Saguaro Lake - Butcher Jones Beach

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalLake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Saguaro Lake - Butcher Jones Beach is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 232 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts American Coot, Ring-billed Gull, and Neotropic Cormorant among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

3/5/2026Rio Verde Ranch3 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

3/5/2026Rio Verde Ranch1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

3/5/2026Box Bar Recreation Site1 observed

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

3/4/2026N Bush Hwy, Fort McDowell US-AZ 33.61664, -111.554933 observed

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

3/4/2026Salt River--Blue Point Recreation Area1 observed

Townsend's Warbler

Setophaga townsendi

3/4/2026Salt River--Foxtail/Sheeps Crossing Recreation Sites1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

3/4/2026Salt River--Foxtail/Sheeps Crossing Recreation Sites1 observed

Hammond's Flycatcher

Empidonax hammondii

3/2/2026Verde River--Access south of Box Bar & Rio Verde Ranch1 observed

Hutton's Vireo

Vireo huttoni

3/2/2026Verde River--Access south of Box Bar & Rio Verde Ranch1 observed

Steller's Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

3/2/2026Log Corral Wash, Rio Verde, Arizona, US (33.797, -111.494)1 observed

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

3/2/2026Verde River--Access south of Box Bar & Rio Verde Ranch1 observed

Williamson's Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus thyroideus

3/1/2026Verde River--Access south of Box Bar & Rio Verde Ranch1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Coot

3/3/2026

Ring-billed Gull

33/3/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

43/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

33/3/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

3/3/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

3/3/2026

Bufflehead

43/2/2026

Ruddy Duck

253/2/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

53/2/2026

Mourning Dove

83/2/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

23/2/2026

Common Gallinule

13/2/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/2/2026

Western Grebe

503/2/2026

Clark's Grebe

13/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

23/2/2026

Snowy Egret

13/2/2026

Black Vulture

23/2/2026

Gila Woodpecker

23/2/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

13/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Saguaro Lake - Butcher Jones Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Saguaro Lake - Butcher Jones Beach for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Saguaro Lake - Butcher Jones Beach?
Notable species at Saguaro Lake - Butcher Jones Beach include American Coot, Ring-billed Gull, Neotropic Cormorant, Turkey Vulture, Red-winged Blackbird. The area supports coastal, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Saguaro Lake - Butcher Jones Beach?
Birding at Saguaro Lake - Butcher Jones Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Saguaro Lake - Butcher Jones Beach?
Saguaro Lake - Butcher Jones Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.