El Rio Preserve
Arizona · Southwest
Moderate
October-May
Free
Open daily, sunrise to sunset
About This Location
El Rio Preserve is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 267 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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
Common Poorwill
Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
Lewis's Woodpecker
Melanerpes lewis
Acorn Woodpecker
Melanerpes formicivorus
Snow Goose
Anser caerulescens
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay
Aphelocoma woodhouseii
Northern Yellow Warbler
Setophaga aestiva
Northern Parula
Setophaga americana
Bendire's Thrasher
Toxostoma bendirei
White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Cinnamon Teal
Northern Shoveler
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Mallard
Mexican Duck
Green-winged Teal
Ring-necked Duck
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Gambel's Quail
Mourning Dove
Anna's Hummingbird
American Coot
Pied-billed Grebe
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Great Horned Owl
Gila Woodpecker
Tree Swallow
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.
- 4
Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.
- 5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Sweetwater Wetlands Park
- Tucson Mountain Park
- Santa Cruz River Park
More in Arizona
Arizona Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Arizona →