On this page we do not list all information about all birding sites in southeast Arizona. Instead, we list sites for which there have been changes since the September, 2004 publication of the 6th edition of Tucson Audubon's Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona. For complete birding information on southeast Arizona, consult the new 7th Edition (available online from the Tucson Audubon Nature Shop). These updates are in alphabetical order.
Aravaipa Canyon, EAST END NEAR KLONDYKE
Access blocked by landowner—modifies, hopefully temporarily, page 93
A landowner with a complaint against Graham County authorities has closed access to the east end of Aravaipa Canyon where the access road goes through her land. For more see this story in the Arizona Daily Star. We hope this will be temporary. The west end of Aravaipa Canyon is still accessible, but remember that to hike the 11-mile wilderness portion of the canyon from either end, a permit is required from the Safford office of the Bureau of Land Management (call 928-348-4400). (3/30/05)
Avra Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant
Plant reopens to birders (August 5, 2009)
The Avra Valley wastewater treatment plant is again open to birders! It has been closed for an extended period due to construction that has created significant wastewater treatment upgrades at the plant. Tucson Audubon has been working with Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department to address issues associated with birder access when the plant reopens, and would like to thank the department for its cooperation.
Most of you know how to get there but directions to the plant are available in Tucson Audubon's publication, Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona .
There are changes in the system for birder access. PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION BEFORE YOU GO:
1. Park in the same parking lot as before, located outside the main gate to the plant facility. There currently are no restrooms. In the future there will be an effort to provide restrooms, an information kiosk, picnic facilities, and some restored habitat near the parking lot.
2. The plant is open to birders every day from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. DO NOT BE INSIDE THE GATE AT 2 P.M. OR YOU WILL BE LOCKED IN.
3. Do NOT go inside the high-security fence around the main plant facility, including the building where you formerly signed in (it is now not necessary to sign in). You have access to all the large ponds west of the facility (as before) but not to the high-security area inside the fence.
4. From the parking lot, walk directly west and enter through a gate in the low fence between the parking area and the south end of the ponds.
5. Inside the gate, TURN LEFT and follow the berm around the south side of the ponds. DO NOT try to turn right and walk on the narrow part of the berm outside the high-security fence to your right.
6. Birders will normally have access to all the main pond areas, including some new ponds that have been added.
Additional Info
As stated above, turn left inside the gate and access all the other ponds by walking around the south side of the south pond.
There is a main east-west berm that runs through the middle of the ponds that may from time to time be cordoned off in places when heavy vehicles are accessing the ponds or the water distribution system that runs under that berm. Please respect chains and signs when they are up—plant staff will try not to simultaneously close all the places where other berms cross this E-W berm.
Stay on the berms—do not go down slopes into the basins.
The water draining into the ponds looks clean and does indeed represent a higher level of water quality than what was being produced before; however, do not touch or drink the water.
Benson Wastewater Treatment Pond
New Birding Site: insert on page 134
The City of Benson has now labeled part of its wastewater treatment facility a wildlife viewing area and birders are welcome to visit one of the ponds. It attracts migrant and wintering waterfowl. Shorebird habitat is limited to the pond edges.
From Interstate 10 in Benson take the Ocotillo St. exit #304 and drive north on Ocotillo St. Watch on the right for a brown wildlife viewing sign and blue animal shelter sign. Turn right here and follow the signs, turning right at the stop sign and left at the next intersection. Total distance is under two miles. If the gate is open, drive in past the small buildings on the left and park near the wildlife viewing sign and picnic table. Here you can view the large pond from outside the chain-link fence. (There are other ponds in the facility, but they are not open for viewing. Do not trespass out of the allowed area.) (Submitted by Mark Stevenson, January 2006)
Benson Birding Trail
New Birding Site: insert on page 134
The City of Benson now has a hiking trail along the San Pedro River called the Benson Birding Trail. Directions to the trail are at the website for the Benson Visitor Center. Subscribers to the Arizona and New Mexico birding email listserv would be interested to hear about what bird species you find along this trail. To subscribe to the listserv (required to post messages), go to their site and follow the directions.
