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

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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

Thick-billed Kingbird

Tyrannus crassirostris

6/1/2026Portal--Cave Creek Ranch1 observed

Curve-billed Thrasher (curvirostre Group)

Toxostoma curvirostre

6/1/2026Chiricahua Mtns.--Whitetail Canyon2 observed

Lucifer Hummingbird

Calothorax lucifer

6/1/2026Chiricahua Mtns.--Whitetail Canyon2 observed

White-eared Hummingbird

Basilinna leucotis

5/29/2026Cave Creek Canyon--Southwestern Research Station1 observed

Flame-colored Tanager

Piranga bidentata

5/29/2026Cave Creek Canyon--South Fork1 observed

Bendire's Thrasher

Toxostoma bendirei

5/29/2026Stateline Rd. (Cochise Co.)1 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

5/28/2026Paradise--George Walker House1 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

5/28/2026Cave Creek Canyon--South Fork2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Inca Dove

36/2/2026

White-winged Dove

26/2/2026

Mourning Dove

16/2/2026

Blue-throated Mountain-gem

26/2/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

16/2/2026

House Finch

16/2/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

16/2/2026

White-throated Swift

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

96/2/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

76/2/2026

Western Flycatcher

26/2/2026

Black Phoebe

16/2/2026

Say's Phoebe

16/2/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

26/2/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

26/2/2026

Hutton's Vireo

16/2/2026

Plumbeous Vireo

26/2/2026

Violet-green Swallow

56/2/2026

Northern House Wren

26/2/2026

Scott's Oriole

16/2/2026

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.