Desert birding habitat

Portal - Willow Tank

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Portal - Willow Tank is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 257 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Great Blue Heron, 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

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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

4/14/2026Chiricahua Mtns.--Whitetail Canyon3 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

Bendire's Thrasher

Toxostoma bendirei

4/13/2026Stateline Rd. (Cochise Co.)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Curve-billed Thrasher

14/14/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/14/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

44/14/2026

Savannah Sparrow

14/14/2026

Mexican Duck

14/14/2026

Gambel's Quail

14/14/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

14/14/2026

White-winged Dove

14/14/2026

Mourning Dove

44/14/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

14/14/2026

Brewer's Sparrow

64/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

54/14/2026

Lucy's Warbler

14/14/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

24/14/2026

Wilson's Snipe

14/13/2026

Tree Swallow

14/13/2026

Barn Swallow

14/13/2026

Chihuahuan Meadowlark

14/13/2026

American Coot

14/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/13/2026

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 Portal - Willow Tank for birding?
The best months to visit Portal - Willow Tank for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Portal - Willow Tank?
Notable species at Portal - Willow Tank include Mourning Dove, Great Blue Heron, Say's Phoebe, Brewer's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Portal - Willow Tank?
Birding at Portal - Willow Tank is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Portal - Willow Tank?
Portal - Willow Tank offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.