Needle Rock Recreation Area

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Needle Rock Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mallard, Gambel's Quail, and White-winged Dove 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

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

3/5/2026Jewel of the Creek Preserve1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

3/5/2026Rio Verde Ranch1 observed

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

3/5/2026Rio Verde Ranch3 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

3/5/2026Box Bar Recreation Site1 observed

Hutton's Vireo

Vireo huttoni

3/5/2026Sycamore Creek--upper Beeline Hwy1 observed

Bushtit

Psaltriparus minimus

3/5/2026Sycamore Creek--upper Beeline Hwy2 observed

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Regulus satrapa

3/5/2026Jewel of the Creek Preserve1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/5/2026Jewel of the Creek Preserve1 observed

Townsend's Warbler

Setophaga townsendi

3/5/2026Jewel of the Creek Preserve2 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/4/2026Jewel of the Creek Preserve1 observed

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

3/4/2026N Bush Hwy, Fort McDowell US-AZ 33.61664, -111.554933 observed

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

3/4/2026Salt River--Blue Point Recreation Area1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

3/4/2026Salt River--Foxtail/Sheeps Crossing Recreation Sites1 observed

Mountain Chickadee

Poecile gambeli

3/4/2026Jewel of the Creek Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

23/5/2026

Gambel's Quail

73/5/2026

White-winged Dove

13/5/2026

Mourning Dove

53/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

63/5/2026

Costa's Hummingbird

23/5/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/5/2026

Gila Woodpecker

43/5/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

63/5/2026

Black Phoebe

33/5/2026

Say's Phoebe

23/5/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

83/5/2026

Plumbeous Vireo

13/5/2026

Common Raven

43/5/2026

Verdin

63/5/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

63/5/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

83/5/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/5/2026

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 Needle Rock Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Needle Rock Recreation Area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Needle Rock Recreation Area?
Notable species at Needle Rock Recreation Area include Mallard, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Needle Rock Recreation Area?
Birding at Needle Rock Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Needle Rock Recreation Area?
Needle Rock Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.