Desert birding habitat

CAP Recharge Basin - Mile Wide Rd

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

CAP Recharge Basin - Mile Wide Rd is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, and American Kestrel 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

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

7/21/2026Sweetwater Wetlands1 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

7/20/2026Placita De Suerte area1 observed

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

7/20/2026Arthur Pack Regional Park1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/19/2026Sweetwater Wetlands1 observed

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

7/18/2026Sweetwater Wetlands1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

7/17/2026El Rio Preserve1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

7/17/2026Arthur Pack Regional Park1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

7/17/2026Danny Lopez Park (formerly Columbus Park)1 observed

Acorn Woodpecker

Melanerpes formicivorus

7/15/2026University of Arizona3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Phainopepla

17/20/2026

White-winged Dove

67/20/2026

Mourning Dove

17/20/2026

Costa's Hummingbird

27/20/2026

Gila Woodpecker

47/20/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

57/20/2026

Common Raven

47/20/2026

Verdin

57/20/2026

Cactus Wren

37/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/20/2026

House Sparrow

27/20/2026

House Finch

17/20/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

17/20/2026

Canyon Towhee

17/20/2026

Hooded Oriole

27/20/2026

Western Tanager

17/20/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

7/18/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

7/18/2026

Rufous-winged Sparrow

7/18/2026

Abert's Towhee

7/18/2026

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 CAP Recharge Basin - Mile Wide Rd for birding?
The best months to visit CAP Recharge Basin - Mile Wide Rd for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at CAP Recharge Basin - Mile Wide Rd?
Notable species at CAP Recharge Basin - Mile Wide Rd include Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Black Phoebe, Common Raven. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at CAP Recharge Basin - Mile Wide Rd?
Birding at CAP Recharge Basin - Mile Wide Rd is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at CAP Recharge Basin - Mile Wide Rd?
CAP Recharge Basin - Mile Wide Rd offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.