Yellowstone NP

44.53742 , -110.55000

United States of America (USA)

Yellowstone National Park is the first national park in the world and one of the largest protected areas in the Lower 48 with over 2.2 million acres (8,900 square kilometers) of high sagebrush desert, lodgepole and mixed evergreen forests, alpine tundra, and one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world. Far more well-known for its unmatched hyrdothermal activity, Yellowstone still allows birders the opportunity to find many intermountain west specialties in relatively undisturbed habitats. Its enormous size centers largely around Park and Teton Counties in northwest Wyoming, but also includes area in Idaho and Montana as well. 

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 44.5374/-110.5500 (2020-11-21 18:57:45 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Yellowstone NP" (2020-11-21 18:57:45 )

Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-12-23 00:16:06
Yellowstone National Park is the first national park in the world and one of the largest protected areas in the Lower 48 with over 2.2 million acres (8,900 square kilometers) of high sagebrush desert, lodgepole and mixed evergreen forests, alpine tundra, and one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world. Far more well-known for its unmatched hyrdothermal activity, Yellowstone still allows birders the opportunity to find many intermountain west specialties in relatively undisturbed habitats. Its enormous size centers largely around Park and Teton Counties in northwest Wyoming, but also includes area in Idaho and Montana as well. 
Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-12-23 00:06:43
Yellowstone National Park is the first national park in the world and one of the largest protected areas in the Lower 48 with over 2.2 million acres (8,900 square kilometers) of high sagebrush desert, lodgepole and mixed evergreen forests, alpine tundra, and one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world. Far more well-known for its unmatched hyrdothermal activity, Yellowstone still allows birders the opportunity to find many intermountain west specialties in relatively undisturbed habitats. 

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator)
Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)
Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)
Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus)
American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)
Northern Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium gnoma)
Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa)
Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus)
American Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides dorsalis)
Black-backed Woodpecker (Picoides arcticus)
American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus)
Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (Leucosticte tephrocotis)
Black Rosy-Finch (Leucosticte atrata)
Cassin's Finch (Haemorhous cassinii)
Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea)

Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea) was added by Eric Hope (2021-12-29 20:16:11)

Northern Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium gnoma) was added by Eric Hope (2021-12-29 20:15:44)

Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus) was added by Eric Hope (2021-12-29 20:15:27)

Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) was added by Eric Hope (2021-12-22 23:50:51)

Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) was added by Eric Hope (2021-12-22 23:50:42)

Black Rosy-Finch (Leucosticte atrata) was added by Eric Hope (2021-12-22 23:50:08)

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (Leucosticte tephrocotis) was added by Eric Hope (2021-12-22 23:49:56)

American Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides dorsalis) was added by Eric Hope (2021-12-22 23:48:34)

Black-backed Woodpecker (Picoides arcticus) was added by Eric Hope (2021-12-22 23:48:05)

Cassin's Finch (Haemorhous cassinii) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-25 01:19:25)

Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-25 01:19:09)

American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-25 01:19:00)

American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-24 23:50:24)

Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-24 23:39:34)

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-24 23:37:15)

  • Timing and strategy

The best access to the park is from Memorial Day weekend to mid-October when most park roads should be open (snowfall may close sections of roads even during the summer months). 

Spring migration is generally lackluster because most freshwater is frozen and snow is present in most areas of the park until the end of May/early June. Sometimes the only open water is on fast-moving sections of rivers and Yellowstone Lake, depending on when temperatures begin to rise. This can be the best time of year to observe male harlequin ducks, though.

Summer is a great time to find all the intermountain west specialties on breeding grounds. There isn't an abundance of diversity like some other areas in the US, but what does breed here may be found in abundance in appropriate habitat.

Fall Migration is far-and-away more exciting than spring given far more opportunities for gleaning and seed-eating migrants on land and ample shorebird and waterfowl habitat that is absent in spring. 

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-12-29 20:11
The best access to the park is from Memorial Day weekend to mid-October when most park roads should be open (snowfall may close sections of roads even during the summer months).  Spring migration is generally lackluster because most freshwater is frozen and snow is present in most areas of the park until the end of May/early June. Sometimes the only open water is on fast-moving sections of rivers and Yellowstone Lake, depending on when temperatures begin to rise. This can be the best time of year to observe male harlequin ducks, though. Summer is a great time to find all the intermountain west specialties on breeding grounds. There isn't an abundance of diversity like some other areas in the US, but what does breed here may be found in abundance in appropriate habitat. Fall Migration is far-and-away more exciting than spring given far more opportunities for gleaning and seed-eating migrants on land and ample shorebird and waterfowl habitat that is absent in spring. 
  • How to get there

There are five major entrances to Yellowstone National Park via: Gardiner, MT (North Entrance), West Yellowstone, MT (West Entrance), Cooke City, MT (Northeast Entrance), Cody, WY (East Entrance), and Grand Teton National Park (South Entrance).

