Santa Cruz Flats Travel Count

Arizona · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

DesertChaparral

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Santa Cruz Flats Travel Count is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 235 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Gambel's Quail, Rock Pigeon, and Eurasian Collared-Dove among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Gambel's Quail Rock Pigeon Eurasian Collared-Dove Mourning Dove Greater Roadrunner

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Crested Caracara

Caracara plancus

7/20/2026Santa Cruz River--Sasco Rd1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

7/17/2026Arizona City Lake1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/17/2026Santa Cruz Flats: Phillips/LaPalma.2 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

7/15/2026Santa Cruz Flats: Phillips/LaPalma.4 observed

Snowy Plover

Anarhynchus nivosus

7/11/2026Goree's Pond1 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

7/11/2026Goree's Pond1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Prairie Falcon

17/19/2026

Inca Dove

17/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/17/2026

Mississippi Kite

27/17/2026

Swainson's Hawk

17/17/2026

Mourning Dove

277/16/2026

Common Raven

77/16/2026

European Starling

47/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

457/16/2026

Blue Grosbeak

17/16/2026

Common Ground Dove

27/15/2026

White-winged Dove

157/15/2026

Greater Roadrunner

17/15/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/15/2026

Gila Woodpecker

37/15/2026

American Kestrel

17/15/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

27/15/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

17/15/2026

Tropical Kingbird

47/15/2026

Western Kingbird

57/15/2026

Birding Tips

1
Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.
2
Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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Arizona Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Arizona →

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz Flats Travel Count for birding?▼

The best months to visit Santa Cruz Flats Travel Count for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Santa Cruz Flats Travel Count?▼

Notable species at Santa Cruz Flats Travel Count include Gambel's Quail, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, Greater Roadrunner. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.

How difficult is birding at Santa Cruz Flats Travel Count?▼

Birding at Santa Cruz Flats Travel Count is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Santa Cruz Flats Travel Count?▼

Santa Cruz Flats Travel Count offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.