Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 322 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, 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

Scott's Oriole

Icterus parisorum

3/6/20261. Mule Pass Yard1 observed

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

3/5/2026Lagunas de Los Campitos3 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/3/2026Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area2 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

3/3/2026Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area1 observed

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

3/3/20261. Mule Pass Yard1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

3/2/2026East 9th Street and Bonita, Douglas, Arizona, US12 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

3/2/2026Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area1 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

3/1/20261. Mule Pass Yard1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

13/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

73/6/2026

White-winged Dove

13/6/2026

Sora

13/6/2026

Killdeer

13/6/2026

Least Sandpiper

63/6/2026

Northern Harrier

13/6/2026

Gray Flycatcher

13/6/2026

Black Phoebe

13/6/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

13/6/2026

Verdin

13/6/2026

Marsh Wren

13/6/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

13/6/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

13/6/2026

Savannah Sparrow

13/6/2026

Song Sparrow

13/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/6/2026

Common Yellowthroat

13/6/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

13/6/2026

Chipping Sparrow

13/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area include Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Mexican Duck, Phainopepla, Lesser Goldfinch, Green-winged Teal, Sandhill Crane, Killdeer, Long-billed Dowitcher, Least Sandpiper. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area?
Birding at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area?
There is no entrance fee at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area?
Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.