Where to go

White Mountains, and surrounding areas offer a wide diversity of life zones, from juniper grassland to spruce-fir forest. Nesting species in the higher elevation mixed conifer and spruce-fir forests include Gray Jay, Blue Grouse, and Three-toed Woodpecker. The lower areas near Eagar and Springerville often attract interesting migrants in the late summer and fall as well as some sought after nesters like Gray Catbird, Pinyon Jay and Lewis's Woodpecker. The area's many lakes offer habitat to nesting, migratory and wintering populations of many species of waterfowl. Birding can be good year round in the White Mountain area though the higher elevations are usually impassable due to snow till May.

East Of Eagar    West of Eager

Eagar area and southeast to Luna Lake

Wenima Wildlife Area was acquired by AZ Game & Fish for the water rights and to protect endangered fish. There is good birding here due to the variety of vegetation and the riparian area. Junipers and grasses cover the canyon sides. Walnut trees, wild rose, wild grape and numerous shrubs grow at the canyon/field edges.
Wenima is located about 5 miles from the stoplight in Springerville. Travel north on 191/180/60 out of town and up the hill until the road splits. Take the 191 fork on the right. Turn right again immediately after the road split. The wildlife area is about 1 mile from the highway in a canyon of the Little Colorado River.
A trail on the east side of the river is excellent for migrants during spring and fall. A new trail is being constructed on the west side of the river that is accessed at the picnic table.
The edges of the fields/canyon with dense vegetation and walnut trees are also good birding. There is a small pond on the north side that is worth checking for Sora, the occasional Green Heron and Black-crowned Night-Heron. Check the cliff edges for raptors.
Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting and Yellow-breasted Chat nest here. Gray Catbird is a possible nester. Birding is best at Wenima in the spring, summer and fall; but it is worth visiting in the winter as well. Both Mountain and Western Bluebirds utilize the junipers in the winter and Golden Eagles hunt overhead.

Becker Lake Wildlife Area is west of highway 60, three miles north of the stoplight in Springerville. If you are birding Wenima first, turn left on hwy 191/180 and head back towards Springerville. Becker Lake is on the right at the bottom of the hill. Many rarities have been found at Becker Lake, particularly in the late summer/fall, but it is worth a look at any time. Bald eagles are present in winter. Yellow-headed and Red-winged Blackbirds nest here. Check the trees on the east side for migrants in spring and fall. Lewis's Woodpeckers sometimes nest in these trees.

Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area is about 10 miles from Eagar. From the stoplight in Eagar drive east on hwy 260 (the road turns south and becomes Hwy 191/180). It is five miles from the stoplight to the top of the mesa, turn right. Sipe Wildlife Area is 5 miles from the turnoff on a gravel road.

Sipe is a former ranch and has agricultural fields, grassland, pinyon/juniper hillsides, and several reservoirs. The best birding at Sipe is along Rudd Creek and the area around the visitor's center. Sora can be found at the small pond near the entrance in the summer. A trail along Rudd Creek goes to the national forest boundary. You can cross the fence and follow the old road along the creek.

The vegetation changes to ponderosa pine here. Typical montane species are found including: Hairy Woodpecker, White-breasted and Pygmy Nuthatch, Mountain Chickadee, and Western Tanager. Grace's and Red-faced Warbler nest in the area near the creek. Montezuma Quail have been found along this road.

There are several reservoirs at Sipe. You can drive to Trinity Reservoir, where there are restrooms and a short trail to an overlook. McKay is the largest reservoir. It is accessed by hiking trail. Bald Eagles (winter) and Peregrine Falcon are seen occasionally. Listen for Pinyon Jays while hiking, they are heard frequently.

Restrooms and a small picnic area are at the visitor's center. The birding at Sipe Wildlife Area is best during migration.

Nelson Reservoir is one of the best places to find Pinyon Jay. They roost on the east side of the road. If you are at the lake early in the morning you have the best chance of seeing them. From the light in Eagar travel 10.4 miles on hwy 260/191/180 south. Waterfowl generally congregate at the south end of the lake. Yellow-headed, Red-winged and Brewer's Blackbirds nest here. Black-crowned Night Heron, Virginia Rail and Sora can be seen (summer). Listen for Eastern Meadowlark here as well.

Road N2171 (off of hwy 191/180, south of Nelson Reservoir 1.4 miles) is another good area to check for Pinyon Jays. In the summer Vesper Sparrow, Green-tailed Towhee, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak and various swallows are plentiful. An asphalt plant is at the end of this road, so be sure to pull completely off the road to avoid large trucks that travel back and forth.
A small spring 1.25 miles from the highway is worth checking. Some small cottonwoods are attractive to migrants. You can access the east entrance to Sipe Wildlife Area by taking the first right onto a two track road. Rock and Canyon Wrens are common in the canyon. A high clearance vehicle is necessary to travel this rocky road.

