River/Riparian birding habitat

Salt River - Goldfield Recreation Area

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
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

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

6/1/2026Salt River, Mesa US-AZ 33.55195, -111.576011 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/31/2026Salt River--Granite Reef Recreation Area8 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

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/28/2026Box Bar Recreation Site1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

5/28/202685288, Tempe US-AZ 33.43302, -111.910511 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

35/28/2026

Gambel's Quail

105/28/2026

White-winged Dove

125/28/2026

Mourning Dove

45/28/2026

Lesser Nighthawk

115/28/2026

Killdeer

45/28/2026

Green Heron

15/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/28/2026

Cooper's Hawk

15/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/28/2026

Gila Woodpecker

45/28/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

25/28/2026

Black Phoebe

25/28/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

25/28/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

35/28/2026

Western Kingbird

15/28/2026

Bell's Vireo

15/28/2026

Common Raven

15/28/2026

Verdin

85/28/2026

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.