a bird flying through a foggy sky with trees in the background

Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 322 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, and Cinnamon Teal 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

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

5/23/2026655 East 7th Street, Douglas, Arizona, US (31.341, -109.558)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gambel's Quail

26/2/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

16/2/2026

Mourning Dove

66/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/2/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

16/2/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

36/2/2026

Western Kingbird

26/2/2026

Crissal Thrasher

16/2/2026

Northern Mockingbird

46/2/2026

Bullock's Oriole

16/2/2026

Common Yellowthroat

16/2/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

36/2/2026

White-winged Dove

25/26/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

15/26/2026

American Kestrel

15/26/2026

Say's Phoebe

15/26/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

25/26/2026

Verdin

15/26/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

15/26/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area include Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Mexican Duck, Phainopepla, Lesser Goldfinch, Green-winged Teal, Sandhill Crane, Killdeer, Long-billed Dowitcher, Least Sandpiper. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area?
Birding at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area?
There is no entrance fee at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area?
Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.