Birdwatching

Black Canyon offers opportunities to see and listen to a variety of birds, especially during spring, summer, and fall. Birdwatching is a great way to connect with the park's natural resources. Visitors can find birds in numerous habitats such as pinyon and juniper woodlands, gambel-oak uplands, riparian areas along the river, and the steep walls of the inner canyon.

Stop by the visitor center and ask for a bird checklist at the South Rim Visitor Center. Don't forget a bird guide and binoculars!

Where to Go

Stop at any overlook along the north or south rim of Black Canyon. Raptors (vultures, falcons, and hawks) cast shadows while soaring overhead. White-throated Swifts and Violet-green Swallows may fly along the canyon rim.

Warner Point Trail

Warner Point Trail, which starts at the end of the South Rim Drive, heads up along a ridge of pinyon-juniper forest. Look for smaller birds, such Hairy Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Pinyon Jays, Clark's Nutcracker, and Mountain Chickadee.

Uplands Trail and Rim Rock Trail

Uplands Trail and Rim Rock Trail, both located in the scrub oak and sagebrush, are frequently filled with wildlife. Listen for songs of Chipping and Brewer's sparrows, Spotted and Green-tailed towhees, Yellow and Virginia's warblers, and Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay.

Oak Flat Trail

Oak Flat Trail meanders through Gambel oak trees, then an area with Douglas fir and Aspen trees. Tree alcoves provide shelter, protection, and the opportunity to hunt prey. A variety of birds may be seen here. Look and listen for American Three-toed Woodpecker, Steller's Jay, Western Tanager, Cooper's Hawk, Dusky Grouse, and warblers in the stands of trees.

East Portal

Head down the steep, winding road to East Portal. This is the only road access to the river level. Birds that prefer riparian areas are found here, such as American Dipper, Song Sparrow, MacGillivray’s Warbler, and Common Merganser.