CAP Recharge Basin - Mile Wide Rd

Arizona · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

DesertChaparral

Best Seasons

FallWinterSpring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

CAP Recharge Basin - Mile Wide Rd is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, and American Kestrel among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Mourning Dove Red-tailed Hawk American Kestrel Black Phoebe Common Raven

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/6/2026Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson US-AZ 32.27971, -111.020411 observed

Steller's Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

3/6/2026El Rio Preserve2 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/6/2026Danny Lopez Park (formerly Columbus Park)1 observed

Black-throated Sparrow

Amphispiza bilineata

3/6/2026Danny Lopez Park (formerly Columbus Park)1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/6/2026Danny Lopez Park (formerly Columbus Park)19 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

3/6/2026CDO Wash--along Tucson National Golf Course2 observed

Acorn Woodpecker

Melanerpes formicivorus

3/6/2026CDO Wash--along Tucson National Golf Course1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

3/5/2026Tallercito Tumamoc1 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

3/5/2026Sweetwater Wetlands1 observed

Common Black Hawk

Buteogallus anthracinus

3/5/2026El Rio Preserve1 observed

Birding Tips

1
Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.
2
Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Arizona

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Ramsey Canyon Preserve

The Hummingbird Capital of the US with up to 15 species in the Huachuca Mountains.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit CAP Recharge Basin - Mile Wide Rd for birding?▼

The best months to visit CAP Recharge Basin - Mile Wide Rd for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at CAP Recharge Basin - Mile Wide Rd?▼

Notable species at CAP Recharge Basin - Mile Wide Rd include Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Black Phoebe, Common Raven. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.

How difficult is birding at CAP Recharge Basin - Mile Wide Rd?▼

Birding at CAP Recharge Basin - Mile Wide Rd is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at CAP Recharge Basin - Mile Wide Rd?▼

CAP Recharge Basin - Mile Wide Rd offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.