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

Berylline Hummingbird

Saucerottia beryllina

7/21/2026Cave Creek Canyon--Southwestern Research Station1 observed

White-eared Hummingbird

Basilinna leucotis

7/21/2026Cave Creek Canyon--Southwestern Research Station1 observed

Thick-billed Kingbird

Tyrannus crassirostris

7/21/2026Portal--Cathedral Rock Rd at Creek Rd1 observed

Lucifer Hummingbird

Calothorax lucifer

7/21/2026Chiricahua Mtns.--Whitetail Canyon1 observed

Curve-billed Thrasher (curvirostre Group)

Toxostoma curvirostre

7/20/2026Chiricahua Mtns.--Whitetail Canyon5 observed

Rufous-winged Sparrow

Peucaea carpalis

7/20/2026Bob Rodrigues yard (Dave Jasper's old yard)1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

7/20/2026AZ-Cochise-Portal--2494 S. Old Canyon Rd. (private)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Western Kingbird

17/21/2026

Barn Swallow

27/21/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/21/2026

Cassin's Sparrow

17/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/21/2026

Mourning Dove

27/19/2026

Black Phoebe

17/19/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

17/19/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

17/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/16/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

17/13/2026

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.