Sandhill Cranes, Cibola NWR, AZ--photo Richard Elliott
The Cibola National Wildlife Refuge is not strictly about “bird watching.” Although it is a fabulous location for viewing migratory birds, it is also a place for fishing, hunting, boating and water skiing. Cibola’s location on the flood plain of the lower Colorado River, makes it an ideal refuge and habitat for migratory birds, wintering water fowl and other local bird species. Another oasis in the Sonoran Desert, that boggles the mind when seeing it. Approximately 240 bird species use the refuge throughout the year. Bird watchers especially enjoy seeing Canadian geese and Sandhill cranes.
Endangered or threatened species seen here are the willow flycatcher, brown pelican, peregrine falcon, bald eagle and the Yuma clapper, to name just a few bird species.
Cibola has several mammals in the refuge, too. Visitors may see mule deer, coyote, bobcat, grey fox and badger. There is an auto tour route from the visitor center and a year-round, one-mile hiking trail coursing through wooded riparian environment and a nice photo blind is set up for those patient enough to wait for the “perfect wildlife shot.”
Two reptiles to keep an eye out for when walking through the refuge are the diamondback and sidewinder rattlesnakes.
Cibola is a great place to bring children. Besides viewing the wildlife, children will have a thrilling, fun time discovering and identifying animal tracks and scat, finding feathers and more.
Dawn and dusk are the best viewing times. On hot or windy days, the wildlife is more subdued and less likely to be seen. Advise children to behave quietly, both for the wildlife and other guests viewing the wildlife. Leave “abandoned” young animals alone–their parents are more than likely nearby. Do not feed any of the wildlife! Drive slowly through the refuge. For better views of the animals and birds, use binoculars or telephoto lens on the camera. Other viewing areas include The Island Unit (presently closed due to a fire), Cibola Lake, and Three-Finger Lake.
Cibola National Wildlife Refuge is south of Interstate 10, west of Blythe, CA, via CA SR 78 (South Neighbors Blvd.) into Arizona, arriving at Cibloa.
The visitor center/headquarters is located at 66600 Cibola Lake Road. It is open 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, weekdays. For extended winter hours call (928) 857-3253. The 18,500-acre refuge is administrated by the Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. Their service statement is, “To work with others to conserve fish and wildlife and their habitat,” according to their pamphlet, “Cibola National Wildlife Refuge.”
Along the auto tour, the best time to view and photograph the wildlife is mid-November through mid-February.
Hunting season is October through January, for deer, waterfowl, dove, rabbit and quail. Cibola Lake is open for fishing between March 15 and Labor Day. Year-round fishing is available on the old and new river channels. State hunting and fishing licenses and stamps are required. To learn more about boating, hunting and fishing, ask for their brochures by calling Cibola NWR at 1-800-344-WILD, or visit their web site at http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/CibolaNWR/index.html. During hunting season, check with the refuge headquarters for the best times for viewing the wildlife.
Boating and water skiing are permitted on the new river channel. All backwater areas and Cibola Lake are “no wake” zones. To obtain further rules and regulations leaflets for boating and water activities, write to, The Refuge Manager, Cibola NWR, 66600 Cibola Lake Road, Route 2, Box 1, Cibola, AZ 85328.
Whether you are bird watching, fishing, boating or hunting, the Cibola refuge is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Check it out!
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