Santa
Cruz
County -
a Birding Paradise
in Southern Arizona
Nestled in the heart of Southern Arizona's
migratory bird flyway,
Santa Cruz
County is a paradise for birders and nature
lovers.
Home to mountain ranges, riparian areas and
wetlands, lakes and forests, the Santa Cruz
River and the Sonoran Desert, this region
features prime birding destinations
including the Buenos Aires National Wildlife
Refuge, Madera Canyon, Patagonia Lake State
Park, Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, and
the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area.
Grab your binoculars, and your life list,
and head out to spot species such as
the Vermillion Flycatcher, Broad-Billed
Rufous Hummingbird, Lesser Nighthawk,
Coopers Hawk, Northern Cardinal, Elegant
Trogon, Red-Naped Sapsucker, Gray Hawk,
Green Kingfisher, Rufous-Backed Robin, and
the Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Thick-billed
Kingbird, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, and
Violet-Crowned Hummingbird, Greater
Roadrunner, Curve-Billed Thrasher,
Red-Winged Blackbird, Northern Cardinal,
Hooded Oriole, and hundreds more!
Birding
Destinations
Buenos Aires
National Wildlife Refuge:
Featuring over 118,000 acres of riparian and
semi-desert habitat for threatened and
endangered plants and animals, this preserve
is home to more than 325 bird species
including the Masked Bobwhite Quail and the
Gray Hawk.
Click here for details.
Madera
Canyon: A resting location
for migrating species, Madera Canyon boasts
an extensive trail system of the Santa Rita
Mountains and sits at an elevation just over
5000 Feet.
Click here for details.
Patagonia
Lake State Park: Covering
two and a half miles in length and 250
surface acres, Patagonia Lake is a popular
birding area, boasting plenty of waterfowl.
Click here for details.
Patagonia-Sonoita
Creek Preserve: A haven
for birders with trails running along
perennial streams, this Nature Conservancy
Preserve is best known for the 300 bird
species observed there.
Click here for details.
Sonoita
Creek State Natural Area:
Located in a transitional zone between the
Sonoran Desert and the Chihuahuan Desert,
Sonoita Creek State Natural Area features
over 275 resident and migratory bird
species.
Click here for details.
Where to Stay
Amado
Territory Ranch & Inn:
Year-round birding destination
situated on 17 acres of lush riparian
habitat, in the heart
of Southern Arizona's migratory bird flyway.
Close
to birding areas Madera Canyon,
Buenos Aires National
Wildlife Refuge, and Patagonia Lake State
Park.Click
for details.
De
Anza Trails RV & Pet Resort:
Become a part of Southern Arizona's most
unique RV & Pet Resort surrounded by birding
spots - Madera Canyon, Buenos Aires Wildlife
Refuge, Patagonia Lake State Park.
Pet-friendly, secure, clean, great views,
pool & spa, reasonable rates.
Click for details.
The
Duquesne House
Bed &
Breakfast:
A charming and historic adobe inn, located
in the heart of Southern Arizona’s birding
region, near Patagonia-Sonoita Creek
Preserve, Patagonia Lake State Park, and
Paton’s Birder’s Haven. Enjoy delicious
breakfasts, terraced gardens, and beautiful
views.
Click here for details.
Esplendor
Resort at Rio Rico:
Nestled in the heart of Southern Arizona’s
birding and recreation areas, and surrounded
by Old Arizona attractions; this unique
resort features simple yet elegant
Spanish-style lodgings, fine dining,
championship golf, and a host
of recreational opportunities.
Click here for details.