Las Cienegas NCA - Empire Gulch

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Las Cienegas NCA - Empire Gulch is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 241 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, 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

Cassin's Sparrow

Peucaea cassinii

3/6/2026Florida Wash at Madera Canyon Rd1 observed

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

3/6/2026Santa Rita Lodge - Madera Canyon1 observed

House Sparrow

Passer domesticus

3/6/2026Santa Rita Lodge - Madera Canyon3 observed

Cassin's Finch

Haemorhous cassinii

3/6/2026Santa Rita Lodge - Madera Canyon1 observed

Inca Dove

Columbina inca

3/6/2026Santa Rita Lodge - Madera Canyon1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/6/2026Santa Rita Lodge - Madera Canyon1 observed

Verdin

Auriparus flaviceps

3/6/2026Santa Rita Lodge - Madera Canyon1 observed

Scott's Oriole

Icterus parisorum

3/6/2026Santa Rita Lodge - Madera Canyon1 observed

Gila Woodpecker

Melanerpes uropygialis

3/6/2026Santa Rita Lodge - Madera Canyon1 observed

Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis

3/6/2026Sonoita/Patagonia Home3 observed

Elf Owl

Micrathene whitneyi

3/5/2026Madera Canyon--Amphitheater1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/5/2026Yard, Quail Creek, Green Valley1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

73/6/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/6/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/6/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Northern Flicker

23/6/2026

Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet

13/6/2026

Gray Flycatcher

13/6/2026

Black Phoebe

23/6/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

23/6/2026

Common Raven

23/6/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

73/6/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/6/2026

Northern House Wren

23/6/2026

Bewick's Wren

53/6/2026

House Finch

73/6/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

103/6/2026

Chipping Sparrow

133/6/2026

Brewer's Sparrow

53/6/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

13/6/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

73/6/2026

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 - Empire Gulch for birding?
The best months to visit Las Cienegas NCA - Empire Gulch for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Las Cienegas NCA - Empire Gulch?
Notable species at Las Cienegas NCA - Empire Gulch include White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, Gila Woodpecker, American Kestrel. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Las Cienegas NCA - Empire Gulch?
Birding at Las Cienegas NCA - Empire Gulch is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Las Cienegas NCA - Empire Gulch?
Las Cienegas NCA - Empire Gulch offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.