Birding in Arizona

Explore 204 birding hotspots across forest, mountain, desert, wetland, urban park, chaparral, canyon, lake, river/riparian, coastal, grassland habitats in Arizona.

204

Locations

172+

Notable Species

11

Habitat Types

4

Peak Seasons

Complete Arizona Birding Guide

Top locations, species, seasonal tips, and more

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Birding Locations in Arizona

Lush riparian corridor in Madera Canyon with oak and sycamore trees

Arizona

Moderate

Madera Canyon

Santa Rita Mountains canyon famous for Elegant Trogons and diverse hummingbirds.

ForestMountainDesertSpringSummer
Rhyolite cliffs and sycamore-lined creek in Cave Creek Canyon

Arizona

Moderate

Cave Creek Canyon

Chiricahua Mountains canyon and top US site for rare Mexican mountain species.

ForestMountainDesertSpringSummer
Hummingbird at feeder at Ramsey Canyon Preserve

Arizona

Moderate

Ramsey Canyon Preserve

The Hummingbird Capital of the US with up to 15 species in the Huachuca Mountains.

ForestMountainSummer
Saguaro cacti silhouetted against a desert sunset

Arizona

Moderate

Saguaro National Park

Iconic Sonoran Desert park with saguaro-nesting specialists and desert bird diversity.

DesertMountainWinterSpring
Cottonwood-lined San Pedro River flowing through desert landscape

Arizona

Moderate

San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area

Vital Southwest riparian corridor along an undammed river with 350+ bird species.

WetlandDesertForestSpringSummer
Two white swans swimming in a pond

Arizona

Easy

Agua Caliente Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Arizona with 257 recorded species.

Urban ParkFallWinter
Urban Park birding habitat

Arizona

Easy

Agua Nueva Park (was Roger Road WRF)

Urban Park birding hotspot in Arizona with 268 recorded species.

Urban ParkFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Ahakhav Tribal Preserve

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 209 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Ajo Sewage Ponds

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 219 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
a colorful bird perched on top of a tree branch

Arizona

Moderate

Amado WTP

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 246 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Anza Trail - Carmen (Clark Crossing Rd)

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 246 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Anza Trail - Rio Rico (Guy Tobin Trailhead)

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 221 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
a river running through a canyon surrounded by mountains

Arizona

Moderate

Anza Trail - Tubac

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 302 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 202 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Canyon birding habitat

Arizona

Challenging

Aravaipa Canyon Road - west

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 219 recorded species.

CanyonFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Arivaca Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 294 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 219 recorded species.

DesertFallWinter
Wetland birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Arlington Wildlife Area

Wetland birding hotspot in Arizona with 234 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter
Urban Park birding habitat

Arizona

Easy

Arthur Pack Regional Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Arizona with 253 recorded species.

Urban ParkFallWinter
Joshua tree against a twilight sky

Arizona

Challenging

Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning)

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 227 recorded species.

CanyonFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Ashurst Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 242 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Avra Valley WTP

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 274 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Base and Meridian WA

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 282 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Becker Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 238 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Beeline Highway - Sunflower

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 202 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Benson STP

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 251 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Betty's Kitchen/Laguna Dam

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 211 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
River/Riparian birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters and Delta

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Arizona with 233 recorded species.

River/RiparianWetlandFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Box Bar Recreation Site

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 223 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Sha'ib Luha Valley is a wadi with a small permanent freshwater pond, a popular local recreation area.

Arizona

Challenging

Box Canyon

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 205 recorded species.

CanyonFallWinter
A desert landscape is filled with cacti.

Arizona

Moderate

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Forest birding hotspot in Arizona with 291 recorded species.

ForestUrban ParkFallWinter
Canyon birding habitat

Arizona

Challenging

Brown Canyon Ranch (opened 2011)

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 209 recorded species.

CanyonFallWinter
Wetland birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge

Wetland birding hotspot in Arizona with 234 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Aguirre Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 224 recorded species.

LakeWetlandFallWinter
Wetland birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Cienega

Wetland birding hotspot in Arizona with 261 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter
River/Riparian birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Creek Trailhead

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Arizona with 209 recorded species.

River/RiparianWetlandFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

California Gulch

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 205 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
a bird perched on a branch of a tree

Arizona

Easy

Canoa Ranch Conservation Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Arizona with 289 recorded species.