Nutrioso Lake (7 miles south of Nelson Reservoir) is accessed by turning right on Auger Canyon Road from hwy 191/180. The reservoir is on the west side of the highway. Warblers, nuthatches, and tanagers can be found in the pines. Pinyon Jays are occasionally heard here. Listen for their distinctive calls The lake can be full of waterfowl during migration.
The post office area in Nutrioso (east of the highway) is a good place to look for Lewis's Woodpecker and sapsuckers. Nutrioso Creek south of the village of Nutrioso can be good birding. Gray Catbird nests here and many migrant warblers utilize the riparian resources. All this is private property, but can be birded from the road.

Terry Flat is one of the most reliable places to find Three-toed Woodpecker. Travel south on 191/180 about 3.5 miles past Nutrioso Lake to FR 56 on the left. There is currently no sign on the highway. Travel up the road past Hulsey Lake until the split at Terry Flat loop. Take the right fork and listen for the drumming of Three-toeds along this stretch, especially near the Paddy Creek area. Near Paddy Creek there is a closed logging road. Check this road too. If you don't find them here, continue along the road stopping periodically to listen for their drumming. The road makes a loop and there are numerous old roads that can be checked as well.
Blue Grouse, Clark's Nutcracker, Golden-crowned Kinglet and other high altitude birds may be found along the Escudilla Mountain Trail. The trail climbs through aspen, spruce-fir, and open areas to a fire lookout.

Luna Lake is near the New Mexico border, 25 miles from Eagar. Travel south on highway191/180, go left on highway 180 in Alpine to the lake. Bald Eagles nest across the lake from the boat launch. There is a Blue Heron rookery in the ponderosa on the south side of the highway as you look west from the parking area. Both Eastern and Western Meadowlarks are heard here. Scope the lake for waterfowl. Drive to the dam (east, towards the campground). Check the outlet, particularly during migration. Walk along the San Francisco River looking in the pines for nesting Grace's and Yellow-rumped Warblers, Pygmy and White-breasted Nuthatches, Hairy Woodpeckers, and the occasional Lewis's Woodpecker.

The Blue River is one of the most interesting and under-birded areas in east central Arizona. The turnoff to Blue River (FR 281) is at the west edge of Luna Lake on highway 180. After climbing a small rise, the road follows the river as it drops in elevation until the road deadends at private property about 30 miles from the turnoff. Greater Pewee, Hepatic Tanager, Common Black-Hawk, Black-chinned Sparrow, Mexican Jay, Painted Redstart, Bridled Titmouse, Purple Martin and Band-tailed Pigeon are found here (summer). Montezuma Quail, Gambel's Quail and Wild Turkey are seen occasionally. There is private property interspersed with the public land along the road, please respect it.

Birding areas west of Eagar

The South Fork of the Little Colorado River (about 5 miles west of Eagar on 260, turn south) has attracted rare migrants over the years. Drive down the hill and park near the bridge. Walk up or downstream along the river. This is private property but access is allowed at this time. Gray Catbird nests here, along with Yellow-breasted Chat, Virginia's Warbler, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting. Lazuli Buntings are possible nesters. American Dipper have nested under the bridge. Montezuma Quail are resident but difficult to see. Pinyon Jay can usually be heard here.

The South Fork of the Little Colorado River (about 5 miles west of Eagar on 260, turn south) has attracted rare migrants over the years. Drive down the hill and park near the bridge. Walk up or downstream along the river. This is private property but access is allowed at this time. Be alert for and do not trespass on, any posted property. Gray Catbird nests here, along with Yellow-breasted Chat, Virginia's Warbler, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting. Lazuli Buntings are possible nesters. American Dipper have nested under the bridge. Montezuma Quail are resident but difficult to see. Pinyon Jay can usually be heard here.
The campground (at the end of the road, parking/camping fee in summer) is a good place to bird, as is the hiking trail along the river. Red-faced, Grace's, and Yellow-rumped Warblers, Plumbeous Vireo, Western Tanager and sapsuckers are found in the campground and along the trail. Northern Pygmy-Owl is heard occasionally. Clark's Nutcrackers and Golden-crowned Kinglets can be found in winter.

