I am going on a trip to Arizona next year in either Febuary, March, or April. I’ll be near Flagstaff, Phoenix, and the Grand Canyon, and the primary goal of this trip is birding and wildlife watching in general. In particular, I want to see a lot of different quail species. I’m looking at a lot of locations, but would like suggestions from people who have birded/iNatted in this area before. I will probably avoid larger areas like the Grand Canyon and try to focus on places with less people.
In Phoenix, Gilbert Water Ranch is a must-visit birding location. I recommend visiting multiple times, preferably once in the morning and once in the late afternoon/evening. Gambel’s Quail is extremely common there (and this is the only quail species likely to be seen on your route). But there’s also tons of other stuff at this incredible location.
This place has a lot of people but it’s such a good birding site you won’t regret visiting it.