Urban ParkFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

CAP Recharge Basin - Mile Wide Rd

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 210 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
a large body of water with mountains in the background

Arizona

Easy

Catalina State Park

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 203 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Canyon birding habitat

Arizona

Challenging

Cave Creek Canyon

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 233 recorded species.

CanyonRiver/RiparianFallWinter
Hikers traverse a winding trail in the canyon.

Arizona

Challenging

Cave Creek Canyon - South Fork

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 235 recorded species.

CanyonRiver/RiparianFallWinter
dirt and grass covered hills during day

Arizona

Challenging

Cave Creek Canyon - Southwestern Research Station

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 237 recorded species.

CanyonRiver/RiparianFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Chiricahua National Monument

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 214 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Wetland birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Cibola National Wildlife Refuge

Wetland birding hotspot in Arizona with 222 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter
Wetland birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Cibola National Wildlife Refuge - Cornfield Nature Trail

Wetland birding hotspot in Arizona with 210 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Easy

Dankworth Pond State Park

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 226 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
a group of people sitting on top of a green park bench

Arizona

Easy

Danny Lopez Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Arizona with 265 recorded species.

Urban ParkFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Dateland

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 201 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Easy

Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 259 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Dudleyville

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 226 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Duncan Birding Trail

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 214 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Canyon birding habitat

Arizona

Challenging

East Whitetail Canyon

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 205 recorded species.

CanyonFallWinter
A white egret stands in shallow water near trees.

Arizona

Moderate

El Rio Preserve

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 267 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Mountain birding habitat

Arizona

Easy

Estrella Mountain Regional Park

Mountain birding hotspot in Arizona with 228 recorded species.

MountainUrban ParkFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Evergreen Turf Sod Farm - Tweedy/Pretzer (bird from perimeter roads only)

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 219 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
a lone tree in the middle of a desert

Arizona

Challenging

Florida Canyon - lower

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 235 recorded species.

CanyonFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 222 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Fort Huachuca

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 224 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Saguaro cacti and desert landscape under a clear sky

Arizona

Easy

Fort Lowell Park and Pantano Wash

Urban Park birding hotspot in Arizona with 218 recorded species.

Urban ParkFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Ganado Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 233 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Canyon birding habitat

Arizona

Easy

Garden Canyon

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 210 recorded species.

CanyonUrban ParkFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Gila Bend Sewage Ponds

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 202 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Gilbert and Chandler Heights Rds. pond

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 225 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Canyon birding habitat

Arizona

Challenging

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area - Lee's Ferry

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 212 recorded species.

CanyonFallWinter
Canyon birding habitat

Arizona

Challenging

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area - Wahweap

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 206 recorded species.

CanyonFallWinter
An aerial view of a winding road in the desert

Arizona

Moderate

Glendale Recharge Ponds

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 299 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Canyon birding habitat

Arizona

Challenging

Grand Canyon National Park - Desert View

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 212 recorded species.

CanyonDesertFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Granite Basin Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 226 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Urban Park birding habitat

Arizona

Easy

Green Valley WRF (park outside fence, walk in only)

Urban Park birding hotspot in Arizona with 243 recorded species.

Urban ParkFallWinter
Canyon birding habitat

Arizona

Challenging

Guadalupe Canyon

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 217 recorded species.

CanyonFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Guevavi Ranch

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 201 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
River/Riparian birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Harshaw Creek Road

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Arizona with 216 recorded species.

River/RiparianFallWinter
a scenic view of a mountain range with a clear blue sky

Arizona

Moderate

Hassayampa River Preserve (closed Mon/Tue)

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Arizona with 297 recorded species.

River/RiparianFallWinter
Wetland birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

Wetland birding hotspot in Arizona with 215 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter
Wetland birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Slough/North Dike

Wetland birding hotspot in Arizona with 228 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter
Wetland birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge - South Dike

Wetland birding hotspot in Arizona with 200 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter
Wetland birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge - Topock Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in Arizona with 203 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Higley and Ocotillo Rds. ponds

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 257 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Coastal birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Holbrook - Hidden Cove Golf Course

Coastal birding hotspot in Arizona with 249 recorded species.

CoastalFallWinter
Canyon birding habitat

Arizona

Challenging

Huachuca Canyon

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 234 recorded species.

CanyonFallWinter
Wetland birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Imperial National Wildlife Refuge

Wetland birding hotspot in Arizona with 213 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter
River/Riparian birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Jewel of the Creek Preserve

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Arizona with 200 recorded species.

