Here Are the 5 Best Spots You Should Visit If You Are Fond of Birdwatching

There is nothing like going on an outdoor trip and seeing amazing birds in their natural habitat. You can spot them from any of your favorite campgrounds in Arizona, or you can also look for them while hiking a trail. If you’ve always been fascinated by nature, then you will surely enjoy a day or two at the famous Arizona birdwatching spots.

Check out the 5 best areas you should visit now:

1. Ramsey Canyon Preserve

Source: Instagram

You know what they say: in Sierra Vista, the awe-inspiring skies are as wide open as the opportunities! Southeastern Arizona is truly blessed with a world-renowned bird watching and wildlife viewing opportunity. The area has all kinds of habitats and species from the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Madres of Mexico, and the Sonora and Chihuahuan deserts. In fact, there are 15 species of hummingbirds passing through Sierra Vista annually.

Source: Instagram

When you come to this place, you should remember that one of the famous Arizona birdwatching spots include Ramsey Canyon Preserve. The nature preserve is particularly famous among the birding community, as well as other naturalists for over a century. It is actually a 300-acre property in the middle elevations of the canyon, and it provides a beautiful birding experience especially if you come from April to September. You will find many species like Hummingbirds, and it includes the Magnificent, Blue-throated and White-eared birds. You’ve probably heard from other birdwatchers that this place is truly the “Hummingbird Capital of the United States.”

What Else?

There are also many Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, and Painted Redstart flying around during summer. If you are not sure when you’ll visit the preserve, rest assured that you will still be able to enjoy a good birdwatching activity as the Arizona Woodpecker and Spotted Towhee are visible all year round. Aside from these birds, the Coues’s White-tailed Deer and White-nosed Coati are also common there.

Plan a visit to Ramsey Canyon Preserve and experience the great appeal of birdwatching. It doesn’t matter whether it’s your first time or not. The activity is a fairly low-cost one, and all you need to prepare is binoculars, a notebook for recording your sightings, as well as a field book for bird identification!

Note: If you really want an experience of a lifetime, you should consider coming to the preserve during winter. The Christmas Bird Count in the place regularly has one of the highest inland species totals in the United States with over 150 species.

Location: Ramsey Canyon Preserve: 27 E Ramsey Canyon Road, Hereford, Arizona
Contact No: (520) 335-8740

2. Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch

Source: Instagram

One of the must-visit Arizona birdwatching spots includes Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, a haven that provides individuals close to 200 bird sightings. Many people from faraway places, or different states and countries, come here to see the beautiful and sometimes rare birds. You’ll definitely be treated to a wonderful surprise because this riparian preserve is where you can spot rarities like roseate spoonbill and little bittern.

Source: Instagram

In fact, one visiting group who came here said they’ve never seen so many birds in combination with a large variety. They were able to count over 50 species during their stay. Some ponds in the park are also literally covered with ducks and shorebirds. All you need to do is snap a photo to treasure the memory.

If that’s not enough, you should know that you will also be able to enjoy green picnic locations and hiking trails with trees for shade at Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch. You can do any of these activities once you’re done birdwatching.

Location: Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch: 2757 E Guadalupe Road, Gilbert, Arizona
Contact No.: (480) 503-6200

3. Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Source: Instagram

Did you know that once you come to the outskirts of Phoenix, you will reach an important hummingbird haven that you will love? Boyce Thompson Arboretum is the state’s largest and oldest botanical garden, but it is also home to sub-species of hummingbirds like the green-and-gray Anna’s or the hunched Costa’s. Aside from that, you will find wrens, sparrows and orioles in the wooded, and lake and river areas.

Source: Instagram

The arboretum combines the greenery of the Sonoran Desert vegetation with the riparian areas along Queen Creek, and their small man-made lake. There are also beautiful flowers in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden, making this place a total paradise and a wide diversity of habitats for birds. Our suggestion would be for you to visit during winter so you can see large, mixed flocks of sparrows, some wrens and more. Winter usually brings invasions from Arizona’s mountains, the Pacific Northwest, or the East.

Many birdwatchers report sightings of Cooper’s Hawk, Curved-billed Thrasher, Verdin, Northern Cardinal, Black Phoebe. You will also find Western warblers in spring, and some flocks of Bell’s Vireo, Black-throated Sparrow, Hooded Oriole during summer. If you can free up your winter schedule, then prepare to be in awe of different species such as White-throated Sparrows, Lawrence’s Goldfinch, Brown Thrasher, Eastern Bluebird, and Rufous-backed Robin.

Note: Just a little tip so you can decide when to go – Spring and fall seasons are for transient flycatchers and warblers. Summer is the time for breeding words, while winter is when you can search for rarities and vagrants.

Location: Boyce Thompson Arboretum: 37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior, Arizona
Contact No.:(602) 827-3000

4. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Source: GJ Hikes

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area straddles between Arizona and Utah. If you have planned out a trip to this awesome destination, you should definitely take the time to find the specific bird species this place is notable for the California condor. There are only several hundred of these birds that are still in existence, and many exist at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Source: GJ Hikes

These birds have a wingspan of nearly 10 feet. They are graceful and beautiful creatures that will leave you in awe as they soar over the Colorado River. There’s a good chance you will also see some Southwestern willow flycatcher and Peregrine falcon during your visit here.

Note: From Flagstaff, head north on U.S. 89A to Marble Canyon, then take U.S. 89 north to Lees Ferry Road. You can stop at the Navajo Bridge that crosses the Colorado River because it offers good condor-spotting possibilities. They are often seen roosting on the steel girders beneath the bridges. If you want to go to a different area, the birds can also be seen at Vermilion Cliffs and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Location: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona
Contact No.: (928) 608-6200

5. Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area

Source: Instagram

The amazing thing about visiting this birdwatching spot is that more than 20,000 cranes arrive here. That is, if you come anytime between October and March. These cranes come as far as Siberia! Can you believe it? Well, the spectacular sight of thousands of wintering sandhill cranes is the best thing about this 1,500-acre preserve.

Source: Instagram

You have to get here before sunrise, though. While you can see many birds all day long, coming early lets you see the birds leaving their roost to feed and it is a completely magical experience. Aside from the cranes, you will also spot some white-winged doves, Northern harrier, and Sora.

Location: Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area: 4423 W Bagby Road, McNeal, Arizona
Contact No.: (520) 642-3763

Have you been to any of these Arizona birdwatching spots before? If so, which one is your favorite?

Before you go, check out this good read about a short hike in Arizona where you can see ancient hieroglyphic drawings and a beautiful waterfall oasis.