Birding Hotspots in Maricopa County that hold good Chaparral Habitat

The photo below shows chaparral habitat, which in this photo shows manzanita, juniper, and scrub oaks.  This habitat often has to be birded from a trail or road, as navigation is very difficult through the vegetation which is very dense.  Key birds here are Black-chinned Sparrow, Gray Vireo (where there are junipers), Spotted Towhee, Western Scrub-Jay, and Scott's Oriole.  Also seen here are Gambel's Quail, Western Kingbird, Bushtit,  Crissal Thrasher, Phainopepla, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Canyon Towhee, and Bullock's Oriole.  Other species that favor this habitat may include Golden Eagle and a variety of wintering species.

Area 1-Highway 87:

Four Peaks Wilderness

Mazatzal Divide Trail (Forest Road 422)

Mount Ord

Slate Creek Divide Area

Area 3-Apache Trail

Fish Creek

Area 11-Cave Creek

Rackensack Canyon

Area 12-Verde River

Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area