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

Loading map...

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

Costa's Hummingbird

Calypte costae

6/2/2026Jordan Historical Park, Sedona US-AZ (34.8784,-111.7615)1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

5/31/2026Cockscomb Trail, Sedona US-AZ 34.88489, -111.867321 observed

Greater Pewee

Contopus pertinax

5/30/2026Wilson Mountain summit plateau1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/27/2026Page Springs Fish Hatchery--Bubbling Ponds Preserve1 observed

Brewer's Sparrow

Spizella breweri

5/27/2026Verde Valley School1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

5/26/2026Dead Horse Ranch SP1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

5/26/2026Backyard Birding Sedona (private)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/25/2026Wild Horse Fountain1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

5/23/2026Red Rock SP1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/21/2026Sedona Wetlands Preserve1 observed

Harris's Hawk

Parabuteo unicinctus

5/20/2026908 East Date Street, Cottonwood, Arizona, US (34.726, -112.017)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

76/1/2026

Ruddy Duck

36/1/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

16/1/2026

Mourning Dove

36/1/2026

American Coot

66/1/2026

Killdeer

16/1/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/1/2026

Black Phoebe

16/1/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Bell's Vireo

26/1/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

16/1/2026

Cliff Swallow

36/1/2026

Bewick's Wren

16/1/2026

House Finch

26/1/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

16/1/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

26/1/2026

Bullock's Oriole

26/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

36/1/2026

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.