Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Dead Horse Ranch State Park is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 259 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, and Red-tailed Hawk 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

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/5/2026Page Springs Fish Hatchery--Bubbling Ponds Preserve1 observed

Anna's x Costa's Hummingbird (hybrid)

Calypte anna x costae

3/4/2026Oak Creek Canyon--Grasshopper Point1 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

3/4/202620 Concho Way, Village of Oak Creek US-AZ 34.78546, -111.752781 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

3/1/2026Fay Canyon Trail3 observed

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Selasphorus platycercus

2/28/2026Backyard Birding Sedona (private)1 observed

Verdin

Auriparus flaviceps

2/28/2026Oak Creek--Chavez Crossing1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

2/27/2026Quail Springs Ranch Rd -- Cottonwood (approximate- private residence)1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

2/27/2026Sedona Wetlands Preserve1 observed

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

2/27/2026Sedona Wetlands Preserve, Sedona US-AZ 34.83105, -111.897771 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

43/2/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

23/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/2/2026

Gila Woodpecker

23/2/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

33/2/2026

Northern Flicker

23/2/2026

Steller's Jay

23/2/2026

Common Raven

23/2/2026

Bridled Titmouse

43/2/2026

Juniper Titmouse

13/2/2026

Bewick's Wren

13/2/2026

American Robin

23/2/2026

House Finch

23/2/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

23/2/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

43/2/2026

Song Sparrow

13/2/2026

Abert's Towhee

13/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/2/2026

Mallard

63/2/2026

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 Dead Horse Ranch State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Dead Horse Ranch State Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Dead Horse Ranch State Park?
Notable species at Dead Horse Ranch State Park include Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Red-tailed Hawk, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Dead Horse Ranch State Park?
Birding at Dead Horse Ranch State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Dead Horse Ranch State Park?
Dead Horse Ranch State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.