Las Cienegas NCA - Cottonwood Tanks

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Las Cienegas NCA - Cottonwood Tanks is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Black-throated Sparrow, Scaled Quail, and White-winged Dove 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

Inca Dove

Columbina inca

3/5/2026Madera Canyon--Santa Rita Lodge2 observed

Scott's Oriole

Icterus parisorum

3/5/2026Madera Canyon--Santa Rita Lodge1 observed

Gila Woodpecker

Melanerpes uropygialis

3/5/2026Madera Canyon--Santa Rita Lodge1 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

3/5/2026Proctor Road dispersed campground3 observed

Cassin's Sparrow

Peucaea cassinii

3/5/2026S Madera Canyon Rd, Green Valley US-AZ 31.78042, -110.887642 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-throated Sparrow

13/4/2026

Scaled Quail

22/26/2026

White-winged Dove

12/26/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

22/26/2026

Black Phoebe

12/26/2026

Common Raven

22/26/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

22/26/2026

Bewick's Wren

22/26/2026

House Finch

22/26/2026

Chipping Sparrow

22/26/2026

Vesper Sparrow

152/26/2026

Savannah Sparrow

122/26/2026

Mourning Dove

22/24/2026

Northern Harrier

12/24/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/24/2026

American Kestrel

12/24/2026

Bridled Titmouse

12/23/2026

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 Las Cienegas NCA - Cottonwood Tanks for birding?
The best months to visit Las Cienegas NCA - Cottonwood Tanks for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Las Cienegas NCA - Cottonwood Tanks?
Notable species at Las Cienegas NCA - Cottonwood Tanks include Black-throated Sparrow, Scaled Quail, White-winged Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Las Cienegas NCA - Cottonwood Tanks?
Birding at Las Cienegas NCA - Cottonwood Tanks is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Las Cienegas NCA - Cottonwood Tanks?
Las Cienegas NCA - Cottonwood Tanks offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.