National Wildlife Refuges
Bill Williams |
Cibola |
Havasu |
Imperial |
Kofa
Checklists & Brochures
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Bill Williams National
Wildlife Refuge |
Bird Checklist
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 A few
miles North of Parker Dam, the Bill Williams River flows into Lake Havasu on the Arizona
side of the river. That’s where the Bill Williams Bridge is located, sporting a spectacular
view of the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge (Bill Williams Unit) to the right and a panoramic
view of Lake Havasu to the left. The refuge, established in 1941 to provide wintering water
flow habitats, is comprised of cattail marshes, rugged desert uplands and a riparian zone.
The varied terrains attracts many species of migratory birds including the endangered Yuma
Clapper Rail as well as other wildlife such as owls, lizards, desert bighorn sheep and Gamble’s
quail.
With its majestic rock cliffs; its ribbon of cool water running through classic Sonoran
Desert; and its cattail-filled marsh harboring rails and waterfowl, Bill Williams River
National Wildlife Refuge offers a little bit of something for both wildlife and people.
This 6,105-acre refuge holds one of the last stands of natural cottonwood-willow forests
along the lower Colorado River, creating a unique ecosystem that provides good habitat for
resident and migratory wildlife. There are few places where one can stand, look at a Saguaro
cactus, a cattail stand, and a cottonwood tree together. This unique blend of upland desert,
marsh, and desert riparian habitat provides for a diverse array of birds, mammals, and reptiles.
This diversity of wildlife includes: the southwestern willow flycatcher, vermillion flycatcher,
yellow-billed cuckoo, western tanager, Lazuli bunting, Yuma clapper rail, beaver, bobcat,
mountain lion, gray fox, javelina, mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, ring-tailed cat, Razorback
sucker and bontail chub.
The rare riparian habitat of Bill Williams River NWR draws a variety of neotropical migratory
birds—winging their way from Central and South America to their breeding grounds in the
north. Bright colors from birds like the yellow warbler, vermillion flycatcher, and summer
tanager flash like sparks in the desert sky as they flit across the riverbed.
About a dozen endangered Yuma clapper rails spend the summer months in the cattails of
the marsh and may overwinter. More likely heard than seen, their dry kek-kek-kek echoes
at dusk and dawn. Another endangered bird, the southwestern willow flycatcher, nests on
the refuge in the willow trees lining the river.
Crisscrossing tracks in the sand chronicle the nighttime excursions of cottontails, javelina,
and deer, as well as predatory coyotes, bobcats, and the less common cougars.
Rattlesnakes are highly mobile at dawn and dusk and may be active during any month. In
daytime heat they recede to cooler spots, such as rodent burrows or crevices.
Getting There . . .
To get to Bill Williams River NWR from Lake Havasu City, Arizona follow Arizona Highway
95 south approximately 23 miles. Headquarters are located between mileposts 160 and 161.
For more information about the Bill William’s area call the U.S. Fish Wildlife office
at (928) 667-4144.
Amenities: Public rest facilities / Hiking and
nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / Disabled angler facilities
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| Cibola National Wildlife Refuge |
Bird Checklist
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 Cibola NWR is located in the
floodplain of the lower Colorado River and surrounded by a fringe of desert ridges and washes.
The refuge encompasses both the historic Colorado River channel as well as a channelized
portion constructed in the late 1960's. Along with these main water bodies, several important
backwaters are home to many wildlife species that reside in this portion of the Sonoran
Desert. Because of the river's life sustaining water, wildlife here survive in an environment
that reaches 120 degrees in the summer and receives an average of only 2 inches of rain
per year. We invite you to visit and enjoy the many wildlife-oriented activities the refuge
has to offer and enjoy the scenic beauty of this oasis in the desert.
Over 288 species of birds have been found on Cibola NWR, including many species of migratory
songbirds, Gambel's quail, roadrunners, mourning and white-winged doves, phainopepla, greater
sandhill cranes, Canada and snow geese, Vermillion flycatchers, grosbeaks and many more.
