Desert birding habitat

San Rafael Grasslands

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Rafael Grasslands is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts American Kestrel, Horned Lark, and Chestnut-collared Longspur 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

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

6/1/2026Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard)1 observed

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

6/1/2026Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard)1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

5/31/2026Parker Canyon Lake1 observed

Rose-throated Becard

Pachyramphus aglaiae

5/31/2026Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard)1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

5/31/2026Scotia Canyon--upper1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

5/30/2026Sunnyside Canyon3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gambel's Quail

26/2/2026

Common Ground Dove

16/2/2026

White-winged Dove

76/2/2026

Mourning Dove

66/2/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

26/2/2026

Costa's Hummingbird

16/2/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

36/2/2026

Gray Hawk

16/2/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

36/2/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Northern Flicker

26/2/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

36/2/2026

Black Phoebe

16/2/2026

Say's Phoebe

16/2/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

36/2/2026

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

46/2/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

56/2/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

36/2/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

46/2/2026

Thick-billed Kingbird

26/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit San Rafael Grasslands for birding?
The best months to visit San Rafael Grasslands for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at San Rafael Grasslands?
Notable species at San Rafael Grasslands include American Kestrel, Horned Lark, Chestnut-collared Longspur, Savannah Sparrow, Northern Harrier. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Rafael Grasslands?
Birding at San Rafael Grasslands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at San Rafael Grasslands?
San Rafael Grasslands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.