Only several hundred of these birds are still in existence, and many have been introduced into the wild at Glen Canyon.
This massive recreation area straddles the border between Arizona and Utah and is notable for one specific bird species-the spectacular California condor.
(928) 777-1599 Glen Canyon National Recreation Area In summer, you might spot breeding birds such as wood duck and yellow warblers. Other cool-weather birds include the stately bald eagle, peregrine and osprey. The cottonwood and willow trees at this 126-acre site not only offer shade for land-loving wildlife like the Mexican vole, but they also provide homes for the water birds and migrant shorebirds that visit during the winter. (602) 827-3000 Region: Northern Arizona Watson Woods Riparian Preserve The multiple riparian habitats at this state park bring such sub-species of hummingbirds as the green-and-gray Anna's or the hunched Costa's, while the wooded areas, lake and river attract species like wrens, sparrows and orioles. On the outskirts of Phoenix, you'll discover another important hummingbird haven. In winter, ducks and water birds make their home here, as well as rarities like roseate spoonbill and little bittern. This riparian preserve, the premier bird site in metro Phoenix, was established in 1999 as a wetland habitat. But you're in for a happy surprise: Migratory routes pass through urban areas, too, making for great birdwatching in major Arizona cities. You'd be forgiven for thinking you can see exotic bird species only in Arizona's wild lands. (520) 558-2221 Region: Central Arizona Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch At Chiricahua Desert Museum, take NM 533 (Portal Road) west, then go south on 42 Forest Road until you reach the canyon. Take I-10 east from Tucson, cross into New Mexico and take NM 80 south. Read more about Cave Creek Canyon: Epic Fall Road Trip: Cave Creek Canyon And keep your ears open for the call of the whippoorwill and the song of the Mexican chickadee. During spring or fall, catch sight of Arizona woodpecker and lazuli bunting in summer, see the stunning elegant trogon. You can see the birds all day long, but if you get here before sunrise, you'll spot them leaving their roost to feed-an unforgettable experience.Ī top birding site in Arizona-and also a wonderfully remote and rewarding nature outing in the Chiricahua Mountains-Cave Creek Canyon attracts many rare species of birds to its six habitat biomes. Between October and March, more than 20,000 cranes arrive, mostly from the Midwest, but some come from as far as Siberia. The spectacular sight of thousands of wintering sandhill cranes is the main attraction at this 1,500-acre preserve. (520) 258-7200 Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area Take I-10 south to Highway 90 and follow it to birding sites. Sierra Vista is 76 miles southeast of Tucson. Nearby at San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, 100 species of breeding birds and 250 species of migrant and wintering birds make their homes. The cool walls of Ramsey Canyon Preserve lure more than a dozen hummingbird species (violet-crowned, broad-billed and blue-throated, to name a few), giving this region the title of "hummingbird capital of the United States." The delicate birds flock to the ecologically unique spot where plants and wildlife from the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts blend with those from the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Madre. Want to get started? Check out this guide to Arizona's best birding locations. Birders can marvel at an array of exotic and rare species, from tiny hummingbirds to giant California condors.
Thanks to Arizona's rich riparian habitats that stretch from north to south, the state is a top destination for every serious-and not-so-serious-birdwatcher in the country.
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