3 Favorite Birdwatching Spots Near Cottonwood, AZ

Some of the best birdwatching in the country can be found in the region of northern Arizona near Flagstaff, AZ, with fantastic habitats that bring to them the many exotic and migratory birds that make birding such a rewarding pastime. So grab your binoculars and head out for a day’s birding at one of these fabulous pots and see what you can find.

1. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

This vast area straddles the land on either side of the Arizona-Utah border and is famous for one species in particular – the majestic California Condor, the largest land bird in America. There aren’t many of these incredible birds left. However, thanks to a concerted re-introduction effort, their numbers have risen, and are slowly starting to recover. Look out for for beautiful birds as they soar over the Colorado River.

Other birds you can expect to see here include Mexican spotted owls, southwestern willow flycatchers, and peregrine falcons. The best places to start are by the Navajo Bridge near Lee’s Ferry Road, Vermillion Cliffs, and the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, which have the best condor-spotting possibilities; head west towards Kaibab National Forest for some great spots to view other birds.

2. Mogollon Rim

Mogollon Rim, on the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau, is a great example of how geography can affect bird distribution, as for many species this is the southernmost edge of their Arizona range. The main habitat here is the high-altitude coniferous forest that dominates the steep, craggy slopes of the Rim, but head deeper and you’ll find that the highlight is the complex network of drainage channels that form a spectacular riparian habitat, tucked away inside the forest.

The birdlife here is fantastic, with several species of warblers and woodpeckers, as well as birds of prey such as the Flammulated Owl and Northern Goshawk. The main access is along the scenic Rim Road, which, along with its incredible views to the south, is also a great place to spot Green-tailed Towhees and poorwills, especially just after dusk. Keep an eye out for the large, mixed flocks of migratory birds that gather here in the spring and autumn.

3. Anderson Mesa

This little-visited upland area to the southeast of flagstaff is rarely visited by birders. It’s comprised of open plains of ephemeral wetlands and can be very difficult to access due to poorly maintained muddy tracks. However, the intrepid birder venturing into the marshes will soon learn why this area is internationally recognized as an Important Bird Area, as it is home to a variety of unusual waterfowl, raptors, sparrows, and shorebirds. If you can brave the area on skis in winter, you’ll find it particularly rewarding.

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Image courtesy of Nps.gov

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