Base & Meridian Wildlife Area
The approximately 198-acre Base and Meridian (B&M) Wildlife Area is on the north bank of the Gila River at the confluence with the Salt River and contains primarily all riparian habitat in and along the river and its associated upland banks.
The area is used by Ferruginous hawks, coots, gallinules, quail, doves, egrets, herons, along with the federally endangered Yuma clapper-rail and Western yellow-billed cuckoo.
Site Information
Region: Phoenix and Central
County: Maricopa
Directions: Take Avondale Blvd exit from the I-10, follow it till it curves and make the first right into the Speedway and then follow the road till it stops at the wildlife area entrance.
Latitude: 33.379167
Longitude: -112.307444
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: None
Best time to visit: Year-round
Habitats: Desert, Lake or Pond, Stream or river, Urban or Suburban park
Know Before You Go
Auto races sometimes occur at the adjacent Phoenix Raceway which can create less-than-ideal conditions for birding.
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Black-throated Gray Warbler, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Harris’s Hawk, Hooded Oriole, Virginia’s Warbler, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Charismatic: Anna’s Hummingbird
Contact Information
Arizona Game and Fish Department
5000 W. Carefree Highway
Phoenix, AZ 85086
Phone: 602-942-3000
Website: https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/viewing/wheretogo/base/
Email: customerservice@azgfd.gov
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L721572
