dirt and grass covered hills during day

Cave Creek Canyon - Southwestern Research Station

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
CanyonRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free (road access)

Hours

Open daily

About This Location

Cave Creek Canyon - Southwestern Research Station is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 237 species recorded on eBird. This canyon and river/riparian habitat attracts Acorn Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, and Say's Phoebe among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Bendire's Thrasher

Toxostoma bendirei

4/16/2026Stateline Rd. (Cochise Co.)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

4/16/2026Bob Rodrigues yard (Dave Jasper's old yard)1 observed

Rufous-winged Sparrow

Peucaea carpalis

4/15/2026Portal--Jasper/Moisan feeders (opened 2015)1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

4/14/2026Road between Onion Saddle and Barfoot Jct1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/14/2026Portal1 observed

Curve-billed Thrasher (curvirostre Group)

Toxostoma curvirostre

4/14/2026Chiricahua Mtns.--Whitetail Canyon2 observed

Broad-billed x Berylline Hummingbird (hybrid)

Cynanthus latirostris x Saucerottia beryllina

4/13/2026Cave Creek Canyon--South Fork1 observed

Lucifer Hummingbird

Calothorax lucifer

4/13/2026Chiricahua Mtns.--Whitetail Canyon1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

24/15/2026

Rivoli's Hummingbird

14/15/2026

Blue-throated Mountain-gem

24/15/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

44/15/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

14/15/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

24/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/15/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

24/15/2026

Hutton's Vireo

14/15/2026

Mexican Jay

14/15/2026

House Finch

44/15/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

64/15/2026

Scott's Oriole

24/15/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

24/15/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

44/15/2026

Say's Phoebe

14/15/2026

Mourning Dove

14/15/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

14/15/2026

Gila Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

24/15/2026

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 Cave Creek Canyon - Southwestern Research Station for birding?
The best months to visit Cave Creek Canyon - Southwestern Research Station for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Cave Creek Canyon - Southwestern Research Station?
Notable species at Cave Creek Canyon - Southwestern Research Station include Acorn Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, White-breasted Nuthatch, Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Blue-throated Mountain-gem, Rufous Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird. The area supports canyon, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cave Creek Canyon - Southwestern Research Station?
Birding at Cave Creek Canyon - Southwestern Research Station is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
Is there an entrance fee at Cave Creek Canyon - Southwestern Research Station?
The entrance fee at Cave Creek Canyon - Southwestern Research Station is Free (road access). Hours: Open daily.
What amenities are available at Cave Creek Canyon - Southwestern Research Station?
Cave Creek Canyon - Southwestern Research Station offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.