River/RiparianFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Kachina Wetlands

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 260 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Urban Park birding habitat

Arizona

Easy

Kennedy Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Arizona with 221 recorded species.

Urban ParkFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Kino Springs

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 283 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Lake Havasu

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 207 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Lake Havasu - North end viewpoint

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 249 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Easy

Lake Havasu City - Rotary Park

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 267 recorded species.

LakeUrban ParkFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Lake Pleasant

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 237 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Urban Park birding habitat

Arizona

Easy

Lakeside Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Arizona with 246 recorded species.

Urban ParkFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Las Cienegas NCA

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 231 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Las Cienegas NCA - Cottonwood Tanks

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 213 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Las Cienegas NCA - Empire Gulch

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 241 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Las Lagunas de Anza wetlands (Drive-in Ponds)

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 212 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Canyon birding habitat

Arizona

Challenging

Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 201 recorded species.

CanyonWetlandFallWinter
River/Riparian birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Little Colorado River - South Fork

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Arizona with 203 recorded species.

River/RiparianFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Lower Lake Mary

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 211 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
River/Riparian birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Lower River Road Ponds

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Arizona with 219 recorded species.

River/RiparianFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Luna Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 203 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Easy

Lyman Lake State Park

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 228 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
an aerial view of the terrain of a mountain range

Arizona

Challenging

Madera Canyon - Proctor Road

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 232 recorded species.

CanyonFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Mammoth Sewage Ponds

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 211 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Many Farms Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 212 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Forest birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Marana Pecan Grove

Forest birding hotspot in Arizona with 232 recorded species.

ForestFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

McCormick Ranch - Camelback Lake (Chart House)

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 209 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Urban Park birding habitat

Arizona

Easy

Meteor Crater RV Park (check in at office for permission/access)

Urban Park birding hotspot in Arizona with 202 recorded species.

Urban ParkFallWinter
Canyon birding habitat

Arizona

Challenging

Miller Canyon - lower (below Beatty's)

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 206 recorded species.

CanyonFallWinter
Canyon birding habitat

Arizona

Challenging

Miller Canyon Trail

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 208 recorded species.

CanyonFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Mittry Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 232 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Montezuma Castle National Monument - Montezuma Well

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 218 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Canyon birding habitat

Arizona

Challenging

Montosa Canyon - km 1 (culvert area)

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 207 recorded species.

CanyonFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Morgan City Wash

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 266 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Mormon Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 255 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Needle Rock Recreation Area

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 223 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
River/Riparian birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Neely Ranch Riparian Preserve

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Arizona with 202 recorded species.

River/RiparianFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Nogales WTP

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 238 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Oak Flat

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 208 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument - Quitobaquito Springs

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 209 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Page Springs Fish Hatchery - Bubbling Ponds Preserve

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 274 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Paloma Ranch

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 286 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Easy

Parker Canyon Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 273 recorded species.

LakeCanyonFallWinter
Canyon birding habitat

Arizona

Challenging

Pasture Canyon

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 250 recorded species.

CanyonGrasslandFallWinter
A desert landscape is filled with cacti.

Arizona

Easy

Patagonia Lake State Park

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 337 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
A desert landscape is filled with cacti.

Arizona

Easy

Patagonia Lake State Park - Birding Trail

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 325 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
A desert landscape is filled with cacti.

Arizona

Moderate

Patagonia Roadside Rest Area

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 231 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
a group of llamas grazing in a field with mountains in the background

Arizona

Moderate

Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Arizona with 283 recorded species.

River/RiparianFallWinter
a couple of hummingbirds sitting on top of a tree branch

Arizona

Moderate

Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard)

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 261 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Urban Park birding habitat

Arizona

Easy

Payson - Green Valley Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Arizona with 211 recorded species.

Urban ParkFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Pena Blanca Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 285 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Forest birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Petrified Forest National Park

Forest birding hotspot in Arizona with 207 recorded species.

ForestFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Phoenix Zoo

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 220 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Picacho Reservoir

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 244 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Wooden bridge leads to a grassy park path

Arizona

Moderate

Portal

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 262 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Portal - Willow Tank

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 257 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Portal-Paradise Road

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 204 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Prescott - Goldwater Lakes

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 201 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Prescott - Lynx Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 213 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Prescott - Willow Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 292 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
A large group of rocks in the middle of a desert

Arizona

Challenging

Ramsey Canyon Preserve

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 242 recorded species.

CanyonFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Randolph GC/Hardesty Building

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 213 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Easy

Red Rock State Park

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 232 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Riggs and Price Rds. ponds

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 226 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Canyon birding habitat

Arizona

Challenging

Rio de Flag - Picture Canyon

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 232 recorded species.

CanyonFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Rio de Flag - Willow Bend/Urban Trail

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 203 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Rio Salado Project

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 236 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
a river running through a canyon surrounded by mountains

Arizona

Moderate

Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Arizona with 333 recorded species.

River/RiparianFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Roosevelt Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 207 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Roosevelt Lake - Bermuda Flat

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 214 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Roosevelt Lake - Orange Peel Day Use Area

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 203 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Roosevelt Lake - Schoolhouse CG

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 205 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Easy

Roper Lake State Park

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 259 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Ruby (ghost town - closed June 2024)

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 206 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Canyon birding habitat

Arizona

Challenging

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 222 recorded species.

CanyonFallWinter
a close up of a waterfall with rocks in the foreground

Arizona

Moderate

Sabino Dam and downstream riparian

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Arizona with 226 recorded species.

River/RiparianFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Saguaro Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 207 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Coastal birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Saguaro Lake - Butcher Jones Beach

Coastal birding hotspot in Arizona with 232 recorded species.

CoastalLakeFallWinter
Urban Park birding habitat

Arizona

Easy

Sahuarita - North Santa Cruz Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Arizona with 214 recorded species.

Urban ParkFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Saint David - Holy Trinity Monastery

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 254 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
River/Riparian birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Salt River - Coon Bluff Recreation Area

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Arizona with 245 recorded species.

River/RiparianFallWinter
River/Riparian birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Salt River - Goldfield Recreation Area

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Arizona with 206 recorded species.

River/RiparianFallWinter
Coastal birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Salt River - Granite Reef Recreation Area

Coastal birding hotspot in Arizona with 280 recorded species.

CoastalRiver/RiparianFallWinter
Urban Park birding habitat

Arizona

Easy

Sam Lena Park and KERP

Urban Park birding hotspot in Arizona with 250 recorded species.

Urban ParkFallWinter
Wetland birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge

Wetland birding hotspot in Arizona with 308 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

San Carlos Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 224 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

San Carlos Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 216 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

San Carlos Lake - Old San Carlos Monument

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 205 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
River/Riparian birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

San Pedro River Inn

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Arizona with 255 recorded species.

River/RiparianFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

San Pedro RNCA - Charleston Bridge

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 208 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

San Pedro RNCA - Fairbank

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 205 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

San Pedro RNCA - generic

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 242 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

San Pedro RNCA - Hereford Bridge

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 273 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
a car parked in front of a house with purple flowers

Arizona

Moderate

San Pedro RNCA - San Pedro House and trails

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 311 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

San Rafael Grasslands

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 210 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

San Simon Cienega (Arizona)

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 257 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Santa Cruz Flats Travel Count

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 235 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
River/Riparian birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Santa Cruz River - Cortaro Road

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Arizona with 220 recorded species.

River/RiparianFallWinter
River/Riparian birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Santa Cruz River - Ina Road

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Arizona with 235 recorded species.

River/RiparianFallWinter
white and black wooden signage

Arizona

Moderate

Santa Gertrudis Lane (foot access only)

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 277 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Sedona Wetlands Preserve

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 276 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Seven Springs Recreation Area

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 202 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Sierra Vista EOP

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 285 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Sierra Vista Golf Center at Pueblo del Sol

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 211 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Slaughter Ranch

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 224 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
River/Riparian birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Snowflake - Cottonwood Wash/Silver Creek confluence

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Arizona with 219 recorded species.

River/RiparianFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Solar Power & Water Ponds

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 214 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Spot Road Farm

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 264 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Stateline Road

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 204 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
gray long beak bird on green grass during daytime

Arizona

Moderate

Sweetwater Wetlands

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 330 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Canyon birding habitat

Arizona

Challenging

Sycamore Canyon (Pajarito Mountains)

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 231 recorded species.

CanyonFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Tanque Verde Wash - Tanque Verde Loop Road

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 207 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Tanque Verde Wash - Wentworth Road

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 237 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Tempe Town Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 206 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

The Lakes at Castle Rock

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 225 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Upper Lake Mary

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 220 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Urban Park birding habitat

Arizona

Easy

Veterans Oasis Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Arizona with 255 recorded species.

