Birding near Phoenix Nov 2024

Question

Hi. First time visitor of phoenix from nov 17-22. Staying in Goodyear. Have briefly read about places to go birding. We will have a car. Came up with hassayampa river preserve, Nina mason pulliam rio salado Audubon center and riparian preserve at water ranch. I mapped these and don’t mind the drive to any. We have 2 days for birding. Can you rank these 3 locations? Ideally looking for the most nature. Thank you!!!!

Answer

For a first-time visitor to the Phoenix area in November looking for birding opportunities, all three locations you mentioned offer great experiences, but they differ in habitat, species variety, and the overall sense of being immersed in nature. Here’s a detailed ranking and overview based on your priorities.

1. Hassayampa River Preserve

This is arguably the most “natural” of the three sites. It is a large preserve with cottonwood-willow riparian habitat, offering a peaceful experience surrounded by native vegetation.
Expect to see a variety of migratory and resident birds, including warblers, woodpeckers, and occasionally raptors. Water sources attract a good range of species.
The preserve has several trails and boardwalks, giving a more immersive experience in a relatively undisturbed environment compared to urban parks.
Best suited for serious birders looking for diversity and a feeling of being out in nature.

2. Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch (Gilbert)

This site is an excellent urban birding location with multiple ponds, wetlands, and restored riparian areas. The diversity of waterfowl and shorebirds can be impressive, especially in November.
Trails are well-maintained and flat, making it easy for walking and viewing birds. Observation platforms provide good vantage points for photography.
While slightly more developed than Hassayampa, it still provides a strong nature experience with plenty of birds to spot.

3. Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center

This location is more urban and integrated into the Phoenix cityscape. It offers good birding along the Salt River and adjacent wetlands, but the overall feeling of wilderness is less than the other two sites.
Bird diversity can still be high, particularly for waterfowl and raptors, but the natural surroundings are more manicured and accessible.
It’s a great option if you want a shorter visit or easy access without leaving the city, but for a full nature immersion, it ranks slightly lower than the other two preserves.

Suggested Itinerary for Two Days:

Day 1: Hassayampa River Preserve in the morning and mid-day for the most nature and diversity; optionally combine with a short visit to Rio Salado in the afternoon for convenience if you’re passing through Phoenix.
Day 2: Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch for a full morning or half-day to explore the wetlands and observation areas; optionally return to Rio Salado for species you may have missed.

In summary, for maximum nature immersion and bird diversity, Hassayampa comes first, followed by Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, with Rio Salado being a convenient urban complement.