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

Box Canyon

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Canyon
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily

About This Location

Box Canyon is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This canyon habitat attracts Anna's Hummingbird, Golden Eagle, and Red-tailed Hawk 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

Buff-collared Nightjar

Antrostomus ridgwayi

8/23/2026Box Canyon--lower bridge1 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

8/23/2026Sahuarita--North Santa Cruz Park1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

8/23/2026Amado WTP1 observed

Purple Gallinule

Porphyrio martinica

8/23/2026Green Valley WRF (park outside fence, walk in only)1 observed

Rivoli's Hummingbird

Eugenes fulgens

8/23/2026Madera Canyon--Madera Picnic Area2 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

8/23/2026Green Valley WRF (park outside fence, walk in only)1 observed

Black-chinned x Anna's Hummingbird (hybrid)

Archilochus alexandri x Calypte anna

8/23/2026Arizona Birding Guides feeders--Visitors Welcome1 observed

Painted Redstart

Myioborus pictus

8/23/2026Las Cienegas NCA--Empire Gulch1 observed

Abert's Towhee

Melozone aberti

8/23/2026Madera Canyon--Proctor Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Poorwill

38/23/2026

Buff-collared Nightjar

18/23/2026

Elf Owl

28/23/2026

Cactus Wren

18/23/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

28/23/2026

Northern Cardinal

48/23/2026

Blue Grosbeak

18/23/2026

Golden Eagle

18/23/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

18/23/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

28/23/2026

American Kestrel

18/23/2026

Willow Flycatcher

18/23/2026

Western Flycatcher

18/23/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

18/23/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

18/23/2026

Bell's Vireo

18/23/2026

Rock Wren

48/23/2026

Canyon Wren

38/23/2026

Bewick's Wren

38/23/2026

House Finch

88/23/2026

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 Box Canyon for birding?
The best months to visit Box Canyon for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Box Canyon?
Notable species at Box Canyon include Anna's Hummingbird, Golden Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Common Raven, Verdin, Mourning Dove, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Say's Phoebe, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, House Sparrow. The area supports canyon habitats.
How difficult is birding at Box Canyon?
Birding at Box Canyon is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
Is there an entrance fee at Box Canyon?
There is no entrance fee at Box Canyon. Hours: Open daily.
What amenities are available at Box Canyon?
Box Canyon offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.