The bald eagle, southwestern willow flycatcher and Yuma clapper rail are among the endangered
birds that use Cibola NWR. Other listed species include the desert tortoise, razorback sucker,
bonytail chub, and desert pupfish.
It is not uncommon to see desert mule deer, bobcat, and coyotes on the refuge, particularly
while driving the auto tour loop in the early morning or evening. About 85% of Arizona's
wintering goose population resides on Cibola NWR.
A host of species reside on the refuge year-around. Many of the aquatic birds nest in
the backwaters of the river. It is a common sight to see western and Clark's grebe young
riding on their parents' back in Cibola Lake during the spring. Other common sights may
include a heron and egret rookery, nesting mourning and white-winged doves, barn owls, burrowing
owls, kestrels, white-faced ibis and more.
Canada Goose Drive runs through the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge along the
Colorado River in western Arizona. It provides access to the Nature Trail and a viewing
area for Canada geese, snow geese, ducks and sandhill cranes in a 20-acre pond.
The Nature Trail is a one-mile loop that will take the visitor through three different
native habitats; cottonwood, mesquite, and willow. Halfway around the trail, the winter
visitor will view thousands of Canada geese, snow geese, ducks and sandhill cranes in a
20-acre pond from an elevated observation deck. The deck is designed to allow the wildlife
to feed and loaf without being disturbed and allow the quiet visitor to experience these
wildlife up close.
This drive is open from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
Getting There . . .
From Blythe, CA: Drive approximately 3 miles west on I-10 to Neighbours Boulevard/78 exit.
Travel south on Neighbours for 12 miles to the Cibola Bridge. After crossing the bridge,
continue south for 3.5 miles to headquarters.
Amenities: Maps available / Public rest
facilities / Hiking and nature trails / Information center
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Havasu National Wildlife Refuge |
Bird Checklist
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 Established in 1941,
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is one of more than 530 refuges throughout the United
States managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service. Refuge waters include Topock Marsh
(4,000 acres) and approximately 20 miles of the Colorado River. Havasu National
Wildlife Refuge protects 30 river miles (300 miles of shoreline) of the Colorado River
from Needles, California, to Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
Birding Hot Spots
Several locations on the refuge are popular with birders. Pintail Slough, Fivemile
Landing, and Catfish Paradise can be accessed from County Route 1. Each of these sites
have parking areas and can easily be toured on foot. A new viewing tower overlooking the
Bermuda Pasture can be accessed by Levee Road.
Contact the refuge biologists to find out the recent hot spots and the latest closure
information. If you are interested in volunteering for yearly surveys such as Audubon's
Christmas Bird Count
Getting There . . .
From Interstate 40, watch for exit number one labeled Havasu NWR close to the
California/Arizona border. Follow the signs to the refuge.
To reach Topock Marsh from Needles, California, exit I-40 on the J street exit. Turn
northeast and follow the signs for Arizona 95. Cross the bridge into Arizona and turn
right onto Courtwright Rd. Watch for the refuge sign.
The refuge office is in Needles, California. From Interstate 40, exit on J Street and
go southwest (uphill) 0.6 miles. Turn right at the headquarters entrance sign and follow
the signs. The office is in the back. Office hours are 8am-4pm Monday through Friday.
Stop by to pick up leaflets or talk to staff.
Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby /
Primitive camping / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities /
Boat launching / Canoeing and kayaking / Disabled angler facilities
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Imperial National Wildlife Refuge |
Bird Checklist
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 Imperial National Wildlife Refuge protects wildlife
habitat along 30 miles of the lower Colorado River in Arizona and
California, including the last unchannelized section before the river enters
Mexico. The river and its associated backwater lakes and wetlands are a
green oasis, contrasting with the surrounding desert mountains.
More than 15,000 acres of Imperial National Wildlife Refuge is designated
as wilderness. Wilderness is protected to ensure that nature, not people is
the primary influence on this quiet, scenic place.
