Cave Creek Canyon - South Fork
Arizona · Southwest
Challenging
October-May
Free
Open daily, dawn to dusk
About This Location
Cave Creek Canyon - South Fork is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 235 species recorded on eBird. This canyon and river/riparian habitat attracts White-throated Swift, Acorn Woodpecker, and Hutton's Vireo 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
Scott's Oriole
Icterus parisorum
Fox Sparrow (Red)
Passerella iliaca
Curve-billed Thrasher (curvirostre Group)
Toxostoma curvirostre
White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
Spotted Towhee (arcticus)
Pipilo maculatus
Cassin's Finch
Haemorhous cassinii
Common Poorwill
Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Red-naped Sapsucker
Acorn Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Hutton's Vireo
Mexican Jay
Common Raven
Bridled Titmouse
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Lesser Goldfinch
Dark-eyed Junco
Painted Redstart
White-throated Swift
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Inca Dove
Mourning Dove
Red-tailed Hawk
Williamson's Sapsucker
Birding Tips
- 1
Listen for echoing calls of Canyon Wren and other canyon specialties.
- 2
Check rocky ledges and cliff faces for nesting raptors.
- 3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.
- 4
Bird activity peaks at dawn in desert habitats; arrive at first light for the best sightings.
- 5
Hummingbird feeders at nature centers and lodges attract multiple species — visit during late summer for peak diversity.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Chiricahua National Monument
- Portal AZ
- Southwestern Research Station