Birdwatching in Yellowstone: A Quick Guide
Osprey building a nest.
“The birds of Yellowstone seem to embody the spirit of freedom, their songs echoing across valleys and ridges, a reminder that nature’s beauty lies in its wildness and untamed joy.”
GYE supports over 300 species of birds. From golden and bald eagles, cranes and ducks all the way to migrating songbirds. The GYE is a birder's paradise. Look for eagles and osprey along the lakes and rivers in the park. Ospreys frequent the river around Midway Geyser basin. Ravens are commonplace in parking lots and near visitor centers. Look for songbirds near the geyser basins. They flit among the branches looking for bugs.
Great horned owl
Northern shoveler
Mountain bluebird
Brown-headed cowbird on bison