CAP Recharge Pond
Mistake in Directions on Page 46
The second sentence in the first full paragraph of page 46 should read as follows. "One of these is located close to the north side of Mile Wide Road, 1.0 mile west of Sandario Road." [Emphasis added.] (Reported by David West, 3/7/05)
Cave Creek Ranch, Chiricahua Mountains
Open to Day-only Visitors
Cave Creek Ranch is an inn near Portal, in the Chiricahua Mountains. For a while it was restricting birdwatching on its grounds to paying guests. However, the new managers say that non-guests are welcome to bird the grounds. However, large groups should call and warn them beforehand. And please give seating priority in the feeder viewing area to paying guests. For further information, and to arrange to stay there, call the managers of Cave Creek Ranch at 520-558-2334. (8/4/05)
Dudleyville, on the lower San Pedro River
Change in Parking Area
Parking is no longer permitted at the end of the pavement on San Pedro Street in Dudleyville. Instead, proceed approximately 0.2 miles to the river crossing, where a new white sign welcomes visitors and lists the conditions of use for this private property. Park on the wide shoulder of the dirt road here or on the other side of the river, being certain to leave plenty of room for large trucks to pass by. (6/16/04, Rick Wright)
El Mesquital Restaurant
Closure
(See page 207 of Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona)
In late 2004, it was reported that the restaurant was closed and the oasis dried up. (3/25/05)
Fort Huachuca
The use of recorded bird vocalizations or human imitations of bird vocalizations to attract birds is prohibited in ALL areas of Fort Huachuca.
Reminder-Don't Stop In the Road!
The Army is very concerned about the safety of birders who stop on the paved road into Garden Canyon to look at birds from their vehicles. This unsafe action effects military activity and traffic flow.
It is very important that you cease this and not undertake any birding activity from a car stopped in the road. You must pull off onto designated gravel roads off of Garden Canyon Road . Do not pull off onto the grassy shoulder, which could cause a fire in the grasslands from the heat of your catalytic converter.
Each and every one of us needs to pass this message on to all birders in our circles who ever intend on birding on the fort. If anyone comes across any birder vehicle stopped on the road, please, cautiously, approach them and tell to continue on the road to appropriate parking areas, or gravel roads. Failure to follow these instructions could adversely affect the future of birding at the fort. (Originally submitted by Wezil Walraven, August 2006)
Reminder-Heightened Security at the Fort
Entry to this active U.S. Army fort still requires valid photo ID, car registration and proof of insurance (or rental agreement). A new requirement is that foreign nationals must now be accompanied by a special trained military escort. Direct any questions about this rule to the U.S. Army at Fort Huachuca. Go to Fort Huachuca's website . The Sierra Vista Convention & Visitors Bureau (SVCVB) is working with Fort Huachuca to have certified military-related people available to accompany non-U.S.-citizen birders during their visits to the fort.
Contact SVCVB's Erika K. Breckel several weeks in advance to coordinate your visit:
Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Phone: 800-288-3861 or 520-417-6960
Fax: 520-417-4890
or visit SVCVB at
1011 N. Coronado Drive
Sierra Vista , AZ 85635
Hereford Road Bridge
Parking
First paragraph should read as follows: – “the signed parking area on the right (south) side of the road just before (west side) Hereford Bridge.”
The parking lot has been moved to the west side of the bridge. (Herb Trossman, May 2008)
Montosa Canyon
New Birding Site! Add to page 183
This canyon on the west side of the Santa Rita Mountains has harbored a few Black-capped Gnatcatchers in recent years. To get there follow the directions for Chino Canyon (page 182) to the signed intersection with the Mt. Hopkins Road. Turn right/south on paved Mt. Hopkins Road and follow it past the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory base camp buildings (roughly 6.5 miles). Soon the road changes briefly to graded gravel until it reaches a concrete stream crossing. Park off the road near the stream crossing. The gnatcatchers prefer dense vegetation up and downhill from here. Black-tailed Gnatcatchers are also here and in greater numbers. (3/25/05)
For a detailed map of the area, see Rich Hoyers page.
National Audubon Society's Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch
Pages 160-162: Always call (520-455-5522) to request permission. Casual visitation not always possible. Many roads are administrative only. Accommodations Not Normally Available
The 6th edition of Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona gives the impression that casual birding is encouraged. While birding is permitted under certain circumstances, it is necessary to first contact the facility and arrange access. Road conditions vary and many roads are administrative only. Accommodations are somewhat spartan, and generally reserved for volunteers and researchers. Always call before you go (520-455-5522) to request permission for birding or to inquire about accommodations.
Quitobaquito Springs
Closure
(See page 211 in Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona)
Due to vigorous smuggling activity in the area, the road to Quitobaquito Springs is not currently open (March 2005). Contact the National Monument for updates. (3/25/05)
Rio Rico ponds and fields
New Birding Site!
(Add to page 185 in Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona)
This area attracts Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks, waders and Tropical Kingbirds in season. It is located north of Nogales and south of Tumacacori. Take I-19 exit 17 and follow Rio Rico Road east, shortly crossing the Santa Cruz River. There is a parking lot for the Anza Trail near the northeast corner of the bridge. The trail heads north through private property from here. A bit farther east, there is a pond at the northwest corner of the first large field south of the road. (Park off the road on the right/south side.) Tropical Kingbirds may be in the cottonwoods or mesquite. DO NOT CROSS THE FENCE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES; this is private property. After checking this area, drive farther east and watch on the right/south for another pond after crossing the railroad tracks. Again park off the road and do not cross the fence. (3/25/05)
Saguaro National Park West
Beginning in 2005, a fee is being charged for visiting this park unit.
