Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge
As part of the national wildlife refuge system, Buenos Aires NWR has great birding year round. Many different habitats are found throughout the 117,000-acre refuge, including grasslands, desert scrub, wetlands, and riparian. The refuge was established in 1985 in part to help protect the masked bobwhite. Other unique species here include blue grosbeak, varied bunting, gray hawk, and northern harrier. Keep your eyes peeled for pronghorn which frequent the refuge’s sprawling grasslands. Start your refuge visit by birding near the visitor’s center. Other refuge hotspots include Aguirre Lake and Grebe Pond, Brown Canyon, and Arivaca Creek. Semi-developed camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Site Information
Region: Tucson and Southern
County: Pima
Directions: From Three Points, Arizona, head south on Hwy 286 for 38 miles. Entrance road takes you to the headquarters and visitor's center.
Latitude: 31.571861
Longitude: -111.506356
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: None
Best time to visit: Year round
Habitats: Desert, Grassland, Lake or Pond, Stream or river
Know Before You Go
Visitor's center open 8am to 4pm every day.
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Hooded Oriole, Varied Bunting
Charismatic: Loggerhead Shrike, Summer Tanager
Contact Information
US Fish & Wildlife Service
Sasabe, Arizona 85633
Phone: 520-823-4251
Website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/buenos_aires/
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L128929
Additional Resources:
Friends of Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge
