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

Costa's Hummingbird

Calypte costae

4/22/202690 Wood Canyon Rd, Patagonia US-AZ (private residence)1 observed

Crested Caracara

Caracara plancus

4/22/2026Whitehouse Canyon Road1 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

4/21/20261674 W Placita Del Zocalo, Sahuarita US-AZ 31.92868, -111.001171 observed

Green-tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

4/21/2026Madera Canyon--Santa Rita Lodge1 observed

Inca Dove

Columbina inca

4/21/2026Madera Canyon--Santa Rita Lodge1 observed

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

4/21/2026Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard)1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/21/20262248–2396 SR-82, Patagonia US-AZ (31.5853,-110.7273)1 observed

Hutton's Vireo

Vireo huttoni

4/21/2026Florida Wash--Corral at Jct FR488&62A1 observed

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma woodhouseii

4/21/2026Agua Caliente Canyon1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

14/22/2026

Gray Hawk

14/22/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

14/22/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

24/22/2026

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

14/22/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

14/22/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

34/22/2026

Western Kingbird

14/22/2026

Mexican Jay

34/22/2026

Bridled Titmouse

14/22/2026

Bewick's Wren

14/22/2026

House Finch

4/22/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

14/22/2026

Rufous-crowned Sparrow

14/22/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

14/22/2026

Hooded Oriole

14/22/2026

Scott's Oriole

14/22/2026

Lucy's Warbler

14/22/2026

Summer Tanager

14/22/2026

Black-headed Grosbeak

14/22/2026

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.