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
Common Poorwill
Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
Lewis's Woodpecker
Melanerpes lewis
Acorn Woodpecker
Melanerpes formicivorus
Snow Goose
Anser caerulescens
Sage Thrasher
Oreoscoptes montanus
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay
Aphelocoma woodhouseii
Northern Yellow Warbler
Setophaga aestiva
Steller's Jay
Cyanocitta stelleri
Northern Parula
Setophaga americana
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Mexican Duck
Gambel's Quail
White-winged Dove
Mourning Dove
Greater Roadrunner
Anna's Hummingbird
Costa's Hummingbird
Broad-billed Hummingbird
Gila Woodpecker
Ladder-backed Woodpecker
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Bell's Vireo
Verdin
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Black-tailed Gnatcatcher
Rock Wren
Curve-billed Thrasher
Northern Mockingbird
Hermit Thrush
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 →