Benson STP

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Benson STP is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 251 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, and American Wigeon 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

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

3/5/2026Guindani Canyon1 observed

Lucy's Warbler

Leiothlypis luciae

3/5/2026Guindani Canyon1 observed

Rufous-winged Sparrow

Peucaea carpalis

3/3/2026St. David--Holy Trinity Monastery1 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

3/2/2026Benson STP1 observed

Great Egret

Ardea alba

3/2/2026Benson STP1 observed

Harris's Hawk

Parabuteo unicinctus

2/25/2026Interstate 10 West of Benson, AZ1 observed

Juniper Titmouse

Baeolophus ridgwayi

2/24/2026Paige Creek1 observed

Steller's Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

2/24/2026Paige Creek1 observed

Western Screech-Owl

Megascops kennicottii

2/21/2026Rincon Mountains--Miller Creek Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

153/4/2026

Gadwall

173/4/2026

American Wigeon

253/4/2026

Mexican Duck

23/4/2026

Canvasback

63/4/2026

Redhead

33/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

23/4/2026

Bufflehead

113/4/2026

Ruddy Duck

213/4/2026

Rock Pigeon

113/4/2026

White-winged Dove

13/4/2026

American Coot

113/4/2026

Killdeer

13/4/2026

Eared Grebe

33/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/4/2026

American Kestrel

13/4/2026

Black Phoebe

23/4/2026

House Finch

23/4/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

23/4/2026

Cinnamon Teal

23/2/2026

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 Benson STP for birding?
The best months to visit Benson STP for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Benson STP?
Notable species at Benson STP include Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mexican Duck, Canvasback. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Benson STP?
Birding at Benson STP is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Benson STP?
Benson STP offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.