Desert birding habitat

Sedona Wetlands Preserve

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Sedona Wetlands Preserve is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 276 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, 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

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

7/14/2026Rimrock House1 observed

Costa's Hummingbird

Calypte costae

7/14/2026Backyard Birding Sedona (private)1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

7/12/2026Page Springs Fish Hatchery--Bubbling Ponds Preserve7 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

7/9/2026Mingus Mountain: Upper Haywood Canyon1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

57/21/2026

Mallard

107/21/2026

Ring-necked Duck

17/21/2026

Ruddy Duck

67/21/2026

Mourning Dove

17/21/2026

Killdeer

57/21/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

27/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/21/2026

White-faced Ibis

17/21/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

37/21/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

27/21/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

17/21/2026

Bell's Vireo

27/21/2026

Common Raven

47/21/2026

Verdin

57/21/2026

Bushtit

157/21/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/21/2026

Crissal Thrasher

17/21/2026

American Robin

27/21/2026

Song Sparrow

27/21/2026

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 Sedona Wetlands Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Sedona Wetlands Preserve for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Sedona Wetlands Preserve?
Notable species at Sedona Wetlands Preserve include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Bufflehead. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sedona Wetlands Preserve?
Birding at Sedona Wetlands Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sedona Wetlands Preserve?
Sedona Wetlands Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.