Sabino Dam and downstream riparian
Arizona · Southwest
Moderate
October-May
$5 per vehicle
Open daily, sunrise to sunset
About This Location
Sabino Dam and downstream riparian is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, and Verdin 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
Lewis's Woodpecker
Melanerpes lewis
Northern Yellow Warbler
Setophaga aestiva
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Zonotrichia atricapilla
Northern Parula
Setophaga americana
Western Kingbird
Tyrannus verticalis
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay
Aphelocoma woodhouseii
Summer Tanager
Piranga rubra
Black-throated Sparrow
Amphispiza bilineata
Lawrence's Goldfinch
Spinus lawrencei
Cassin's Kingbird
Tyrannus vociferans
Acorn Woodpecker
Melanerpes formicivorus
Steller's Jay
Cyanocitta stelleri
Sage Thrasher
Oreoscoptes montanus
Common Poorwill
Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Archilochus alexandri
Canada Goose
Branta canadensis
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Gambel's Quail
Mourning Dove
Anna's Hummingbird
Costa's Hummingbird
Broad-billed Hummingbird
Gila Woodpecker
Bell's Vireo
Cassin's Vireo
Verdin
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Rock Wren
Hermit Thrush
Phainopepla
House Finch
Lesser Goldfinch
White-crowned Sparrow
Abert's Towhee
Orange-crowned Warbler
Lucy's Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Birding Tips
- 1
Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.
- 2
Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.
- 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
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
- Bear Canyon Trail
- Catalina State Park