Salt River - Goldfield Recreation Area

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Salt River - Goldfield Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Hooded Merganser, Mourning Dove, and Common Gallinule 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

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

Eurasian x African Collared-Dove (hybrid)

Streptopelia decaocto x roseogrisea

3/4/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

3/4/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Hooded Merganser

33/4/2026

Mourning Dove

23/4/2026

Common Gallinule

13/4/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

13/4/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

83/4/2026

Snowy Egret

23/4/2026

Great Egret

13/4/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/4/2026

Northern Harrier

13/4/2026

Bald Eagle

43/4/2026

Harris's Hawk

33/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/4/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/4/2026

Gila Woodpecker

43/4/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

53/4/2026

Black Phoebe

23/4/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

33/4/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

13/4/2026

Common Raven

43/4/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

43/4/2026

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 - Goldfield Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Salt River - Goldfield Recreation Area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Salt River - Goldfield Recreation Area?
Notable species at Salt River - Goldfield Recreation Area include Hooded Merganser, Mourning Dove, Common Gallinule, Spotted Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Salt River - Goldfield Recreation Area?
Birding at Salt River - Goldfield Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Salt River - Goldfield Recreation Area?
Salt River - Goldfield Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.