Wyoming Bird Watching Spots in Johnson County
The untouched Wyoming wilderness makes Johnson County one of the best destinations for bird watching and enthusiasts. With lakes, creeks, wetlands, alpine meadows, and forested canyons, the Buffalo area offers great habitat for a variety of species. The varied landscape hosts diverse species year-round, and the eastern side of the Bighorn Mountains is an important spring and fall migration pathway.
Why Bird Watching in Buffalo, WY is a Must for Nature Lovers
Johnson County is where the rolling plains and ranchland meet the Bighorn Mountains, with the Powder River Valley hosting an important water source. The county features diverse habitats including riparian zones, wetlands, forests, canyons, and grasslands. The Bighorns loom on the western horizon for much of the county, creating a scenic and beautiful backdrop for your birding adventures.
With an interstate system, a U.S. highway, and several county roads crossing through the county, it is highly accessible. Natural landscapes are not far from the beaten paths, yet remain undisturbed and remote.
The extensive trail systems in Buffalo, in the Bighorns, and in wildlife management/public lands areas make it easy for birders of all levels to explore the county.
Top Birding Spots in Johnson County, WY
| Location | Bird Species Highlights | Best Seasons |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Creek Trail & Wetlands | Warblers, American Dippers, Waterfowl, and Osprey | Year-Round, Best in Spring/Fall |
| Lake De Smet | Pelicans, Bald and Golden Eagles, Loons, Grebes, Shorebirds, Heron—Fall Migration, Snow Geese, Tundra Swans, Ducks. Winter: Sharp-Tailed Grouse, Gray Partridge, Snow Buntings, Lapland Longspurs, Rough-Legged Hawks, Short-Eared Owls | Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Healy Reservoir | Ducks, Shorebirds, Osprey, Gray Partridge, Bald and Golden Eagles, Northern Harriers | Spring, Fall |
| Mosier Gulch | Western Tanagers, Golden Eagles, American Dippers, Townsend’s Solitaire, Mountain Chickadee, Clark’s Nutcracker, American Goshawk | Late Spring Through Fall |
| Bud Love WHMA | Grouse Species, Wild Turkeys, Raptors | Mid-May Through Fall |
| Ed O. Taylor WHMA | Peregrine Falcons, Canyon Wrens, Sage Thrashers | Mid-May Through Fall |
| Mountain Plains Heritage Park / Buffalo Wildlands Habitat | Grasshopper, Vesper, Lake Sparrows, Eastern Kingbirds, Warblers, Willow Flycatchers, Brown Thrasher, Western Wood-Pewee, House Wren, Lazuli Bunting, Bullock’s Oriole, Tree Swallow, Gray Catbird | Year-Round |
More than 300 species of birds have been observed in Johnson County. Birders have plenty of opportunities to see them while enjoying the various outdoor recreation areas throughout the county. In addition to the Clear Creek Trail system accessible from downtown Buffalo, there are plenty of trails through the Bighorn National Forest off Highway 16. Lake DeSmet and Healy Reservoir are great places to observe birds. Wildlife habitat areas and game management areas are scattered throughout the county as well. Many of these places are located close to the road system, but there are opportunities to hike into more remote areas as well.
Clear Creek Trail and Buffalo Wetlands
The Clear Creek Trail System stretches for several miles along the creek of the same name, passing through downtown Buffalo toward the Bighorn foothills. Just west of downtown is a large wetlands area, ponds, and cottonwood-willow corridors where 162 bird species have been observed. There are multiple trailheads in town and just west along Highway 16. The trail also has several benches for relaxing along the creek.
Among the birds along the trail: Warbling Vireos, Ovenbirds, Black-headed Grosbeaks, and several species of flycatcher, including Hammond’s, Dusky, and the more common Western Wood Pewee.
West of Klondike Drive, toward the Veterans’ Home of Wyoming, grassland species can be observed. Further west, near Turkey Lane, the Rufous and Broad-tailed Hummingbird can be found.
