A Dream Destination For Birdwatchers

A Brown Pelican at the Bill Williams River Wildlife Refuge-Credit John West Images

The area in and around Lake Havasu City is rich in opportunities for birdwatchers, with more than 355 species identified in the local area and where 80 percent of the state's plant and wildlife species can be found. Consult the Mohave County Field Checklist to learn of the possibilities.

One of the best ways for birdwatchers to observe waterfowl is from a kayak or canoe in the early morning. Free non-motorized boat launches are located at Castle Rock Bay and Mesquite Bay Central, maintained by U.S. Fish & Wildlife. You'll find cattails and sandbars for loons, grebes, ducks, larids, raptors and coots. Horned Grebes favor this area in winter, along with the more usual grebes and flotillas of coots.

For land-based excursions, try the free fishing piers at both Mesquite Bay North and South on London Bridge Road, just north of Industrial Boulevard, which are open 24 hours. While these areas are open to fishing 24 hours, the areas are closed to all other activities during evening hours. The walking trail and Arroyo-Camino Interpretative Garden at Lake Havasu State Park offer additional opportunities for both land and water bird viewing.

Bird species

Currently there are more than 355 bird species identified in the local area and waiting for birdwatchers to go out and identify them! More information

The Audubon Christmas Bird Counts

Roadrunner feeding juvenile at Steamboat Cove

A very special opportunity for birdwatchers, the Audubon Society Christmas Bird Counts have occurred annually for over 113 years. It is the oldest event of its kind in North America. Birdwatchers of all levels and volunteers throughout America take part in this very important project, which contributes significantly to bird conservation. To help guide bird conservation efforts, Audubon and other organizations use the data collected by birdwatchers to assess bird health and population trends. Plan to spend the entire day -- dawn to dusk, or just part of it. Novice birdwatchers will be paired with experienced or master-level birdwatchers.

Annual Christmas Bird Count at the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge
Address: 60911 Hwy. 95, Parker, AZ 85344 (map)
Location: Between mileposts 160 and 162
GPS: 34.291554, -114.104776
Phone: 928-667-4144

Annual Christmas Bird Count at the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
Address: 317 Mesquite Avenue, Needles, CA 92363 (map)
Location: I-40, Exit 1; follow the signs to the refuge
GPS: 34.837010, -114.620274
Phone: 760-326-3853