These descriptions accompany the trip outlined in Birding Southeast Arizona. A brief description of habitat followed by birds likely to be seen accompanies each location in southeastern Arizona included on the trip itinerary. The trip was designed for individuals on a budget, and includes suggestions for nice campgrounds along the way when possible, although many locations are within driving range of a city with amenities for those who prefer a hotel.
South Fork Cave Creek Canyon
This riparian sycamore canyon is a hot spot to try for the Elegant Trogon. Also look for Sulphur-bellied Flycatchers. The first mile of the trail is the best.
Chiricahua National Monument
These pine-oak woodlands in the Chiricahua mountains are part of the sky islands, which host many birds found few other places in the U.S. Look for Black-headed Grosbeak, Mexican Jays, Spotted Towhees and Rufous-crowned Sparrows.
Ramsey Canyon Preserve
This riparian sycamore canyon surrounded by pine-oak woodlands is a birder's dream. Located in the Coronado National Forest of the Huachuca Mountains, the visitor's center maintains hummingbird feeders which are a must see. Possible species include Broad-billed Hummingbird, Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Blue-throated Hummingbird, Magnificent Hummingbird, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Bridled Titmouse, Peregrine Falcons, and Bewick's Wren.
Miller Canyon
These oak-sycamore woodlands boast Mexican Spotted Owls, Arizona Woodpeckers, the Mexican race of the Brown Creeper, and the brown-throated House Wren.
San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area - San Pedro House
This cottonwood-willow riparian stretch along the San Pedro River is a good spot for Abert's Towhee, Yellow Warblers, Cooper's Hawks, Blue Grosbeaks and Lesser Goldfinch. Feeders are maintained at the San Pedro House.
Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve
The preserve lies along Sonoita Creek and consists of a cottonwood-willow riparian area which is good for Gray Hawks and other desert riparian species.
Madera Canyon
The habitat here is diverse, from grassland to riparian sycamore to oak woodland to pine. As such, the canyon boasts a diverse array of species, including Black-throated Gray Warbler, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Golden Eagle, Hepatic Tanager, Hooded Oriole, Flame-colored Tanager and Elegant Trogon.
Catalina State Park
Habitat includes Sonoran Desert and mesquite bosque. Good place to find Lark Sparrows, Harris's Hawk, Pyrrholuxia, Vermilion Flycatcher, Cactus Wren, White-winged Dove, Gambel's Quail and Curve-billed Thrasher.
Saguaro National Park
Classic Sonoran Desert with Giant Saguaro Cactus. Survey the holes in the cacti for Gila Woodpeckers, Gilded Flickers, and Elf Owls.
Mount Lemmon
This 25 mile drive starts in the Sonoran Desert and ends in high elevation ponderosa pine forests, for quite a dramatic change in scenery and temperature. Watch for Yellow-eyed Juncos, Pygmy Nuthatches and Stellar's Jays.
This trip can be extended by adding a week in southwestern New Mexico- see Birding Southwest New Mexico.
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