(Updates page 45 of Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona) (3/25/05)
Saint David Mississippi Kites
Addition to page 134
In recent years, a small colony of kites has become established along the San Pedro River in St. David. They are most often seen along the river and over farm fields. Watch for them near the AZ 80 bridge over the river and from the Monastery grounds. (3/25/05)
San Pedro River Inn
Birders welcome but please observe some basic rules
(Addition to pages 137-142 in Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona)
Sent by Michael Marsden & Donna Knox, Proprietors of the San Pedro River Inn
Donna and I welcome visiting birders at the Inn. As well as 20 acres of grounds with feeders and three ponds, we have our own access to a productive section of the San Pedro River. Our Inn to River circular trail takes two to three hours at a slow birding pace. Birding can be good throughout the year. Breeding species include Gray Hawk, Barn Owl and Tropical Kingbird, neotropical migrants use the River in spring and fall, and there is always a chance of something unusual: Rufous-capped Warbler, Rufous-backed Robin, Ruddy Ground-Dove and the third Arizona record of Field Sparrow were all seen here one memorable December morning. Over 260 species have been seen at the Inn or from the trail, and an additional 44 species in the area between the Hereford and Palominas bridges, all within 3 miles of us, but not yet here. Copies of our list are available on request.
The only rules for visitors are -
Day Birders: The grounds (other than the fenced area around the cottages) are open to visitors between 8am and dusk. There is no need to telephone in advance and there is no charge (though there is a box for donations to help with the costs of sugar and seed). Please leave your car at the main parking area, which you will come to as you drive into the Inn - only guests' vehicles are allowed on the roads beyond that. We have no registration, but please introduce yourself if you see us about. A sightings board with all the species seen here during the month is at the car park. The two main ponds are behind you on your left as you face the board. Approach them carefully by way of the screened observation area - if ducks are present, do not disturb them and do not walk around the ponds. Before leaving, please add anything of interest you have seen (including butterflies and dragonflies) on the sightings board.
Birding Groups: The same rules, but please telephone us at least the evening before to let us know when you are likely to be here.
Photographers: We do not generally allow photography (other than that incidental to general birding) except by guests staying at the Inn.
We also have regular guided birding walks at the Inn for guests. Visitors are welcome to join us on those I lead on Wednesdays. We start at 7am (8am November to March) and generally finish around 11am. If you would like to come, just telephone to make sure I will not be away that week.
There are also monthly birding walks here organized by the Friends of the San Pedro River. They are held on the second Sunday of each month starting at 7.30am (8am November to March). Again there is no charge other than a donation to the Friends.
The entrance to the Inn is on the west side of Hereford Road, about 3 miles from the junction with Hwy 92 east of Palominas. The Hereford bridge is down - until it is replaced later this year, there is no vehicular access from the north.
Michael
Donna Knox & Michael Marsden, Proprietors
San Pedro River Inn
(520) 366 5532
8326 S. Hereford Rd.
Hereford, AZ 85615
www.sanpedroriverinn.com
(4/05/05)
Sierra Vista Environmental Operations Park (wastewater facility)
Modifies pages 143-44 of Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona
Friends of the San Pedro River, Huachuca Audubon Society and Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory lead tours inside the restricted area for close-up views of the treatment ponds. After all participants are inside, the gate will be locked. The tour starts at the viewing platform. Once inside the gate, you will not be able to exit until the tour is completed. The tours take from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours depending on the participants and the bird activity. This is followed by an optional tour of the recharge basins on Moson Road, which takes approximately another hour. You should bring water, a hat and insect repellant (usually not needed, but better safe than sorry). The start time of the walks is 7 a.m. April through September and 8 a.m. October through March. A calendar of other walks is available on their website www.sanpedroriver.org/ No pre-registration is required. There is no fee; however, donations are accepted and used to enhance the birding experience at the EOP. Special bird tours for other times may be arranged through the Friends of the San Pedro, 459-2555; SABO, 432-1388; or Huachuca Audubon, (Mike Guest), 378-0667. If you have any other questions, please contact Dutch , 378-7229. (8/4/05)
In the general write up on page 155 in the last paragraph before "Getting to etc" the last sentence, (A run-off pond along Moson Road 0.9 mile north of AZ 90 may be viewed from the roadside.) should be removed.
