Salt River - Granite Reef Recreation Area

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Salt River - Granite Reef Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 280 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, and Gadwall 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 Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

3/5/2026Rio Verde Ranch1 observed

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

3/5/2026Rio Verde Ranch3 observed

Pyrrhuloxia

Cardinalis sinuatus

3/5/2026Papago Park1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

3/5/2026Box Bar Recreation Site1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/5/2026Higley and Ocotillo Rds. ponds1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/5/2026Higley and Ocotillo Rds. ponds1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

33/3/2026

Cinnamon Teal

43/3/2026

Gadwall

33/3/2026

American Wigeon

1503/3/2026

Mallard

123/3/2026

Green-winged Teal

83/3/2026

Canvasback

23/3/2026

Ring-necked Duck

203/3/2026

Bufflehead

223/3/2026

Common Goldeneye

23/3/2026

Common Merganser

13/3/2026

Ruddy Duck

103/3/2026

Gambel's Quail

153/3/2026

Mourning Dove

33/3/2026

Common Gallinule

83/3/2026

American Coot

253/3/2026

Killdeer

23/3/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

43/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

23/3/2026

Great Egret

13/3/2026

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 Salt River - Granite Reef Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Salt River - Granite Reef Recreation Area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Salt River - Granite Reef Recreation Area?
Notable species at Salt River - Granite Reef Recreation Area include Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports coastal, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Salt River - Granite Reef Recreation Area?
Birding at Salt River - Granite Reef Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Salt River - Granite Reef Recreation Area?
Salt River - Granite Reef Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.