River/Riparian birding habitat

Salt River - Coon Bluff Recreation Area

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Salt River - Coon Bluff Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 245 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Blue-winged Teal, and Cinnamon Teal 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

6/3/2026Evelyn Hallman Park3 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

5/31/2026Salt River--Granite Reef Recreation Area1 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

5/30/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

5/29/2026Vista del Camino Park--McKellips Lake1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

5/29/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

5/29/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

5/29/2026Salt River--Granite Reef Recreation Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gambel's Quail

76/3/2026

White-winged Dove

86/3/2026

Mourning Dove

26/3/2026

Lesser Nighthawk

286/3/2026

Killdeer

36/3/2026

Gila Woodpecker

46/3/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

76/3/2026

Black Phoebe

36/3/2026

Say's Phoebe

16/3/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

76/3/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

46/3/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

66/3/2026

Common Raven

16/3/2026

Verdin

116/3/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/3/2026

Bewick's Wren

66/3/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

16/3/2026

Phainopepla

26/3/2026

House Finch

46/3/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

26/3/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Salt River - Coon Bluff Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Salt River - Coon Bluff Recreation Area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Salt River - Coon Bluff Recreation Area?
Notable species at Salt River - Coon Bluff Recreation Area include Canada Goose, Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Gambel's Quail. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Salt River - Coon Bluff Recreation Area?
Birding at Salt River - Coon Bluff Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Salt River - Coon Bluff Recreation Area?
Salt River - Coon Bluff Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.