INTRODUCTION
VIEWING SPOTS
Quitobaquito Spring
Alamo Lake
Hassayampa River
Robbins Butte
Colorado River
San Pedro River
Empire-Cienega
Gila River
ARIZONA RESOURCES
GORP WILDLIFE
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Green Ribbons through the Desert
Arizona's Riparian Wildlife Areas |
A GORP Content Partner
Adapted from
Arizona Wildlife Viewing Guide
by John N. Carr
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Robbins Butte Wildlife Area
The Basics
Directions: From Phoenix, go west on Interstate 10 about thirty miles. At Exit 112 (Arizona 85), go south eight miles (past the town of Buckeye) to the entrance. The dirt road into the wildlife area extends for two miles.
Ownership: Arizona Fish and Game Department (602) 981-9400
Size: 1,440 acres
Closest Town: Buckeye
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Located on the south side of the Gila River, this wildlife area is managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department for small game, primarily mourning and white-winged doves. The area has farm fields planted in grain crops with dense mesquite thickets along the north boundary. In the summer, thousands of doves nest in the mesquite trees and feed in the fields. Many Gambel's quail can be seen. Cottonwood and mesquite trees have been planted to enhance the riparian habitat.
The area is also home to many raptors, mostly harriers. The annual Christmas bird count here has averaged sixty-five species. The area has Gila monsters and abundant rattlesnakes in the summer—please be careful.
Viewing Information: An early morning or late evening in August is the best time to view the thousands of feeding doves. September first is the opening day of dove hunting season. Winter is the best time to see hawks and songbirds. Half a mile south of the Robbins Butte Wildlife Area entrance is the Fred Weiler Greenbelt Overlook which provides an excellent view of the entire area.
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