Moving closer to the ponderosa-pine foothills on the Mentock Trail segment, forest-dwelling species such as the Pygmy Nuthatch may be found. This area can be quiet in the winter, but is excellent in spring and summer, especially near the irrigation ditch that parallels the trail, offering a chance to see the American Redstart and Veery.
Lake De Smet – Waterfowl and Raptor Haven
Located 10 miles north of Buffalo along Interstate 90, Lake DeSmet is one of the largest lakes in northern Wyoming, and among the locals, the best birding spot! The county’s Mikesell-Potts Recreation Area is one of the public access areas for the lake, along with Monument Point. Both have boat ramps, while the former has camping areas, restrooms, and picnic spots as well as a beach.
The lake is one of the state’s best areas to see waterfowl, loons, cormorants, grebes, and gulls. About 180 species have been documented here, including 22 of the 25 waterfowl on the Checklist of Bighorn Mountain Birds. It has one of the most diverse bird populations in the state.
The lake is so deep that it freezes late, allowing birds to use it from April to December. Migrating waterfowl can be seen on Lake DeSmet in late fall and early winter. Gray Partridge and Sharp-tailed Grouse can be seen near the shoreline in winter. Spring and fall migration periods are peak times for American Avocets, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs. There is a nesting colony of Double-crested Cormorants that started making their home on a small island at the north end of the lake in 1980.
The grasslands surrounding the lake are dotted with sagebrush, attracting the Brewer’s Sparrow and Vesper Sparrow. When the water level drops, mudflats attract shorebirds. Ospreys are commonly found during the breeding season searching for food, Bald Eagles are also a frequent visitor as well.
Healy Reservoir – Sagebrush and Shoreline Birding
Located just four miles northeast of Buffalo on Highway 16, Healy Reservoir offers close observation of waterfowl and uncommon species such as Tundra Swan, White-faced Ibis, American Golden-Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Swamp Sparrow, and Snow Bunting.
More than 190 bird species have been documented at the reservoir, giving it the most diversity in the county and among the most diverse areas in Wyoming.
Ospreys are common in the spring and summer because of the abundant food in the reservoir and the nesting platform created to keep birds from nesting on power poles. The reservoir is a stopover for migrating waterfowl such as teal, Northern Pintail, Redheads, Ruddy Ducks, Canvasback, Eared Grebes, Western Grebes, gulls, occasional Common Loons, or Horned Grebes.
Killdeer and Spotted Sandpipers might be in the area in low-water conditions, while Gray Partridge, Sharp-tailed Grouse, and Ring-necked Pheasant are in the surrounding uplands along with Rough-legged Hawks, Golden Eagles, and Bald Eagles.
Clear Creek Diversion, located across Highway 16 from the reservoir, is home to waterfowl such as Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, and American Wigeon.
Moore Reservoir
Just southeast of Lake DeSmet is a small body of water that has produced big numbers for birding. More than 130 species have been seen at Moore Reservoir, off Kumor Road.
At this bird watching location, you may often see species like Mallards, Western Meadowlarks, Blue-winged Teals, Lark Buntings, Canada Geese, and American White Pelicans.
The reservoir’s stand of rushes is a key feature, providing nesting sites for Pied-billed Grebes, Virginia Rails, Soras, American Coots, and a variety of additional species.
Mountain Plains Heritage Park/Buffalo Wildlife Habitat Area
The Mountain Plains Heritage Park has a walking trail in the area where the Bozeman Trail crossed Clear Creek. The land for the park was donated by longtime Bighorn Audubon Society member Virginia Purdy.
About 183 bird species have been documented in this area, which includes about 40 acres of sage and grassland habitat, and another 20-plus acres along Clear Creek. Birds observed here include Grasshopper, Vesper, Lark Sparrows, and Eastern Kingbirds.
The Buffalo Wetlands is a 36-acre area located adjacent to the northwest section of the Mountain Plains Heritage Park. It is a diverse woodland habitat with a willow understory, making it attractive to various species.
Warblers that are regularly observed include the Yellow-rumped, Yellow, Wilson’s, and Common Yellowthroat. Willow Flycatchers can be found along Cemetery Creek. Other species to view include the Brown Thrasher, Western Wood-Pewee, House Wren, Lazuli Bunting, Bullock’s Oriole, Tree Swallow, and Gray Catbird.
