Bird Watching Birding on the San Pedro River
The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area is considered one of the largest and most critical avian migratory corridors remaining in the Western United States. It supports more than 350 species of birds, in addition to more than 80 species of mammals, two native and several introduced species of fish, and more than 40 species of amphibians and reptiles. The area, including about 40 miles of upper San Pedro River, offers ample opportunities to see the migrating and native birds of Southern Arizona.
Guided tours leave from the San Pedro House and feature information on the history of the area, hydrology, geology, and plant and animal life, as well as time to look for the myriad birds that use the precious water in the San Pedro River.
Special Instructions: Comfortable clothing and walking shoes recommended. Bring your own binoculars. Commercial tour operators must contact the Bureau of Land Management for parking permit information at 520-458-3559.
Sample Menu: Soft drinks, water, juice, and energy bars provided for the hike.
Cost: $5/person
Attendees: 10 min./50 max.
Length: 45 minutes-2 hours
Contact: Laura Mann
Friends of the San Pedro River 1763 Paseo San Luis, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635, 520-508-4445, fspr@theriver.com
 All About Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds love southeastern Arizona-a premier location for observing the world's tiniest bird. On this tour participate in a "bird-banding event" featuring some of the tiny, fast-flying jewels up close. Watch as researchers carefully handle the birds-weighing, banding, and feeding them-for a study of migratory patterns, breeding habits, and other behaviors. The banding event takes place at the San Pedro House at the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. Located along the magnificent cottonwood-tree-lined San Pedro River.
Special Instructions: The peak months for viewing are May and Aug., although migration season is mid-Mar. through early Oct. Call the San Pedro House for exact dates. Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended. Please bring your own binoculars. Commercial tour operators must contact the Bureau of Land Management for parking permit information at 520-458-3559.
Cost: Free
Attendees: No min. or max.
Length: 2 hours
Contact: Laura Mann
Friends of the San Pedro River 1763 Paseo San Luis, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635, 520-508-4445, fspr@theriver.com
More Birding Ideas:
Las Cienegas National Conservation Area 42,000 acres of grassland and riparian woodland featuring several marshes (cienegas) that are most productive for bird watching. 520-258-7200, off AZ Hwy. 83, near Sonoita, AZ. Free.
Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve Owned by the Nature Conservancy, this preserve with groves of cottonwoods and dense willows stand along Sonoita Creek, supports 300 bird species. One of the best spots in the country to see the rare gray hawk. 520-394-2400, off AZ Hwy. 82, east through Patagonia, AZ. $5, under 16 free.
Ramsey Canyon Preserve Owned by The Nature Conservancy, this 380-acre site, located on the eastern flank of the Huachuca Mountains, is renowned for scenic beauty and excellent birding opportunities, particularly hummingbirds. 520-378-2785, off AZ Hwy. 92 at Ramsey Canyon Rd., near Sierra Vista, AZ. $5/adults, under 16 free.
San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area A strip of land on either side of the San Pedro River, stretching from the Mexican border north for 40 miles makes this one the largest and most varied areas open to birders. 520-439-6400, off AZ Hwy. 90, near Sierra Vista, AZ. Free.
Cave Creek Canyon Recreational Area 520-364-3468, off AZ Hwy. 80, west through Portal, AZ. Many interesting birds from south of the border can be found here in the Chiricahua Mountains, claimed as having the richest diversity of wildlife in the U.S. by researchers.
Willcox Playa Wildlife Area The annual Wings over Willcox festival in January celebrates the thousands of sandhill cranes that migrate here in the winter. Many other species of birds populate the area year-round. Off AZ Hwy. 186 at Kansas Settlement Rd. in Willcox, AZ.
Madera Canyon An outstanding cross-section of Southwestern bird habitats. Trails cover a range of life zones, from desert grassland to mountain forest. 520-281-2296, off I-19 or I-10 to AZ Hwy. 83, east of Green Valley, AZ. $5 parking fee.
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge About 118,000 acres of grassland managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A re-population program is underway for the rare masked bobwhite, making this the only place in the country where four species of quail occur. 520-823-4251, off I-19 at exit 48, near Arivaca, AZ. Free.
Nature's Hideaway at Discovery Park 888-837-1841. Off U.S. Hwy. 191, in Safford, AZ. $4/adults, $3/children 6-11, 5 and under free. Open Tues.-Sat. 1-10 p.m. This area within Discovery Park is being restored for birders. Viewing decks and a bird blind overlook a pond with ancient cottonwoods where plenty of resident and migratory birds flock.
Catalina State Park Birding trails in a desert habitat. 628-5798, north of Tucson, $6/car.
Garden Canyon Moderate hiking trails get you up close and personal with a wide array of native and migratory birds. 800-288-3861, Fort Huachuca off AZ Hwy. 90.
Mt. Lemmon Travel from the desert floor to pine-covered mountain peaks and expanded birding opportunities.
Sabino Canyon Recreational Area The stream here, which is one of the few continuous sources of water in the area, attracts all kinds of birds and other wildlife.
San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge Gray hawks, tanagers, blue grosbeaks, and hummingbirds thrive in this area. Off AZ Hwy. 80, east of Douglas.
Whitewater Draw Wildlife Refuge Winter home of thousands of sandhill cranes and many species of raptors. Off U.S. Hwy. 191, northeast of Bisbee in the Sulphur Springs Valley.
Sonoita, Arizona Wind through a birder's paradise in some of the most picturesque, peaceful territory in Southern Arizona. South on Arizona Hwy 83 to Sonoita and Elgin. |