Because of its remoteness, there are few nearby airports but the most regularly-used include: Bozeman, MT; Jackson, WY; and Salt Lake City, UT. 

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-12-31 23:55
There are five major entrances to Yellowstone National Park via: Gardiner, MT (North Entrance), West Yellowstone, MT (West Entrance), Cooke City, MT (Northeast Entrance), Cody, WY (East Entrance), and Grand Teton National Park (South Entrance). Because of its remoteness, there are few nearby airports but the most regularly-used include: Bozeman, MT, Jackson, WY, MT; Jackson, WY; and Salt Lake City, UT. 
Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-12-29 19:46
There are five major entrances to Yellowstone National Park via: Gardiner, MT (North Entrance), West Yellowstone, MT (West Entrance), Cooke City, MT (Northeast Entrance), Cody, WY (East Entrance), and Grand Teton National Park (South Entrance). Entrance). Because of its remoteness, there are few nearby airports but the most regularly-used include: Bozeman, MT, Jackson, WY, and Salt Lake City, UT. 
Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-12-23 00:14
There are five major entrances to Yellowstone National Park via: Gardiner, MT (North Entrance), West Yellowstone, MT (West Entrance), Cooke City, MT (Northeast Entrance), Cody, WY (East Entrance), and Grand Teton National Park (South Entrance). Because of its remoteness, there are few nearby airports but the most regularly-used include: Bozeman, MT, Jackson, WY, and Salt Lake City, UT. 

Yellowstone National Park is open year round but there are several seasonal road and trail closures, especially in winter and spring. A $40 weekly pass is available at each entrance station and an Interagency Annual Pass ($80) or Lifetime Pass - either an Access Pass (free) for the permanently disabled or a Senior Pass ($80) for those age 62+ - will grant access to an entire carload of visitors to the park during your visit. 

The road from the North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) to the Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT) is the only road that doesn't experience seasonal closures. All other park roads close for winter snowfall but, because closing/opening dates change year-to-year, be sure to check here for the most up-to-date information on park road status. Access to some of these roads is available for over-snow vehicles (information also provided at the above link).

There are also seasonal wildlife area closures to be aware of (especially for bear/human safety management) that may affect access to different areas of the park. To find up-to-date information on those areas, check here.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-12-29 19:29
Yellowstone National Park is open year round but there are several seasonal road and trail closures, especially in winter and spring. A $40 weekly pass is available at each entrance station and an Interagency Annual Pass ($80) or Lifetime Pass - either an Access Pass (free) for the permanently disabled or a Senior Pass ($80) for those age 62+ - will grant access to an entire carload of visitors to the park during your visit.  The road from the North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) to the Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT) is the only road that doesn't experience seasonal closures. All other park roads close for winter snowfall but, because closing/opening dates change year-to-year, be sure to check here for the most up-to-date information on park road status. Access to some of these roads is available for over-snow vehicles (information also provided at the above link). There are also seasonal wildlife area closures to be aware of (especially for bear/human safety management) that may affect access to different areas of the park. To find up-to-date information on those areas, check here.
  • Other attractions

Hydrothermal Activity: Centered around one of the largest active volcanoes on earth, the Yellowstone Caldera is home to the largest concentration of hydrothermal features (hotsprings, mud pots, geysers, and fumeroles) on the planet. These include: Old Faithful Geyser, Mammoth Hot Spring, and Grand Prismatic Spring, among thousands of other features. 

Wildlife: Yellowstone is often regarded as the "Seregeti of the West" with some of the highest concentrations of charasmatic megafauna in the United States. Some of the more popular to observe include: bison, elk, bighorn sheep, moose, grizzly and black bears, gray wolves, and more.

Other Attractions: There are many other attractions in Yellowstone including: many hundreds of miles of hiking trails, hundreds of waterfalls (like the famous Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River), and several museums, historic buildings (like the famous Old Faithful Inn), and visitor centers with interpretive matierals for all ages.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-12-29 19:44
Hydrothermal Activity: Centered around one of the largest active volcanoes on earth, the Yellowstone Caldera is home to the largest concentration of hydrothermal features (hotsprings, mud pots, geysers, and fumeroles) on the planet. These include: Old Faithful Geyser, Mammoth Hot Spring, and Grand Prismatic Spring, among thousands of other features.  Wildlife: Yellowstone is often regarded as the "Seregeti of the West" with some of the highest concentrations of charasmatic megafauna in the United States. Some of the more popular to observe include: bison, elk, bighorn sheep, moose, grizzly and black bears, gray wolves, and more. Other Attractions: There are many other attractions in Yellowstone including: many hundreds of miles of hiking trails, hundreds of waterfalls (like the famous Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River), and several museums, historic buildings (like the famous Old Faithful Inn), and visitor centers with interpretive matierals for all ages.

