Desert birding habitat

Nogales WTP

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Nogales WTP is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Purple Martin

Progne subis

7/20/2026Arivaca Lake1 observed

Black-chinned x Anna's Hummingbird (hybrid)

Archilochus alexandri x Calypte anna

7/20/2026Arizona Birding Guides feeders--Visitors Welcome1 observed

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentalis

7/20/2026Patagonia Lake dam/spillway area1 observed

Chihuahuan Raven

Corvus cryptoleucus

7/20/2026Harshaw Creek Road1 observed

Five-striped Sparrow

Amphispizopsis quinquestriata

7/19/2026Rock Corral Canyon1 observed

Violet-crowned Hummingbird

Ramosomyia violiceps

7/19/2026Market House1 observed

House Finch (Common)

Haemorhous mexicanus

7/18/2026Lower Mt. Hopkins Rd (Santa Cruz Co.)6 observed

Allen's Hummingbird

Selasphorus sasin

7/18/2026Market House1 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

7/17/2026Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard)1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

7/16/2026Rock Corral Canyon1 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

7/15/2026Madera Canyon--Carrie Nation Trail1 observed

Gray Hawk

Buteo plagiatus

7/15/2026Madera Canyon--Carrie Nation Trail1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

7/15/2026Temporal Gulch (lower)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-chinned Hummingbird

17/20/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

47/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

37/20/2026

Common Raven

17/20/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

17/20/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

27/20/2026

Greater Roadrunner

17/20/2026

Black Vulture

37/19/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

37/19/2026

Inca Dove

17/19/2026

Common Ground Dove

17/19/2026

White-winged Dove

77/19/2026

Mourning Dove

67/19/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

17/19/2026

Cooper's Hawk

27/19/2026

Gray Hawk

17/19/2026

Gila Woodpecker

37/19/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

37/19/2026

Western Kingbird

17/19/2026

Verdin

17/19/2026

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 Nogales WTP for birding?
The best months to visit Nogales WTP for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Nogales WTP?
Notable species at Nogales WTP include Cactus Wren, Greater Roadrunner, Gambel's Quail, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Nogales WTP?
Birding at Nogales WTP is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Nogales WTP?
Nogales WTP offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.