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

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

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

7/20/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

7/19/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

7/18/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

7/16/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch3 observed

American Coot (White-shielded)

Fulica americana

7/15/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

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

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

7/15/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gambel's Quail

157/15/2026

White-winged Dove

157/15/2026

Mourning Dove

107/15/2026

Lesser Nighthawk

57/15/2026

Snowy Egret

27/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

37/15/2026

Western Screech-Owl

27/15/2026

Gila Woodpecker

87/15/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

27/15/2026

Black Phoebe

27/15/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

37/15/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

57/15/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

147/15/2026

Bell's Vireo

27/15/2026

Common Raven

77/15/2026

Verdin

87/15/2026

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher

17/15/2026

Cactus Wren

27/15/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

47/15/2026

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.