Birding in Santa Cruz County
A Bird Watching Paradise in
Southern Arizona!
As featured
on Big Blend’s Nature Connection Magazine
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.
The best months for birding are March through September. 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!
Popular Birding Destinations in Santa Cruz County
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.
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. Tel: (520) 388-8300
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. Info:
(520) 287-6965
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. Info: Call (520) 394-2400
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. Info: (520) 287-2791
Amado Territory Ranch Inn
