Wetland birding habitat

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Cienega

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Cienega is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 261 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Turkey Vulture, Gila Woodpecker, and Arizona Woodpecker among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Buff-collared Nightjar

Antrostomus ridgwayi

4/14/2026California Gulch/Warsaw Canyon confluence1 observed

Five-striped Sparrow

Amphispizopsis quinquestriata

4/14/2026Rock Corral Canyon2 observed

Crested Caracara

Caracara plancus

4/14/2026Ron Morriss Park1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/14/2026Ron Morriss Park2 observed

Scaled Quail

Callipepla squamata

4/14/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Arivaca Cienega1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/14/2026Santa Gertrudis Lane (foot access only)1 observed

Brown-crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus tyrannulus

4/13/2026Santa Gertrudis Lane (foot access only)1 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

4/12/2026Chavez Siding Rd1 observed

Rufous-capped Warbler

Basileuterus rufifrons

4/12/2026Sycamore Canyon (Pajarito Mountains)2 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

4/12/2026Ron Morriss Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

74/14/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

14/14/2026

Gray Hawk

34/14/2026

Gila Woodpecker

44/14/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

14/14/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

34/14/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

24/14/2026

Bell's Vireo

74/14/2026

Common Raven

14/14/2026

Bewick's Wren

44/14/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

24/14/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/14/2026

Lucy's Warbler

64/14/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

44/14/2026

Gambel's Quail

24/14/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

24/14/2026

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

24/14/2026

Verdin

44/14/2026

Phainopepla

14/14/2026

House Finch

44/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Cienega for birding?
The best months to visit Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Cienega for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Cienega?
Notable species at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Cienega include Turkey Vulture, Gila Woodpecker, Arizona Woodpecker, American Kestrel, Cassin's Kingbird. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Cienega?
Birding at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Cienega is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Cienega?
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Cienega offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.