Desert birding habitat

Box Bar Recreation Site

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Box Bar Recreation Site is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, and Neotropic Cormorant among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Western Bluebird

Sialia mexicana

7/21/2026Mt. Ord (Maricopa Co.)2 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

7/21/2026Mt. Ord (Maricopa Co.)1 observed

Bushtit

Psaltriparus minimus

7/21/2026Mt. Ord (Maricopa Co.)5 observed

Hutton's Vireo

Vireo huttoni

7/21/2026Mt. Ord (Maricopa Co.)4 observed

Hairy Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus villosus

7/21/2026Mt. Ord (Maricopa Co.)2 observed

Grace's Warbler

Setophaga graciae

7/21/2026Mt. Ord (Maricopa Co.)3 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/20/2026Salt River--Granite Reef Recreation Area9 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

7/20/2026Salt River--Granite Reef Recreation Area2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Vulture

17/20/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/20/2026

Hooded Oriole

17/20/2026

Western Tanager

17/20/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/18/2026

White-winged Dove

17/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

57/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/18/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

27/18/2026

Black Phoebe

27/18/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

27/18/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

17/18/2026

Western Kingbird

27/18/2026

Bell's Vireo

27/18/2026

Verdin

17/18/2026

Bewick's Wren

27/18/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/18/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

27/18/2026

Song Sparrow

47/18/2026

Abert's Towhee

17/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Box Bar Recreation Site for birding?
The best months to visit Box Bar Recreation Site for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Box Bar Recreation Site?
Notable species at Box Bar Recreation Site include Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Neotropic Cormorant, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Bewick's Wren. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Box Bar Recreation Site?
Birding at Box Bar Recreation Site is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Box Bar Recreation Site?
Box Bar Recreation Site offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.