Mosier Gulch – Scenic Foothills and Forest Birding
Located just seven miles west of Buffalo on Highway 16, Mosier Gulch Recreation Area is a Bureau of Land Management day-use facility with pine forest and limestone cliffs along Clear Creek. Two segments of the Clear Creek Trail System – Joe’s Trail and the Mentock Trail – provide hiking access through the area.
Mosier Gulch has picnic tables, and the trails are easily accessible, making it a welcoming spot for visitors. One trail follows a two-track road, offering easy hiking without sacrificing scenic views. For those seeking a bit more of a challenge, Joe’s Trail meanders along the creek. In this diverse habitat, ninety bird species have been recorded.
Bird watchers can expect to see Western Tanagers, Spotted Towhees, Mountain Bluebirds, Golden Eagles, Prairie Falcons, Canyon Wrens, and American Dippers, North America’s only truly aquatic songbird. Additionally, you raptors can be spotted often along the cliffs while songbirds flit through the thickets lining the creek.
The best time to visit Mosier Gulch is late spring through fall for breeding birds, migrating raptors, and lush creek habitat.
Bud Love WHMA – Upland Game Birds and Raptors
Located about eight miles northwest of Buffalo off French Creek Road, the Bud Love Wildlife Habitat Management Area is 7,900 acres featuring sagebrush flats, pine forests, and a creek canyon. The hike along the North Fork of Sayles Creek takes you through a canyon up to Firebox Park in the foothills. This area has some rugged terrain, limited facilities (a restroom at the trailhead), and allows primitive camping at the entrance.
Opening to the public on May 15th, coinciding with the arrival of shed hunters looking for antlers, Bud Love becomes an excellent spot for birders through the fall. It remains closed from January 1st through May 14th to protect the big game animals that winter there.
During open season, visitors will see many species of grouse – Dusky Grouse, Ruffed Grouse, Sharp-tailed Grouse, and Greater Sage-Grouse – as well as Wild Turkeys and Gray Partridge. This part of the county is also an area where Ring-necked Pheasants hang out.
Additionally, Golden Eagles, Northern Harriers, and Great Horned Owls will also be around Bud Love, along with forest songbirds such as Spotted Towhees, Mountain Bluebirds, Red Crossbills, and Cassin’s Finches. Sandhill Cranes may also be spotted flying overhead during the fall migration.
Just north of Bud Love is HF Bar Ranch, a guest ranch that has been designated an Important Bird Area. Decades of observations at the ranch identified 24 species that are in the category of conservation concern.
Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site
About 15 miles north of Buffalo, not far from Lake DeSmet or Bud Love WHMA, the Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site includes 709 acres of state park land immediately surrounding the fort.. With the Little Piney Creek flowing through it, this is a great place for a relaxing day of birding.
Ninety-two species of birds have been spotted in this area, including several species of waterfowl, grouse, Sandhill Cranes, Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and other birds of prey; American Kestrel; magpies and crows; and much more. The best times for birding are late spring to fall.
Ed O. Taylor WHMA – Remote Canyon Birding Adventure
Located 25 miles west of Kaycee, the Ed O. Taylor Wildlife Habitat Management Area offers incredible scenery at the Middle Fork of the Powder River. It is also known as Outlaw Canyon, where Butch Cassidy and his gang tried to avoid becoming jailbirds.
This 10,215-acre wilderness area is closed to human presence from January 1 to May 14 for wildlife protection; however, once it reopens, visitors willing to navigate the final five miles—requiring a high clearance vehicle and four-wheel drive—are rewarded with glorious canyon rim views and the potential to hear White-throated Swifts screeching overhead or Common Nighthawks at dawn or dusk.
For those planning an overnight stay, the Outlaw Canyon Campground is a great place to spend an overnight. There is a vault toilet but no other services. Again, with no guarantee of cell service, it’s good to be prepared ahead of time for the weather and emergencies.
Hiking is relatively easy along the canyon rim, and challenging to navigate the 3/4-mile trek to the creek that includes 500 feet of elevation difference going down and back up.
