Sabino Dam and downstream riparian
Arizona · Southwest
Moderate
October-May
$5 per vehicle
Open daily, sunrise to sunset
About This Location
Sabino Dam and downstream riparian is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, and Verdin 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
Short-tailed Hawk
Buteo brachyurus
Hooded Oriole
Icterus cucullatus
Hooded Warbler
Setophaga citrina
Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher
Myiodynastes luteiventris
Gray Vireo
Vireo vicinior
Western Flycatcher
Empidonax difficilis
Double-crested Cormorant
Nannopterum auritum
Chipping Sparrow
Spizella passerina
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatus
Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)
Loxia curvirostra
Western Warbling Vireo
Vireo swainsoni
Horned Lark
Eremophila alpestris
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Turkey Vulture
Black-throated Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Pyrrhuloxia
White-winged Dove
Mourning Dove
Gila Woodpecker
Ladder-backed Woodpecker
Brown-crested Flycatcher
Bell's Vireo
Verdin
Purple Martin
Curve-billed Thrasher
House Finch
Abert's Towhee
Blue Grosbeak
Vermilion Flycatcher
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Common Raven
Lesser Goldfinch
Birding Tips
- 1
Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.
- 2
Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.
- 3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.
- 4
Bird activity peaks at dawn in desert habitats; arrive at first light for the best sightings.
- 5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
- Bear Canyon Trail
- Catalina State Park
More in Arizona
Arizona Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Arizona →