More
than 300 species of birds can be found in the
Patagonia area.
Southeastern Arizona is one of the premier birding regions in the United States. A unique array of bio-geographical influences combine to produce an immense diversity of bird species in the area. Most notable are those species associated with the Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico which reach the northern limits of their ranges in southeastern Arizona.
The
Patagonia area has long been known as a primary
destination for birders and is the perfect location
to base your stay while exploring the
surrounding region. Places to visit include and
a great tour guide:
Patagonia
Birding & Butterfly Co.
520-604-6300 / mattbrownbirds@gmail.com / www.lifebirds.com
Payment Methods: Cash, check Smoking: Yes Pets: Yes
Are
you new to birding? Or traveling a long distance hoping to add a
life bird to your list? Then your birding tour won't be complete
without a custom birding trip with local expert Matt Brown. More...
Nature Conservancy's Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve
150 Blue Heaven Road, Patagonia
520-394-2400
Hours: Wednesday - Sunday: 6:30/7:30am (depending on season) - 4:00pm.
Entrance Fees: $3 for Conservancy members $5 for Non-Conservancy members. Free for Patagonia residents
The Preserve is one of the best-known and most popular places for birding in the U.S. More birders have seen their first Gray hawks here than anywhere else.
The streamside or riparian habitat found along Sonoita Creek contains some of the richest habitat remaining in Southern Arizona. More than 300 species migrate, nest, and live in this critical habitat and bird enthusiasts come thousands of miles to catch a glimpse of some of them. Of particular interest are the Gray hawk, vermilion flycatcher, violet-crowned hummingbird, thick-billed kingbird, zone-tailed hawk, green kingfisher, white-throated sparrows (in winter) and black-bellied whistling duck.
But even if you can't tell a bluebird from a blue jay, the Preserve still offers something for you. Three miles of easy walking trails take you along Sonoita Creek and through rare cottonwood willow forest, and the peace that comes from relaxing under 140 year-old cottonwood trees will bring you one step closer to nature. Come during the summer months when the wildflowers are blooming! Guided walks are offered every Saturday morning at 9:00am starting from the Visitor Center.
Take Hwy 82 into Patagonia and turn north on 4th Avenue. Turn left on Pennsylvania Avenue. Pennsylvania changes to Blue Heaven once you cross the cattle guard and the is about one mile further, on the left. For more information: Nature Conservancy's Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve.
Patagonia Lake State Park
400 Patagonia Lake Road
Patagonia, Arizona 85624
520-287-6965
Entrance Fees: $7 per car
Hours: 8:00am - 10:00pm
Access to park is closed from 10:00pm - 4:00am
Patagonia Lake State Park offers pontoon boat birding tours and a number of trails that allow birders to catch a glimpse of many water birds and others. For the last several winters, a pair of elegant Trogans have been wintering here. The Sonoita Creek State Natural Area is a pristine area located adjacent to the Park, and offers 5,000 acres of cottonwoods, willows, sycamores and mesquites, nesting black hawks and endangered species.
Take Hwy 82 south, 7 miles past the town of Patagonia. The Park is on the right. You will drive several miles after the turn before you reach the main gate. For more information and a calendar of events visit Patagonia State Park.
Sonoita
Creek State Natural Area
Located at Patagonia Lake State Park
520-287-2791 (October 15 - April 15), 520-287-6965 (April 16 - October 14)
Hours: Visitor Center: 8:00am - 4:300pm, October 15 - April 15
Gates open 5:00 am - 5:00pm year round
Established in 1994, Sonoita Creek State Natural Area's mission is to preserve
Sonoita Creek and its surrounding environment. Encompassing a major portion of
the Sonoita Creek and Coal Mine Springs watersheds, this is the State of Arizona's
first significant Natural Area.
The Natural Area protects not only the endangered Gila Topminnow and several
special-status birds, but also historical and cultural relics. Low impact recreation
such as hiking, and bird watching co-exist with education and scientific research
at Sonoita Creek State Natural Area.
Sonoita Creek State Natural Area is unique in that, within a relatively small
area, seven distinct vegetative communities are present ranging from Semi-Desert
Grasslands to Riparian Deciduous Forests. The visual and biological characteristics
of these communities are markedly different, and their combined presence in a
relatively small area is quite rare.
The Natural Area offers exceptional birding opportunities. Over 300 resident
and migratory bird species inhabit Sonoita Creek and Patagonia Lake including
eastern, western, and accidental Mexican species such as the Elegant Trogon,
Rufous-backed Robin, and Black-capped Gnatcatcher. Birding hikes and boat tours
are offered from October to April.
Sections of the New Mexico and Arizona Railroad once paralleled Sonoita Creek
from Patagonia to Rio Rico. The New Mexico and Arizona Railroad Trail follows
the old railroad bed. Remains of the past can be seen in the form of culverts,
bridge abutments, pilings, spikes and rails.
For reservations and information about birdwalks, pontoon boat tours, and special
events, go to: www.azparks.gov/Parks/parkhtml/sonoitacreeksna.html
Patagonia
Roadside Rest
Almost as well known as the Preserve, the Roadside Rest is the best place to look for the Rose-throated becard, varied bunting, Indigo bunting, and Zone-tailed hawk. The Rest Area is found 4.2 miles south of Patagonia on the east side of State Highway 82.
Be EXTREMELY CAREFUL when visiting this site as it is Arizona Department of Transportation property and traffic can be heavy at times. Visibility is limited so be very cautious. Do not cross any fences.
Paton's Hummingbirds
For decades, the Paton's have opened their yard to visitors who
wished to see the variety of birds found along Sonoita
Creek.
International visitors return year after
year, and novice birders will find it easier
to spot and identify birds here than in the
wild. Take 4th Avenue north and turn left
on Pennsylvania Avenue. Immediately after
you cross the wash, look for the Paton's
distinctive "Birder's
Haven" sign on
the left. If the gate is open, you are welcome.
It's customary to leave a few bucks in the
'sugar jar.'
Patagonia Waste Water Treatment Plant
This can be an excellent place to bird and is conveniently located on the edge of town on Highway 82, just west of 4th Avenue, on the right.
Empire Cienega National Conservation Area
An excellent example of how preserving historic ranch lands benefits both wildlife and humans, the Empire Cienega National Conservation Area offers 66 square miles of grassland and riparian woodland featuring several marshes (cienegas) that are great for bird-watching. The site is an historic cattle ranch that is now maintained by the US Bureau of Land Management. From Sonoita, take Hwy 83 north 6 miles, almost to milepost 40. Watch for the sign on the east side of the road. Turn east onto the conservation area and follow the road to the fork. The left fork takes you to the former ranch buildings, now offices and information center. The right fork takes you into the heart of the ranch. Allow 2-4 hours. Free.
