Look, we like birds as much as the next person, assuming the next person is sort of ambivalent toward them when they’re not forming an important part of our chicken sandwich. But we’ve been known to enjoy a good birdwatching session from time to time, and Wyoming is a good a place as any to check out our avian friends. From the majestic Grand Teton National Park to the serene wetlands of Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge and the scenic beauty of the Big Horn Mountains, here’s the best birdwatching in Wyoming. 

Grand Teton National Park

• Golden Eagle: Look for their distinctive golden-brown plumage and generally holier-than-thou attitudes. 
• Red-tailed Hawk: Often found dramatically perched on cliffs, red-tailed hawks perched like to show off the striking plumage that gives them their name. 
• Peregrine Falcon: If you see a bird and happen to be in a convenient position to clock its speed, look out for one that can fly at 240 miles per hour. Also note its distinctive black markings.

Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge

• Trumpeter Swan: The largest native waterfowl in Wyoming has pristine white plumage and melodic trumpeting calls. If they were people, they’d for sure be Instagram influencers.
• American Coot: Despite their silly names, coots are identified by their black plumage, white bills, and unique lobed toes. They like to ask that if you can’t take them seriously, please move along.
• Other Waterfowl: During migration seasons, you’ll see various duck species, including mallards, northern pintails, stroopwaffles, and gadwalls. Only one of those names is actually the name of a dessert. 

Big Horn Mountains

• Western Meadowlark: These birds are known for their yellow plumage and beautiful melodies. Or so the bird guidebooks say; we think their melodies need a bit of work. They’re not exactly Hans Zimmer. 
• Sage Thrasher: Despite sounding like the name of a pro wrestler, the sage thrasher is actually a pretty low-key bird. Its streaked brownish-gray appearance helps it blend into its surroundings. 
• Mountain Bluebird: With their dazzling blue plumage, this little guy is actually the state bird of Idaho. What they’re doing here in Wyoming, we have no idea. 

From raptors to waterfowl and songbirds, these locations offer a rich tapestry of bird species, providing an unforgettable experience for bird enthusiasts. They also show up for non-enthusiasts if you ask nicely. 

This post is brought to you by Flat Creek Inn.

Ryan Kunz is a copywriter and freelance writer who writes on a variety of topics, including media, the outdoors, and whatever else strikes his fancy. His favorite bird is a pterodactyl.

Dori, slight color grading by Richard Bartz, CC BY-SA 3.0 US https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/us/deed.en, via Wikimedia Commons

Ltshears, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Cosmonaut, CC BY-SA 2.5 CA https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/ca/deed.en, via Wikimedia Commons

Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cephas, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Dominic Sherony, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

VJAnderson, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons