Rio de Flag - Willow Bend/Urban Trail

Arizona · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

DesertChaparral

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Rio de Flag - Willow Bend/Urban Trail is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mallard, Lesser Scaup, and American Coot among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Mallard Lesser Scaup American Coot Pied-billed Grebe Steller's Jay

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/18/2026The Arboretum at Flagstaff1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (Dark-lored)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

7/17/20263100 W. Shannon Dr.1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

7/16/2026Rio de Flag--Picture Canyon2 observed

Bronzed Cowbird

Molothrus aeneus

7/15/20268840 Loghouse Road, Flagstaff, Arizona, US (35.267, -111.492)1 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

7/15/2026Kachina Wetlands2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

7/11/2026Mormon Lake Rd.--Dairy Spring1 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

7/10/2026San Francisco Wash1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

7/10/2026Kachina Wetlands2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

137/20/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

17/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/20/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/20/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/20/2026

Northern Flicker

27/20/2026

American Kestrel

17/20/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

17/20/2026

Black Phoebe

17/20/2026

Steller's Jay

47/20/2026

American Crow

27/20/2026

Common Raven

27/20/2026

Mountain Chickadee

37/20/2026

Violet-green Swallow

57/20/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

17/20/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

27/20/2026

Pygmy Nuthatch

57/20/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/20/2026

Western Bluebird

27/20/2026

Birding Tips

1
Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.
2
Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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Arizona Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Arizona →

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Understanding Bird Migration

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Rio de Flag - Willow Bend/Urban Trail for birding?▼

The best months to visit Rio de Flag - Willow Bend/Urban Trail for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Rio de Flag - Willow Bend/Urban Trail?▼

Notable species at Rio de Flag - Willow Bend/Urban Trail include Mallard, Lesser Scaup, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, Steller's Jay. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.

How difficult is birding at Rio de Flag - Willow Bend/Urban Trail?▼

Birding at Rio de Flag - Willow Bend/Urban Trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Rio de Flag - Willow Bend/Urban Trail?▼

Rio de Flag - Willow Bend/Urban Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.