Joshua tree against a twilight sky

Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning)

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Canyon
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free (donations appreciated)

Hours

Open daily except Thursday mornings, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning) is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This canyon habitat attracts White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, and Black-chinned Hummingbird among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Rufous-winged Sparrow

Peucaea carpalis

7/21/20266114 E Calle de la Almendra, Hereford US-AZ 31.45674, -110.220511 observed

Berylline Hummingbird

Saucerottia beryllina

7/20/2026Ramsey Canyon Preserve (formerly Mile Hi Ranch)1 observed

Flame-colored Tanager

Piranga bidentata

7/20/2026Miller Canyon--Beatty's Guest Ranch1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

27/20/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

37/20/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

67/20/2026

Costa's Hummingbird

17/20/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

47/20/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/20/2026

Black Phoebe

17/20/2026

Mexican Jay

17/20/2026

Phainopepla

27/20/2026

House Finch

27/20/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

27/20/2026

Canyon Towhee

17/20/2026

Inca Dove

37/20/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

37/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/20/2026

Gray Hawk

17/20/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

37/20/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

47/20/2026

Arizona Woodpecker

17/20/2026

Verdin

47/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for echoing calls of Canyon Wren and other canyon specialties.

  2. 2

    Check rocky ledges and cliff faces for nesting raptors.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

  4. 4

    Bird activity peaks at dawn in desert habitats; arrive at first light for the best sightings.

  5. 5

    Hummingbird feeders at nature centers and lodges attract multiple species — visit during late summer for peak diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning) for birding?
The best months to visit Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning)?
Notable species at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning) include White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Gambel's Quail, Lesser Goldfinch, Rufous Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Common Raven, European Starling. The area supports canyon habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning)?
Birding at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning) is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
Is there an entrance fee at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning)?
The entrance fee at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning) is Free (donations appreciated). Hours: Open daily except Thursday mornings, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning)?
Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.