Urban ParkFallWinter
Canyon birding habitat

Arizona

Challenging

Walnut Canyon Lakes

Canyon birding hotspot in Arizona with 240 recorded species.

CanyonFallWinter
Lake birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Watson Lake and Riparian Preserve

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 295 recorded species.

LakeRiver/RiparianFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Wenima WA

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 200 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
a bird flying through a foggy sky with trees in the background

Arizona

Moderate

Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area

Wetland birding hotspot in Arizona with 322 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Wickenburg - Secret Ponds

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 209 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
green grass field during sunset

Arizona

Moderate

Willcox - Lake Cochise and Twin Lakes Golf Course

Lake birding hotspot in Arizona with 338 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Yuma East Wetlands

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 224 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter
Desert birding habitat

Arizona

Moderate

Yuma West Wetlands

Desert birding hotspot in Arizona with 214 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

Notable Species

Key species found across birding locations in Arizona:

Elegant TrogonRivoli's HummingbirdPainted RedstartSulphur-bellied FlycatcherArizona WoodpeckerMourning DoveVerdinCrissal ThrasherBlack-throated SparrowCanyon TowheeMexican ChickadeeElf OwlHepatic TanagerBuff-breasted FlycatcherWhite-throated SwiftAcorn WoodpeckerNorthern FlickerHutton's VireoBerylline HummingbirdWhite-eared Hummingbird

Habitats & Best Seasons

Habitat Types:

ForestMountainDesertWetlandUrban ParkChaparralCanyonLakeRiver/RiparianCoastalGrassland

Best Seasons:

