Desert birding habitat

Rio de Flag - Willow Bend/Urban Trail

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

5/31/2026Aspen Corner1 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

5/30/2026Home1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

5/30/2026Kachina Wetlands1 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

5/29/2026San Francisco wash3 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

5/24/2026Swiss Manor1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/24/2026Ashurst Lake1 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

5/22/2026Walnut Canyon Lakes1 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

5/19/2026Oak Creek Canyon--Pine Flat CG1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

5/19/2026Kachina Wetlands1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

15/29/2026

Rock Pigeon

135/29/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/29/2026

American Coot

85/29/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/29/2026

Northern Flicker

25/29/2026

Black Phoebe

15/29/2026

Say's Phoebe

15/29/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

15/29/2026

Steller's Jay

25/29/2026

American Crow

15/29/2026

Common Raven

15/29/2026

Mountain Chickadee

15/29/2026

Violet-green Swallow

75/29/2026

Purple Martin

15/29/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/29/2026

House Finch

65/29/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

25/29/2026

Chipping Sparrow

35/29/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

175/29/2026

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 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.