There are many hotels and campgrounds throughout the park but reservations made well in advance are imperative to securing accomodations. There are also accomodations available in the surrounding communities, especially in: West Yellowstone, MT, Gardiner, MT, and Cody, WY. 

The main park visitor centers are located at: Mammoth Hot Springs, Canyon, and Old Faithful. There are additional information facilities and/or museums located at: Tower Falls, Lamar Valley, Norris Geyser Basin, Lake Village, and Grant Village.

Most accomodations and dining facilities are centered around the more popular visitation hotspots in the park including: Mammoth Hot Springs, Canyon, Old Faithful, Grant Village, and Lake Village. These areas have running water facilities in addition to restaurants, accomodations, and convenience stores. There are also a large number of picnic areas and trailheads throughout the park which almost all have pit toilet access.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Eric Hope on 2022-01-01 00:44
There are many hotels and campgrounds throughout the park but reservations made well in advance are imperative to securing accomodations. There are also accomodations available in the surrounding communities, especially in: West Yellowstone, MT, Gardiner, MT, and Cody, WY.  The main park visitor centers are located at: Mammoth Hot Springs, Canyon, and Old Faithful. There are additional information facilities and/or museums located at: Tower Falls, Lamar Valley, Norris Geyser Basin, Lake Village, and Grant Village. Most accomodations and dining facilities are centered around the more popular visitation hotspots in the park: park including: Mammoth Hot Springs, Canyon, Old Faithful, Grant Village, and Lake Village. These areas have running water facilities in addition to restaurants, accomodations, and convenience stores. There are also a large number of picnic areas and trailheads throughout the park which almost all have pit toilet access.
Edited by Eric Hope on 2022-01-01 00:43
There are many hotels and campgrounds throughout the park but reservations made well in advance are imperative to securing accomodations. There are also accomodations available in the surrounding communities, especially in: West Yellowstone, MT, Gardiner, MT, and Cody, WY.  The main park visitor centers are located at: Mammoth Hot Springs, Canyon, and Old Faithful. There are additional information facilities and/or museums located at: Tower Falls, Lamar Valley, Norris Geyser Basin, Lake Village, and Grant Village. Most accomodations and dining facilities are centered around the more popular visitation hotspots in the park: Mammoth Hot Springs, Canyon, Old Faithful, Grant Village, and Lake Village. These areas have running water facilities in addition to restaurants, accomodations, and convenience stores. There are also a large number of picnic areas and trailheads throughout the park that which almost all have pit toilet access.
Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-12-29 19:56
There are many hotels and campgrounds throughout the park but reservations made well in advance are imperative to securing accomodations. There are also accomodations available in the surrounding communities, especially in: West Yellowstone, MT, Gardiner, MT, and Cody, WY.  The main park visitor centers are located at: Mammoth Hot Springs, Canyon, and Old Faithful. There are additional information facilities and/or museums located at: Tower Falls, Lamar Valley, Norris Geyser Basin, Lake Village, and Grant Village. Most accomodations and dining facilities are centered around the more popular visitation hotspots in the park: Mammoth Hot Springs, Canyon, Old Faithful, Grant Village, and Lake Village. These areas have running water facilities in addition to restaurants, accomodations, and convenience stores. There are also a large number of picnic areas and trailheads throughout the park that almost all have pit toilet access.

It is incredibly unwise to bird anywhere in Yellowstone without bear spray as grizzlies are encountered even in the busiest tourist locations - including the boardwalk at Old Faithful! Because of a number of dangerous wildlife species in high numbers throughout the park, making noise to avoid surprise interactions is imperative (avoiding the temptation to bird silently is best).

Going off trail in hydrothermal areas is both illegal and incredibly dangerous as the ground in these areas is unstable and may collapse into boiling subterranean waters.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-12-23 00:23
It is incredibly unwise to bird anywhere in Yellowstone without bear spray as grizzlies are encountered even in the busiest tourist locations - including the boardwalk at Old Faithful! Because of a number of dangerous wildlife species in high numbers in throughout the park, making noise to avoid surprise interactions is imperative (avoiding the temptation to bird silently is best). Going off trail in hydrothermal areas is both illegal and incredibly dangerous as the ground in these areas is unstable and may collapse into boiling subterranean waters.
Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-12-23 00:22
It is incredibly unwise to bird anywhere in Yellowstone without bear spray as grizzlies are encountered even in the busiest tourist locations - including the boardwalk at Old Faithful! Because of a number of dangerous wildlife species in high numbers in the park, making noise to avoid surprise interactions is imperative (avoiding the temptation to bird silently is best). Going off trail in hydrothermal areas is both illegal and incredibly dangerous as the ground in these areas is unstable and may collapse into boiling subterranean waters.
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