Santa Cruz Flats Travel Count

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Santa Cruz Flats Travel Count is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 235 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Gambel's Quail, Rock Pigeon, and Eurasian Collared-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

Chihuahuan Meadowlark

Sturnella lilianae

3/6/2026Santa Cruz Flats Travel Count1 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

3/5/2026Greene Reservoir Road, Eloy, Arizona, US (32.617, -111.594)1 observed

Townsend's Warbler

Setophaga townsendi

2/22/2026Santa Cruz River--Sasco Rd1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

83/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/6/2026

Northern Harrier

23/6/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

73/6/2026

Ferruginous Hawk

13/6/2026

American Kestrel

23/6/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

13/6/2026

Common Raven

73/6/2026

Horned Lark

63/6/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

83/6/2026

Western Meadowlark

173/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

2003/6/2026

Gambel's Quail

133/5/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

23/5/2026

Mourning Dove

3/5/2026

Great Horned Owl

13/5/2026

Burrowing Owl

23/5/2026

Gila Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

Crested Caracara

13/5/2026

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 Santa Cruz Flats Travel Count for birding?
The best months to visit Santa Cruz Flats Travel Count for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Santa Cruz Flats Travel Count?
Notable species at Santa Cruz Flats Travel Count include Gambel's Quail, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, Greater Roadrunner. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Santa Cruz Flats Travel Count?
Birding at Santa Cruz Flats Travel Count is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Santa Cruz Flats Travel Count?
Santa Cruz Flats Travel Count offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.