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Birding in Arizona: Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale

A foremost bird expert shares his favorite Arizona birding spots in Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale.

Birding in Arizona: Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale

Arizona birder Richard Cachor Taylor not only penned Birding in Arizona — a must-have pocket guide for birders of all skill levels — he’s also the world’s leading expert on the Elegant Trogon, a tropical, migratory species. His evolution from childhood curious birdwatcher to a bird expert and professional guide is an interesting one.

Taylor’s book packs a punch with detailed descriptions and photographs of 500 species of birds found in Arizona — large or small, rare or common — and all are given equal prominence, from vultures and eagles to sparrows and warblers.

Here, Taylor shares his birding knowledge about birding in Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale.

Birds Found in This Region

Canada Geese, Gambel’s Quail, Anna’s Hummingbird, Wilson’s Snipe, Bald Eagle, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Cactus Wren, Lucy’s Warbler

Most Popular Birding Location

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Gilbert

Hidden Gem Birding Spot

Indian Bend Wash, Scottsdale

Don’t-Miss Birding Events

Desert Rivers Audubon Society’s
monthly speaker series, Gilbert

Birding in Arizona: Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale
Montezuma Quail. Credit: Tony Battiste, Courtesy of R W Morse Company.

Buy the Book

From Yuma to the Four Corners, Birds of Arizona (published by R.W. Morse, 2022) by Richard Cachor Taylor encompasses all the regularly occurring birds within Arizona and is available for sale on Amazon.

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About the Author

Headshot of a man with white/gray hair and a mustache

Iain Lundy

Iain Lundy spent 40 years as a newspaper and magazine journalist in his native Scotland. Now relocated to Arizona, he works as a content writer, editor and genealogist. He enjoys the great outdoors, family history and, like a true Scot, good beer and a fine malt whiskey. Read more of his bio and work at lundyink.com.

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Cities & Regions

From the abundance of Saguaro cactuses and unique wildlife in the Sonoran Desert to the high country and forests of the White Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona’s regions are full of experiences that don’t disappoint.