Getting There . . .
From Yuma: Travel north on Highway 95 for 25 miles. Turn west on Martinez
Lake Road for 13 miles and follow signs to visitor center.
Amenities:
Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Public rest
facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and
kayaking / Information center / Disabled angler facilities
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Kofa National Wildlife Refuge |
Bird Checklist |
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 Kofa National Wildlife Refuge was
established in 1939 and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge
encompasses 665,400 acres of pristine desert that is home to the desert bighorn sheep
and the California palm, the only native palm in Arizona. In the early part of this
century, a number of mines were established in the mountainous areas of the refuge. One
of the most notable was the King of Arizona mine. It gave the Kofa Mountains their
name-- "Kofa" being contracted from King of Arizona.Notable wildlife species
found in the area include the white-winged dove, desert tortoise, and desert kit fox.
The Refuge has one of the largest desert bighorn sheep populations in the southwestern
United States. In recent years, this herd has provided animals for transplanting
throughout Arizona and neighboring states. Bighorn sheep are found chiefly in the two
mountain ranges that dominate the refuge landscape - the Kofa and Castle Dom Mountains.
Although these mountains are not especially high, they are extremely rugged and rise
sharply from the surrounding desert plains, providing excellent bighorn sheep habitat.
Birds that are likely to be seen at Kofa include American kestrel, white-winged dove,
northern flicker, Say's phoebe, cactus wren, phainopepla, and orange-crowned warbler.
A wide variety of plant life is found throughout the refuge. The Kofa Mountain
barberry (a rare plant found only in southwest Arizona) occurs on the refuge.
Numerous mammal species can be found in the vast desert environment of Kofa National
Wildlife Refuge. A drive over the long rough roads on the refuge can give the impression
that the desert is devoid of animal life, but a closer examination reveals numerous
burrows between scattered bushes, among rocks, and even on the open plains. The burrows
are home to ground squirrels, pocket mice, and kangaroo rats. The familiar woodrat makes
its home by piling sticks and cactus joints that are scattered beneath bushes and in
rock clefts and caves throughout the refuge.
Desert mammals have adapted their lives to the extreme temperature and low humidity
of their environment. Water conservation is an absolute necessity in their activities.
The majority of mammals living in the desert are nocturnal, foraging only at night when
the relative humidity is higher and moisture loss from their bodies is kept to a
minimum. Most of the desert mammals, especially the smaller ones, have adapted to
survive with little water and receive needed moisture from plant material. During hot
summer days, bighorn sheep lay in the shade of mountain caves. Large-eared mule deer
forage along desert washes at night and rest during midday in the shade of desert trees
and overhanging banks.
Bats, the only true flying mammals, find caves, crevices, and mine tunnels ideal
places to gather during the day. Most bats in this area are nocturnal and are rarely
seen in the daylight. In the dim, flickering light of the campfire, bats may be seen
flying through the night air catching their meal of insects.
The refuge supports several amphibians and reptiles within its boundaries. The desert
tortoise is one of the longest living creatures in the United States. Other reptiles and
amphibians include the following: banded sand snake; western banded gecko; western
shovel-nosed snake; zebra-tailed lizard; collared lizard; desert horned lizard; desert
night lizard; chuckwalla; desert iguana; desert spiny lizard; Couch's spadefoot; Great
Plains toad; Colorado river toad; and the red-spotted toad.
Getting There. . .
From I-8 in California, take the Winterhaven Drive and Fourth Avenue
Exit south into Yuma, Arizona. The refuge office is located at the first intersection.
To get to the refuge itself, from Yuma, take Highway 95 north towards Quartzite,
Arizona, to refuge entrance signs.
Amenities: None. While camping is permitted on the
refuge, there are no campgrounds and certain rules and regulations must be followed.
Please remember that all vehicle traffic is limited to designated roads and off-road
vehicle travel is prohibited. For special regulations and more information contact
Kofa National Wildlife
Refuge at (928) 783-7861
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