San Rafael Grasslands

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Rafael Grasslands is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts American Kestrel, Horned Lark, and Chestnut-collared Longspur 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 (Arizona)

Vireo bellii

3/6/2026Patagonia Lake SP--Birding Trail1 observed

Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis

3/6/2026Sonoita/Patagonia Home3 observed

Elf Owl

Micrathene whitneyi

3/5/2026Harshaw Creek Road1 observed

Short-eared Owl (Northern)

Asio flammeus

3/5/2026San Rafael Grasslands7 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

3/5/20262–36 Harshaw Creek Rd, Patagonia US-AZ 31.52283, -110.704001 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

3/4/2026Humboldt Canyon (upper)1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/4/2026Patagonia Lake SP--Birding Trail1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/4/2026Arizona Birding Guides feeders--Visitors Welcome22 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

3/4/2026Patagonia Lake SP--Birding Trail1 observed

Violet-crowned Hummingbird

Ramosomyia violiceps

3/4/202637–41 Harshaw Creek Rd, Patagonia US-AZ 31.52206, -110.703173 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

23/6/2026

Northern Harrier

23/6/2026

Horned Lark

303/6/2026

Chestnut-collared Longspur

123/6/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

43/6/2026

Chipping Sparrow

63/6/2026

Vesper Sparrow

303/6/2026

Savannah Sparrow

503/6/2026

Baird's Sparrow

13/6/2026

Western Meadowlark

13/6/2026

Chihuahuan Meadowlark

123/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Short-eared Owl

73/5/2026

American Kestrel

23/5/2026

Common Raven

33/5/2026

Say's Phoebe

12/24/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

12/24/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

122/24/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

12/23/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

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 San Rafael Grasslands for birding?
The best months to visit San Rafael Grasslands for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at San Rafael Grasslands?
Notable species at San Rafael Grasslands include American Kestrel, Horned Lark, Chestnut-collared Longspur, Savannah Sparrow, Northern Harrier. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Rafael Grasslands?
Birding at San Rafael Grasslands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at San Rafael Grasslands?
San Rafael Grasslands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.