Bird watching is a relaxing and peaceful pastime. There are over 400 bird species in Yuma, AZ, and the surrounding area alone. birding is a popular activity throughout the whole year. April and May are some of the best times for bird watching before it gets too hot in the desert. Here at Alexander Toyota, we highlighted some of the best places to bird watch in Yuma, AZ!

Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

The Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is located just north of Yuma, AZ. Here you will find a diverse desert habitat full of wildlife. Most notably, a large bird population. Here you can see extravagant birds such as Brown Pelicans, Sandhill Cranes, Northern Cardinals, various owls, hawks, ducks, geese, swans, crows, jays, and many more! While here, keep your eyes open for road runners running wild!

Imperial National Wildlife Refuge

The Imperial National Wildlife Refuge is in Yuma, AZ and it is a gem. This area is a forest in the desert and has part of the Colorado River flowing through it. Here you will see sprawling vegetation and plenty of diverse wildlife. Here you can see Bald Eagles, waterfowl and marsh birds located near the river. You can even catch a glimpse of the Yuma Clapper Rail strutting around. There are also various other birds flying around for you to observe. Don’t forget your bird guide and binoculars!

Yuma Crossing Heritage Area

Here at the Yuma Crossing Heritage Area, there is plenty to do from Art galleries to museums, to river tubing. However, one the highlights of the area are the diverse wildlife. The wetlands area has been restored over the past decade, and along with it came a resurgent of wildlife, especially birds. Here you can visit the Hummingbird Gardens, or sit by the water and see ducks, swans, pelicans, and many other incredible birds. If you are lucky, you might even see some beavers swimming around!

Riparian Areas: Near Colorado River

A Riparian area is a part of Arizona that of full of life thanks to the water they are near. There is one such area in Yuma near the banks of the Colorado River. Here you can see a vibrant array of birds, including the Spotted Sandpiper, Cassin’s Kingbird, Roadrunners, and plenty of ducks, and other waterfowl. If you sit and listen they will come!