Salt River - Coon Bluff Recreation Area

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Salt River - Coon Bluff Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 245 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Blue-winged Teal, and Cinnamon Teal 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

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

3/6/2026Needle Rock Recreation Area1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

3/6/2026Rio Verde Ranch Private property1 observed

Williamson's Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus thyroideus

3/6/2026Verde River--Access south of Box Bar & Rio Verde Ranch1 observed

Hutton's Vireo

Vireo huttoni

3/6/2026Verde River--Access south of Box Bar & Rio Verde Ranch1 observed

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

3/6/2026Verde River--Access south of Box Bar & Rio Verde Ranch1 observed

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

3/4/2026N Bush Hwy, Fort McDowell US-AZ 33.61664, -111.554933 observed

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

3/4/2026Salt River--Blue Point Recreation Area1 observed

Eurasian x African Collared-Dove (hybrid)

Streptopelia decaocto x roseogrisea

3/4/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Townsend's Warbler

Setophaga townsendi

3/4/2026Salt River--Foxtail/Sheeps Crossing Recreation Sites1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

3/4/2026Salt River--Foxtail/Sheeps Crossing Recreation Sites1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

3/4/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Wigeon

13/6/2026

Mourning Dove

23/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/6/2026

Snowy Egret

33/6/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/6/2026

Bald Eagle

13/6/2026

Gila Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Black Phoebe

13/6/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

23/6/2026

Common Raven

23/6/2026

Verdin

23/6/2026

Violet-green Swallow

33/6/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

23/6/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/6/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

13/6/2026

Phainopepla

63/6/2026

House Finch

23/6/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

83/6/2026

Song Sparrow

13/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Salt River - Coon Bluff Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Salt River - Coon Bluff Recreation Area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Salt River - Coon Bluff Recreation Area?
Notable species at Salt River - Coon Bluff Recreation Area include Canada Goose, Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Gambel's Quail. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Salt River - Coon Bluff Recreation Area?
Birding at Salt River - Coon Bluff Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Salt River - Coon Bluff Recreation Area?
Salt River - Coon Bluff Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.