In the directions to the EOP, add the following:
Look for "binocular" sign on south side of highway. (Note; the entrance is shared with the Nancy Brua Animal Control Center).
Southern Arizona Bird Observatory’s Banning Creek Field Station
Birding Location not covered in Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona
The Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory (SABO) is a non-profit organization founded in 1996 dedicated to the conservation of birds and their habitats in the region. In September 2002, SABO opened a new office in a cabin in Banning Creek Canyon just north of Bisbee in the Mule Mountains. (The Mules are part of the mountainous spine separating the San Pedro and Sulphur Springs valleys.) Feeders at the cabin have been attracting interesting birds for some time and are a prime attraction. Hummingbird species have included Broad-billed, Lucifer, Costa’s and nesting Violet-crowned. Other species of interest include Canyon Wren, Bridled Titmouse, 3 jays, Pyrrhuloxia, Rufous-crowned and Black-chinned sparrows and Scott’s Oriole.
Habitat: oak woodland with shrubs and trees more typical of lower elevations and plants found in dry rocky canyons.
Helpful information: Vistors are welcome year round for outdoor viewing of the feeders. Indoor viewing is available when staff are present. Other parts of the property are off limits to birders. Parking and seating are limited; groups of 10 or more should call or email in advance to make reservations. There is no charge, but donations are welcome. The road in is not suitable for vehicles towing trailers or RVs longer than 20 feet.
Phone: 520-432-1388 Web page www.sabo.org email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Elevation: about 5360’ About 86 miles from Tucson, 20 from Sierra Vista
Getting to Banning Creek Field Station:
From Bisbee: Take AZ 80 West (north). The turn-off is on the left 2 miles from the Mule Pass Tunnel.
From the north: take Take AZ 80 from Tombstone or AZ 90 from Sierra Vista to their intersection northwest of Bisbee. Continue on AZ 80 East (south) 4.2 miles to the turn-off on the right, just past an Adopt-A-Highway sign, a sign saying “ICE MAY BE PRESENT” and a broad gravel pull-out on the right shoulder of the highway.
From Both Directions: The field station is on Hidden Meadow Lane, a steep, narrow private drive (red street sign). Tunn up the road, continue past a fancy gate on the left, through a less conspicuous gate and across a bridge to the light blue and white cabin. Parking is on the right side of the driveway on either side of the picnic table and propane tank.
Info Source: SABO web page 4/3/04 (posted here 6/2/04)Sunglow Ranch, Chiricahua Mountains
Now off limits due to liability concerns (10/7/04)
Sweetwater Wetland, Tucson
New Hours (9/10/07)
The hours for Sweetwater had been 0600-1800, opening later on Mondays. There is a sign at the entry to the parking lot giving a new set of (extended) hours.
Tuesday to Sunday: Dawn to approximately 1 hour after dusk
Monday: 8 AM to approximately 1 hour after dusk
Gates are locked 1 hour after dusk. Don't get locked in!!
See map of the site
Tweedy Road Sod Farms
New Birding Site (enter on page 62 of Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona)
In the Santa Cruz Flats area: in the fall of 2004, birders discovered additional sod farms not far from the Western Sod Farm. In the following winter, Mountain Plovers were more often found at the sod fields along Tweedy Road. Tweedy runs north-south; the sod fields are located north of Pretzer Road and south of Harmon Road. To get there, follow the directions to Western Sod Farm on page 63 to Greene Reservoir Road, take it west/right and watch for Tweedy Road after roughly five miles. Turn north/right on Tweedy and watch for the fields on the left after passing east-west running Pretzer Road. Alternate routes may be discerned in the DeLorme Arizona Atlas. (5/25/05)
Annotated Species List - Additional Species
(See pages 218-289 in Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona)
*Cackling Goose Branta hutchinsii: recently split from Canada Goose by the A.O.U. Identification of the varying subspecies of this species is not thoroughly covered in field guides. (3/25/05)
*Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus: One alternate-plumaged and another, controversial, basic-plumaged bird found and photographed at Avra Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant west of Tucson on 26 August 2005 (pending acceptance by the Arizona Bird Committee).
*Black Turnstone Arenaria melanocephalus: One found and photographed at Willcox 2-5 June 2005 was the first recorded anywhere in Arizona (pending acceptance by the Arizona Bird Committee).
*Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris: One female photographed and examined in the hand in residential Tucson, December 20, 2004-March 2005 is the first one documented in the state (pending acceptance by the ABC) (3/25/05)
*LeConte's Sparrow Ammodramus leconteii: A single bird photographed along the Santa Cruz River south of Ina Road December 2004-February 2005 is the second documented report for the state (pending acceptance by the ABC) (3/25/05)
