National Park
The Grand Teton National Park, located in northwest Wyoming, is home to sixty species of mammals and more than 300 bird species. Although there are various habitats in the area, the rugged mountains of this National Park are the most famous because of the rare upper-elevation birds that are abundant there. However, in the park, you can see several other bird varieties in the sagebrush flats, alpine meadows, freshwater streams, marshes, and woodlands. Take a while to hike along the upper and middle slopes of the park or look out for specific spots like Taggart Lake, Grand View Point, Christain Pond, Willow Flats, Cascade Canyon, and other locations where different bird species tend to congregate. Common birds to see at the Grand Teton National Park:
Trumpeter SwansSong SparrowWhite-Crowned SparrowSandhill CraneCinnamon TealGreen-Wing TealCalliope HummingbirdRed-Naped SapsuckerMountain BluebirdBald EagleWestern Meadowlark
Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge
This 27,230-acre wildlife refuge in Southwestern Wyoming is home to more than 222 species of animals, including several birds, mammals, and reptiles. The sanctuary is located along the Green River and has different landscapes and natural habitats where nesting birds can make their home. In addition, there’s a vibrant riparian habitat around the river. Away from this wetland area, you’ll also find upland shrub habitats for various birds. Greater sage grouse is the most popular bird species to watch out for in this wildlife area. They mate and nest in various locations around the refuge, and you can spot them from spring to fall season. There’s a thriving trumpeter swan population here, as well as numerous migratory birds, especially waterfowl and shorebirds. Common birds to see at the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge
Say’s PhoebeMountain BluebirdCanada GooseCinnamon TealCommon NighthawkCommon GoldeneyePied-Billed GrebeAmerican White PelicanMarsh WrenYellow-Headed BlackbirdGreater Sage-GrouseGolden EagleNorthern HarrierBald Eagle
Keyhole State Park
Located in northeastern Wyoming, the 14,700 acres state park is one of the most popular birding destinations in Wyoming. It is also one of the largest state parks in the State, with lots of areas to explore. There’s a large reservoir that hosts several waterbirds. They’re also wetland habitats where you can see various wading birds and shore birds. The park also offers woodlands and grassland habitats home to different birds. Common birds to see at the Keyhole State Park:
Wild TurkeyWestern GrebeAmerican White PelicanAmerican AvocetUpland SandpiperWestern Wood-PeweeWestern KingbirdEastern KingbirdBlack-Billed MagpieHorned LarkMountain BluebirdYellow-WarblerBrewer’s SparrowLark SparrowVesper Sparrow
The Red Desert
A combination of shifting dunes, canyons, and vibrant badlands might not sound like a great birding destination, but Wyoming’s red desert is home to several bird species. There are more than 350 wildlife varieties that call this desert home. The pristine sagebrush habitat is one of this area’s most notable birding habitats. It is an excellent spot for breeding, foraging, and nesting birds. It is also a popular stopover spot for migrating sagebrush species. In addition, you’ll also find some water birds around the temporary ponds formed by snowmelt. Common birds to see at The Red Desert:
Sage SparrowGolden EagleMountain Plover Greater Sage GrouseBurrowing OwlWhite-Faced IbisFerruginous HawkBrewer’s Sparrow Sage Thrasher
Hutton National Wildlife Refuge
The Hutton National Wildlife Refuge has it all. From the sprawling mountains of southwest Wyoming to different grasslands, marshlands, and lacustrine areas, finding a perfect birding spot in this 1,968 acres refuge should be a total breeze. Raptors are here all year round, and many waterfowls visit the area in droves as a stopover point for their migratory flight. A single hiking trail loops around the entire refuge. The 2.6 miles trail passes through a gentle terrain, and you can explore the different birds and animals in this refuge by simply exploring the areas around the trail. You can also venture off the trail and explore other areas of the park to find different unique bird species. Common birds to see at the Hutton National Wildlife Refuge:
Swainson’s HawkGolden EagleBlack-Crowned Night HeronPrairie FalconForster’s TernPied-Billed GrebeNorthern HarrierEared GrebeBlack-Necked StiltsMcCown’s LongspurHorned LarkVirginia RailFerruginous Hawk
Conclusion
You can find more than 400 bird species in Wyoming. But what makes the state such a great birding destination isn’t just the numerous bird species. It’s the abundance of great birding destinations from where you can explore the abundance of birds that Wyoming has to offer. The spots in the list are some of Wyoming’s best bird watching spots you can check out when next you’re in the state.
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