Greer
The area around Greer has some of the best summer birding in the White Mountains. Osprey, American Dipper, Williamson's and Red-naped Sapsucker; Grace's, Red-faced, MacGillivray's, Virginia's and Yellow-rumped Warbler; Clark's Nutcracker, Band-tailed Pigeon, Willow and Dusky Flycatcher can be found here. Olive Warbler and Three-toed woodpeckers have been seen (rare).
Travel west from Eagar on highway 260, turn left at the Greer turnoff on highway 373. The Benny/Rosey Creek parking area is 2.4 miles on the right (now signed as Squirrel Spring Rec Area). Follow the old road down to the creek and bird along the short creekside trail. Look for Red-faced, MacGillivray's, and Virginia's Warblers, House Wren, and woodpeckers here. The upland area near the parking lot is a good place to look for Grace's Warbler, Pygmy Nuthatches and Plumbeous Vireo.
Continue south 4.1 miles on highway 373 to County Road 1126, turn left. Drive another .6 miles to the pulloff on the left. This is the south side of River Reservoir. Walk down the hill to the water and look for nesting Osprey. Bird along the path on the left along the willow-lined river. Dusky Flycatcher, both sapsuckers, Grace's Warbler, Pygmy Nuthatches, Song Sparrows can be found here. Continue on road 1126 for .2 mile from the River Reservoir pullout. On the right is a 4X4 road that climbs up into an old logging area. Northern Goshawk can sometimes be seen from here.
To continue birding in Greer, go back to highway 373, turn left and drive .2 mile to East Fork Road. The Butler Canyon Nature Trail parking area is several hundred yards after the turnoff. This short trail is a good place to look for Red-faced Warbler and sapsuckers. Or you can drive/walk along the road listening for bird activity; or look for a place to access the river and walk along it.
After birding here, return to highway 373 and turn left to the village of Greer. Clark's Nutcracker and Band-tailed Pigeon are frequently found along the highway near Greer Lodge. Continue south until the road crosses a cattleguard and turns to gravel (1.8 miles). There are several parking areas along this stretch of road before it deadends in approximately 1/2 mile. Walk along the river looking for warblers and American Dipper.
The East Fork Trail (accessed from the first parking area south of the cattleguard) climbs steadily then levels out. Blue Grouse, Northern Goshawk, and Three-toed woodpecker have been found along this trail, as well the usual montane birds.

Forest Road 117 Area
Green's Peak is the traditional place to look for the elusive Blue Grouse. Travel west on highway 260 from Eagar to Forest Road 117. The mixed conifer habitat along FR 117 is also good habitat for the grouse, Three-toed Woodpecker and sapsuckers.. Stop anywhere where you see/hear bird activity.
Beehive Spring (1.2 miles from the turnoff) is a good area to look for sapsuckers. As you continue on FR117 look for grouse on the road edges or perched on logs.
Continue on FR 117 until it forks, take FR 61 (the left fork). At the next fork, go right (straight) to Green's Peak. There is a fire lookout at the end of the road along with a plethora of communications equipment. Clark's Nutcracker, Red-breasted Nuthatch and Golden-crowned kinglet are found here.
If you haven't found the grouse you can check along the road to the Burnt Mill Spring area. Good grouse habitat exists along this road. Drive back on FR 61 to the 117 intersection and go left. It's about 6 miles to the spring. White Mountain Audubon has their annual campout here. Williamson's and Red-naped Sapsuckers nest in the area. Campers (and their food) sometimes attract Gray Jay.

Hwy 273 area to Gabaldon Campground
Drive west on highway 260 from Eagar and turn left on highway 273, which goes past Sunrise Ski Area and Sunrise Lake on the White Mountain Apache Reservation. A pass is required if you want to bird on the reservation. It can be purchased at the store near Sunrise Lake. Sunrise Campground is worth checking. Many waterbirds use Sunrise Lake. Savannah Sparrows are found in the short grass near the lake.
Continue on highway 273 to the forest service boundary, where hwy 273 becomes FR 113. Drive past the West Baldy Trailhead on your right to the Sheeps Crossing area. Sheeps Crossing isn't signed, but the road will make a rather tight curve to the left and you will see a small parking area just before the road crosses the river. This is the old access to West Baldy. Walk up to the Railroad Grade trail and walk left, checking for Three-toed Woodpecker, Gray Jay, and both kinglets. Lincoln's Sparrows and Orange-Crowned Warblers nest below the dam.

Lee Valley Reservoir between Sheeps Crossing and Gabaldon Campground can be checked for waterbirds and red crossbills.

Continue on FR 113 past East Baldy Trailhead to Gabaldon Campground. Gray Jays are found in the campground or fairly close to it. The trail from the campground connects to the East Baldy Trail. Good habitat exists along the trail for grouse and Three-toed Woodpeckers.

Text by Donna Roten and scenic photos by Gary Crandall

.

Becker

Sipe

Cooper's Hawk

San Fransisco River

Nutrioso

Gray Jay

South Fork



South Fork

Gray Catbird

Sipe

Blue River

Wenima

Greer

Indigo Bunting