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.
• 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.

• 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.
Phone: (520) 258-7200
Located off AZ Hwy. 83, near Sonoita, AZ.

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
Located off AZ Hwy. 82, east through Patagonia, AZ.

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
Located off AZ Hwy. 92 at Ramsey Canyon Rd., near Sierra Vista, AZ.

Cave Creek Canyon Recreational Area
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.
(520) 364-3468
Located ff AZ Hwy. 80, west through Portal, AZ.

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. Located 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
Located off I-19 or I-10 to AZ Hwy. 83, east of Green Valley, AZ.

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
Located off I-19 at exit 48, near Arivaca, AZ.

Nature's Hideaway at Discovery Park
Open Tues.-Sat. 1-10 p.m. This area within Discovery Park has been restored for birders. Viewing decks and a bird blind overlook a pond with ancient cottonwoods where plenty of resident and migratory birds flock.
(888) 837-1841
Located off U.S. Hwy. 191, in Safford, AZ.

Catalina State Park 
Birding trails in a desert habitat.
520) 628-5798
Located north of Tucson in Oro Valley.

Garden Canyon 
Moderate hiking trails get you up close and personal with a wide array of native and migratory birds.
(800) 288-3861
Located near 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. Located off AZ Hwy. 80, east of Douglas.

Whitewater Draw Wildlife Refuge
Winter home of thousands of sandhill cranes and many species of raptors. Located 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. Located south on Arizona Hwy 83 to Sonoita and Elgin.