Coastal birding habitat

Saguaro Lake - Butcher Jones Beach

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalLake
Best Seasons
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

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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

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/20/2026Salt River--Granite Reef Recreation Area9 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

7/20/2026Salt River--Granite Reef Recreation Area2 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

7/16/2026Usery Mountain Regional Park1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/15/2026Salt River--Granite Reef Recreation Area1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

7/13/2026Salt River--Granite Reef Recreation Area1 observed

Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

7/8/20266900 U.S. 60, Gold Canyon, Arizona, US (33.362, -111.472)7 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

47/21/2026

White-winged Dove

117/21/2026

Mourning Dove

57/21/2026

American Coot

47/21/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

37/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/21/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

27/21/2026

Snowy Egret

27/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

117/21/2026

Gila Woodpecker

37/21/2026

Verdin

67/21/2026

Cactus Wren

17/21/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/21/2026

House Sparrow

197/21/2026

Black-throated Sparrow

47/21/2026

Abert's Towhee

17/21/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

747/21/2026

Lucy's Warbler

27/21/2026

Northern Cardinal

37/21/2026

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.