Box Bar Recreation Site

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Box Bar Recreation Site is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, and Neotropic Cormorant 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

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

3/5/2026Rio Verde Ranch1 observed

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

3/5/2026Rio Verde Ranch3 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

3/5/2026Box Bar Recreation Site1 observed

Hutton's Vireo

Vireo huttoni

3/5/2026Sycamore Creek--upper Beeline Hwy1 observed

Bushtit

Psaltriparus minimus

3/5/2026Sycamore Creek--upper Beeline Hwy2 observed

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

3/4/2026N Bush Hwy, Fort McDowell US-AZ 33.61664, -111.554933 observed

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

3/4/2026Salt River--Blue Point Recreation Area1 observed

Townsend's Warbler

Setophaga townsendi

3/4/2026Salt River--Foxtail/Sheeps Crossing Recreation Sites1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

3/4/2026Salt River--Foxtail/Sheeps Crossing Recreation Sites1 observed

Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca

3/2/2026Old State Rte 87, Rio Verde US-AZ 33.93085, -111.468421 observed

Hammond's Flycatcher

Empidonax hammondii

3/2/2026Verde River--Access south of Box Bar & Rio Verde Ranch1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Wigeon

183/5/2026

Mallard

43/5/2026

Gambel's Quail

23/5/2026

Mourning Dove

143/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

43/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

33/5/2026

Bald Eagle

23/5/2026

Great Horned Owl

23/5/2026

Gila Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

Black Phoebe

23/5/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

43/5/2026

Cassin's Vireo

13/5/2026

Plumbeous Vireo

13/5/2026

Common Raven

93/5/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

43/5/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

313/5/2026

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 Box Bar Recreation Site for birding?
The best months to visit Box Bar Recreation Site for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Box Bar Recreation Site?
Notable species at Box Bar Recreation Site include Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Neotropic Cormorant, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Bewick's Wren. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Box Bar Recreation Site?
Birding at Box Bar Recreation Site is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Box Bar Recreation Site?
Box Bar Recreation Site offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.