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

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

6/2/2026Arthur Pack Regional Park1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

6/2/2026Arthur Pack Regional Park1 observed

Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

6/2/2026Sweetwater Wetlands1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

6/2/2026Agua Nueva Park (was Roger Road WRF)1 observed

Townsend's Warbler

Setophaga townsendi

6/2/2026El Rio Preserve1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

6/2/2026El Rio Preserve1 observed

Brewer's Sparrow

Spizella breweri

6/2/2026El Rio Preserve1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

6/2/2026El Rio Preserve1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

6/2/2026El Rio Preserve2 observed

Violet-green Swallow

Tachycineta thalassina

6/2/2026El Rio Preserve2 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

6/2/2026El Rio Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gambel's Quail

25/23/2026

Mourning Dove

345/23/2026

Black-necked Stilt

45/23/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

15/23/2026

Bell's Vireo

45/23/2026

Verdin

25/23/2026

Purple Martin

15/23/2026

Barn Swallow

25/23/2026

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher

15/23/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/23/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

25/23/2026

Pyrrhuloxia

15/23/2026

White-winged Dove

85/22/2026

Lesser Nighthawk

205/22/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/22/2026

Swainson's Hawk

15/22/2026

Gila Woodpecker

15/22/2026

Gilded Flicker

15/22/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

15/22/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

15/22/2026

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.