SpringSummerFallWinter

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best birding spots in Arizona?
The top birding locations in Arizona include Madera Canyon, Cave Creek Canyon, Ramsey Canyon Preserve, Saguaro National Park, San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, Agua Caliente Park, Agua Nueva Park (was Roger Road WRF), Ahakhav Tribal Preserve, Ajo Sewage Ponds, Amado WTP, Anza Trail - Carmen (Clark Crossing Rd), Anza Trail - Rio Rico (Guy Tobin Trailhead), Anza Trail - Tubac, Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch, Aravaipa Canyon Road - west, Arivaca Lake, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Arlington Wildlife Area, Arthur Pack Regional Park, Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning), Ashurst Lake, Avra Valley WTP, Base and Meridian WA, Becker Lake, Beeline Highway - Sunflower, Benson STP, Betty's Kitchen/Laguna Dam, Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters and Delta, Box Bar Recreation Site, Box Canyon, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Brown Canyon Ranch (opened 2011), Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Aguirre Lake, Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Cienega, Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Creek Trailhead, California Gulch, Canoa Ranch Conservation Park, CAP Recharge Basin - Mile Wide Rd, Catalina State Park, Cave Creek Canyon, Cave Creek Canyon - South Fork, Cave Creek Canyon - Southwestern Research Station, Chiricahua National Monument, Cibola National Wildlife Refuge, Cibola National Wildlife Refuge - Cornfield Nature Trail, Dankworth Pond State Park, Danny Lopez Park, Dateland, Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Dudleyville, Duncan Birding Trail, East Whitetail Canyon, El Rio Preserve, Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Evergreen Turf Sod Farm - Tweedy/Pretzer (bird from perimeter roads only), Florida Canyon - lower, Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area, Fort Huachuca, Fort Lowell Park and Pantano Wash, Ganado Lake, Garden Canyon, Gila Bend Sewage Ponds, Gilbert and Chandler Heights Rds. pond, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area - Lee's Ferry, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area - Wahweap, Glendale Recharge Ponds, Grand Canyon National Park - Desert View, Granite Basin Lake, Green Valley WRF (park outside fence, walk in only), Guadalupe Canyon, Guevavi Ranch, Harshaw Creek Road, Hassayampa River Preserve (closed Mon/Tue), Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Havasu National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Slough/North Dike, Havasu National Wildlife Refuge - South Dike, Havasu National Wildlife Refuge - Topock Marsh, Higley and Ocotillo Rds. ponds, Holbrook - Hidden Cove Golf Course, Huachuca Canyon, Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, Jewel of the Creek Preserve, Kachina Wetlands, Kennedy Park, Kino Springs, Lake Havasu, Lake Havasu - North end viewpoint, Lake Havasu City - Rotary Park, Lake Pleasant, Lakeside Park, Las Cienegas NCA, Las Cienegas NCA - Cottonwood Tanks, Las Cienegas NCA - Empire Gulch, Las Lagunas de Anza wetlands (Drive-in Ponds), Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge, Little Colorado River - South Fork, Lower Lake Mary, Lower River Road Ponds, Luna Lake, Lyman Lake State Park, Madera Canyon - Proctor Road, Mammoth Sewage Ponds, Many Farms Lake, Marana Pecan Grove, McCormick Ranch - Camelback Lake (Chart House), Meteor Crater RV Park (check in at office for permission/access), Miller Canyon - lower (below Beatty's), Miller Canyon Trail, Mittry Lake, Montezuma Castle National Monument - Montezuma Well, Montosa Canyon - km 1 (culvert area), Morgan City Wash, Mormon Lake, Needle Rock Recreation Area, Neely Ranch Riparian Preserve, Nogales WTP, Oak Flat, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument - Quitobaquito Springs, Page Springs Fish Hatchery - Bubbling Ponds Preserve, Paloma Ranch, Parker Canyon Lake, Pasture Canyon, Patagonia Lake State Park, Patagonia Lake State Park - Birding Trail, Patagonia Roadside Rest Area, Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard), Payson - Green Valley Park, Pena Blanca Lake, Petrified Forest National Park, Phoenix Zoo, Picacho Reservoir, Portal, Portal - Willow Tank, Portal-Paradise Road, Prescott - Goldwater Lakes, Prescott - Lynx Lake, Prescott - Willow Lake, Ramsey Canyon Preserve, Randolph GC/Hardesty Building, Red Rock State Park, Riggs and Price Rds. ponds, Rio de Flag - Picture Canyon, Rio de Flag - Willow Bend/Urban Trail, Rio Salado Project, Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch, Roosevelt Lake, Roosevelt Lake - Bermuda Flat, Roosevelt Lake - Orange Peel Day Use Area, Roosevelt Lake - Schoolhouse CG, Roper Lake State Park, Ruby (ghost town - closed June 2024), Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, Sabino Dam and downstream riparian, Saguaro Lake, Saguaro Lake - Butcher Jones Beach, Sahuarita - North Santa Cruz Park, Saint David - Holy Trinity Monastery, Salt River - Coon Bluff Recreation Area, Salt River - Goldfield Recreation Area, Salt River - Granite Reef Recreation Area, Sam Lena Park and KERP, San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge, San Carlos Lake, San Carlos Lake, San Carlos Lake - Old San Carlos Monument, San Pedro River Inn, San Pedro RNCA - Charleston Bridge, San Pedro RNCA - Fairbank, San Pedro RNCA - generic, San Pedro RNCA - Hereford Bridge, San Pedro RNCA - San Pedro House and trails, San Rafael Grasslands, San Simon Cienega (Arizona), Santa Cruz Flats Travel Count, Santa Cruz River - Cortaro Road, Santa Cruz River - Ina Road, Santa Gertrudis Lane (foot access only), Sedona Wetlands Preserve, Seven Springs Recreation Area, Sierra Vista EOP, Sierra Vista Golf Center at Pueblo del Sol, Slaughter Ranch, Snowflake - Cottonwood Wash/Silver Creek confluence, Solar Power & Water Ponds, Spot Road Farm, Stateline Road, Sweetwater Wetlands, Sycamore Canyon (Pajarito Mountains), Tanque Verde Wash - Tanque Verde Loop Road, Tanque Verde Wash - Wentworth Road, Tempe Town Lake, The Lakes at Castle Rock, Upper Lake Mary, Veterans Oasis Park, Walnut Canyon Lakes, Watson Lake and Riparian Preserve, Wenima WA, Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area, Wickenburg - Secret Ponds, Willcox - Lake Cochise and Twin Lakes Golf Course, Yuma East Wetlands, Yuma West Wetlands. Each offers unique habitats and species.
When is the best time to go birding in Arizona?
The best seasons for birding in Arizona are Spring and Summer and Fall and Winter. Spring migration brings diverse species through the area. Winter offers opportunities for cold-weather specialties and waterfowl.
What birds can I see in Arizona?
Notable species in Arizona include Elegant Trogon, Rivoli's Hummingbird, Painted Redstart, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Arizona Woodpecker, Mourning Dove, Verdin, Crissal Thrasher, and more. The state supports forest, mountain, desert, wetland, urban park, chaparral, canyon, lake, river/riparian, coastal, grassland habitats.

Plan Your Birding Trip

Get the most out of your birding adventure in Arizona with our expert guides.