Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area
Operated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Whitewater Draw is one of the best winter birding sites in Arizona. It is home to tens of thousands of wintering sandhill cranes, as well as, many species of waterfowl, geese, shorebirds, raptors, and sparrows. Close inspection of the willow grove often turns up owls. Dirt paths meander around the site, which includes viewing platforms and benches.
Site Information
Region: Tucson and Southern
County: Cochise
Directions: Entrance is on the right about 2.5 miles off Davis Rd on Coffman Rd., past the farmhouse.
Latitude: 31.561507
Longitude: -109.719753
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: None
Best time to visit: December - March
Habitats: Agriculture or Cropland, Desert, Marsh or Wetland
Know Before You Go
If there has been recent rain, Coffman Rd. and the dirt paths become quite muddy and slick, The towns of Tombstone and Elfrida offer the closest gas and food.
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: Abert’s Towhee, Bendire’s Thrasher
Charismatic: Black-throated Sparrow, Curve-billed Thrasher, Vermilion Flycatcher
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/whitewater/
Email: customerservice@azgfd.gov
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L168765
Additional Resources:
Wings Over Willcox Birding Festival
Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge
Apache Wildlife Area
