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

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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

Western Bluebird

Sialia mexicana

5/31/2026Mt. Ord (Maricopa Co.)4 observed

Hairy Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus villosus

5/31/2026Mt. Ord (Maricopa Co.)1 observed

Grace's Warbler

Setophaga graciae

5/31/2026Mt. Ord (Maricopa Co.)8 observed

Hairy Woodpecker (Rocky Mts.)

Leuconotopicus villosus

5/31/2026Mt. Ord (Maricopa Co.)2 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

5/31/2026Mt. Ord (Maricopa Co.)1 observed

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

5/31/2026Mt. Ord (Maricopa Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

16/1/2026

Gambel's Quail

16/1/2026

White-winged Dove

26/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/1/2026

Bald Eagle

16/1/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

26/1/2026

Black Phoebe

16/1/2026

Bell's Vireo

36/1/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

16/1/2026

Song Sparrow

26/1/2026

Abert's Towhee

46/1/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

26/1/2026

Common Yellowthroat

26/1/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

16/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/1/2026

Lesser Nighthawk

205/31/2026

Gila Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Lucy's Warbler

15/31/2026

Summer Tanager

15/31/2026

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.