Birdwatchers will find Peregrine Falcons, Golden Eagles, Canyon Wrens, Black-billed Magpies, American Crows, Horned Larks, and Sage Thrashers among the area’s avian inhabitants, making late spring through fall the best times to visit.
Juniper Draw Rest Stop
Proving you don’t have to go far from highways for good birding spots in Johnson County, more than 100 species have been spotted at the Juniper Draw rest stop along Interstate 90, about 30 miles east of Buffalo.
The rest area is located along the Powder River, the historic river to which most creeks of Johnson County flow. European Starling and Brewer’s Blackbird are among the most common species in this area, but various orioles and the occasional eagle are seen here as well.
Bighorn Mountains
It’s hard to miss the biggest natural feature of Johnson County: the Bighorn Mountains. Specifically, the ridgeline helps form the county’s northwest boundary. Consequently, fewer birders probably chart in this area because it can involve rugged trails at high elevations, but dozens of species make their homes in the mountains.
Among the birds most often spotted are Mountain Chickadees, Dark-eyed Juncos, various woodpeckers, Canada Jays, Black-capped Chickadees, and Red Crossbills. Furthermore, off Highway 16, several Forest Service roads lead to campgrounds, and many of those are located along mountain streams and creeks. Additionally, there are also several miles of trails through the Bighorn National Forest.
Seasonal Birding Calendar for Buffalo, WY
Wyoming’s weather can be unpredictable, much like its bird sightings—you might not see every species in a day, but you could experience dramatic shifts in bird activity within hours. And with the Bighorns to the west, parts of Johnson County are almost as likely to see snow in July as a warm day in winter, influencing what birds you might find.
Still, there is some sort of birding activity taking place throughout the year, whether it’s waterfowl flying over Mountain Plains Heritage Park on a winter day or a variety of birds filling up the wetlands along Clear Creek Trail just west of downtown.
With streams from the canyons flowing to the Powder River and a number of large lakes, migrating birds enjoy flying through Johnson County.
Spring Birding (March–May)
Spring is a great time to see migrating ducks, geese, and loons passing overhead.
Songbirds and raptors also return to the area, and can be seen along the Clear Creek Trail and at Lake DeSmet.
Greater Sage-grouse lekking displays can be found in sagebrush areas with an early April peak.
Summer Birding (June–August)
Summer is the prime time for wildlife and wildflowers in Johnson County. Visitors are drawn to the mountain meadows with the opportunity to see colorful flowers and possibly a herd of elk.
The best times for birding are early mornings and evenings to avoid the heat, although even a 15-minute drive west from Buffalo up into the mountains will cool things off by 10 or 15 degrees.
Summer is a good time to observe breeding birds such as grebes, pelicans, Western Tanagers, and Mountain Bluebirds.
Mosier Gulch, Lake DeSmet, and Bud Love Wildlife Habitat Management Areas are among the best summer stops for bird-watchers.
Fall Birding (September–November)
Fall is the time when Johnson County’s cottonwoods turn a vibrant yellow, adding highlights to the forests, canyons, and creekside areas.
It’s also the time when waterfowl and shorebirds gather at Lake DeSmet, and raptors – Golden Eagles and hawks – are in peak migration.
Winter Birding (December–February)
Winter is a time for peaceful, uncrowded experiences in Johnson County, and that applies to birders as well. The trail at Mountain Plains Heritage Park is a great place to watch waterfowl navigate from pond to pond. Located on the plains east of town, snow tends to blow off the walking path much of the winter.
The Clear Creek Trail, where one can snowshoe or ski or walk depending on the weather, is also a place to see birds accessing rushing water. Bald Eagles, Rough-legged Hawks, waxwings, and chickadees are active in the winter.
Tips for a Successful Bird Watching Trip in Buffalo, WY
Johnson County is a great place to get close to nature. The highway system provides access to many trailheads, and places like Lake DeSmet and Healy Reservoir are right off major roadways.
Still, it’s important to be prepared for changing weather and remote areas. Bring clothing that can be worn in layers, and always have sufficient gas in the vehicle.
