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

Elf Owl

Micrathene whitneyi

3/6/2026Madera Canyon--Amphitheater2 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

3/6/2026Madera Canyon--Proctor Rd.1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

3/6/2026Green Valley VIllas AZ3 observed

Inca Dove

Columbina inca

3/6/2026Madera Canyon--Santa Rita Lodge2 observed

Gila Woodpecker

Melanerpes uropygialis

3/6/2026Madera Canyon--Santa Rita Lodge2 observed

Cassin's Sparrow

Peucaea cassinii

3/6/2026Florida Wash at Madera Canyon Rd1 observed

Crested Caracara

Caracara plancus

3/6/2026Canoa Ranch Conservation Park1 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

3/6/2026Proctor Road dispersed campground4 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/6/2026Sahuarita Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Anna's Hummingbird

12/28/2026

Golden Eagle

12/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/28/2026

Common Raven

12/28/2026

Verdin

12/28/2026

Rock Wren

22/28/2026

Canyon Wren

12/28/2026

House Finch

32/28/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

42/28/2026

Canyon Towhee

12/28/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

12/21/2026

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

12/21/2026

Mexican Jay

42/21/2026

Bridled Titmouse

42/21/2026

Bushtit

22/21/2026

Western Bluebird

22/21/2026

Black-throated Sparrow

12/21/2026

Rufous-crowned Sparrow

22/21/2026

Chihuahuan Meadowlark

62/21/2026

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.