Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning)

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Canyon
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free (donations appreciated)

Hours

Open daily except Thursday mornings, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning) is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This canyon habitat attracts White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, and Black-chinned Hummingbird 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

Rufous-winged Sparrow

Peucaea carpalis

3/6/2026Veterans Memorial Park, Sierra Vista1 observed

Scott's Oriole

Icterus parisorum

3/6/20261. Mule Pass Yard1 observed

Elf Owl

Micrathene whitneyi

3/5/2026Ramsey Canyon Cabins & Bird Sanctuary (opened 2022)1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026Battiste's Bird Garden1 observed

Violet-crowned Hummingbird

Ramosomyia violiceps

3/5/2026Ramsey Canyon Preserve (formerly Mile Hi Ranch)1 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

3/5/2026Sierra Vista EOP1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

3/5/2026Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning)1 observed

Cassin's Finch

Haemorhous cassinii

3/5/2026San Pedro RNCA--Escapule Wash1 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

3/4/2026Ramsey Canyon Preserve (formerly Mile Hi Ranch)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

13/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/5/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

13/5/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

13/5/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

13/5/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

33/5/2026

Mexican Jay

13/5/2026

Verdin

13/5/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

73/5/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

23/5/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

53/5/2026

Inca Dove

23/5/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

33/5/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

13/5/2026

House Finch

53/5/2026

Vesper Sparrow

13/5/2026

Canyon Towhee

23/5/2026

Pyrrhuloxia

13/5/2026

White-winged Dove

53/5/2026

Mourning Dove

13/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for echoing calls of Canyon Wren and other canyon specialties.

  2. 2

    Check rocky ledges and cliff faces for nesting raptors.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Bird activity peaks at dawn in desert habitats; arrive at first light for the best sightings.

  5. 5

    Hummingbird feeders at nature centers and lodges attract multiple species — visit during late summer for peak diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning) for birding?
The best months to visit Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning)?
Notable species at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning) include White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Gambel's Quail, Lesser Goldfinch, Rufous Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Common Raven, European Starling. The area supports canyon habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning)?
Birding at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning) is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
Is there an entrance fee at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning)?
The entrance fee at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning) is Free (donations appreciated). Hours: Open daily except Thursday mornings, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning)?
Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.