It is possible to encounter bears, moose, and other wildlife in the mountains or rattlesnakes in open areas like Outlaw Canyon or Mountain Plains Heritage Park.
The draw of Wyoming is its untouched, raw landscape that is welcoming for wildlife and allows flowers and native grasses to flourish. Visitors should respect that by staying on trails and leaving no trace.
Essential Gear Checklist
In addition to having layers of clothing, birders should remember sunscreen, a hat, and definitely plenty of water. It may not feel warm enough for sunburn, but a clear day at high elevation can result in discomfort for days to follow.
Snake gaiters and bear spray are good ideas, depending on where you plan to visit.
Insect repellent is also important, especially near wetlands and on mountain trails.
For birding specifically, 8×42 binoculars are helpful. A spotting scope may come in handy for large, open areas such as Lake DeSmet.
Field guides, such as Birds of Wyoming or Birds and Birding in Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains Region, can be great resources. The Merlin Bird ID app will help identify birds by their calls in the wild, and eBird.org has birding checklists for locations throughout Johnson County.
Know Before You Go
Bird-watchers planning to visit Johnson County should always be prepared for changing weather conditions, regardless of the forecast.
We recommend checking road conditions from WYDOT, not only for the weather but also the terrain, as some areas are not accessible without four-wheel drive.
Remember that some areas – Bud Love Wildlife and Ed O. Taylor habitat management areas – are closed seasonally, and some may not be accessible well into the spring.
Johnson County also has remote areas where cell service is spotty, so be prepared not to be able to use it.
Wyoming is a checkerboard of private and public lands, with federal agencies, state commissions, and state parks scattered among private ranches. Some utilize an app like Onx, but Johnson County also has a MapServer that shows parcel ownership. Sometimes, signage on public easements will let motorists know when they are driving on roads where they are not allowed to trespass outside of the easement. Open range areas are also often designated, though pronghorn and deer may be just about anywhere, including town.
Connect with Local Birding Communities
The Bighorn Audubon Society has been serving the Bighorn Mountain region since 1970, working with private landowners and federal and local agencies to protect birds and their habitat to enhance the region. It operates in multiple counties in north-central Wyoming, and its activities include bird walks, field trips, presentations, and more.
“Bighorn Audubon is very active in conservation projects that include Tensleep Canyon Raptor Surveys, Goshawk Surveys, and Sagebrush habitat surveys, all in partnership with the Bighorn National Forest. We also organize and conduct the annual Bighorn Audubon Spring Count and participate in the Christmas Bird Count. Bighorn Audubon and a team of dedicated volunteers monitor and maintain over 200 Mountain Bluebird nest boxes in the Bighorn National Forest – some in Johnson County. We offer guided bird walks and programming, sharing an appreciation of birds and the habitat they need to survive and thrive.”
JoAnne Puckett, Bighorn Audubon Society
It conducts an annual bird walk at Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site in June. (bighornaudubon@gmail.com)
The eBird website has information about several locations in Johnson County and around the country.
The Merlin app features photos, songs, and calls to help birders identify what they see or hear in the field. It also allows app users to track the birds they see with lists, photos, and sounds.
Why Buffalo Offers Some of the Best Wyoming Bird Watching Spots
Bird watching in Johnson County, Wyoming, is a top activity thanks to its diverse landscapes—grasslands where livestock roam, serene wetlands, rugged mountains, rolling foothills, and dramatic canyons—all easily accessible from nearby interstates and highways.
The interesting weather makes for year-round birding opportunities, with migration in the spring, breeding, and winter raptors. It has active birding communities, both online through eBird and in action with the Bighorn Audubon Society, working to protect birds and their habitats.
Johnson County is a place where people come to enjoy the outdoors year-round, whether it’s camping in the summer or fall, cross-country skiing in the winter, or exploring in the spring. It is a place where people respect the land and nature for its power, its serenity, and its raw beauty. If you want to enjoy a bird-watching experience in an unspoiled outdoor environment, Johnson County is a great place to spend a few days visiting various recreation areas. For more details on planning your visit, see Buffalo WY visitor information.
