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

Blue-throated Mountain-gem

Lampornis clemenciae

6/19/2026Madera Canyon--Madera Kubo B&B1 observed

Crested Caracara

Caracara plancus

6/19/2026Madera Canyon Rd, Green Valley US-AZ 31.79709, -110.887861 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

6/19/2026Green Valley WRF (park outside fence, walk in only)1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

6/19/2026Green Valley WRF (park outside fence, walk in only)5 observed

Coppery-tailed Trogon

Trogon ambiguus

6/19/2026Dutch John Trail and Spring1 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

6/19/2026Dutch John Trail and Spring1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

6/18/2026Road to Bog Springs Campground1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

6/18/2026Green Valley WRF (park outside fence, walk in only)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Montezuma Quail

16/19/2026

White-winged Dove

26/19/2026

Common Poorwill

16/19/2026

Golden Eagle

16/19/2026

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

16/19/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

26/19/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

16/19/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

46/19/2026

Mexican Jay

26/19/2026

Rock Wren

16/19/2026

Canyon Wren

16/19/2026

Cactus Wren

26/19/2026

Hooded Oriole

26/19/2026

Scott's Oriole

16/19/2026

Summer Tanager

36/19/2026

Black-headed Grosbeak

16/19/2026

Blue Grosbeak

16/19/2026

Varied Bunting

36/19/2026

Gray Hawk

26/19/2026

Thick-billed Kingbird

26/19/2026

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.