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

Purple Martin

Progne subis

7/20/2026Arivaca Lake1 observed

Five-striped Sparrow

Amphispizopsis quinquestriata

7/19/2026Rock Corral Canyon1 observed

Violet-crowned Hummingbird

Ramosomyia violiceps

7/19/2026Market House1 observed

Allen's Hummingbird

Selasphorus sasin

7/18/2026Market House1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

7/16/2026Rock Corral Canyon1 observed

Common Black Hawk

Buteogallus anthracinus

7/15/2026Pena Blanca Lake1 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

7/10/2026Anza Trail--Tubac1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Ground Dove

27/17/2026

White-winged Dove

87/17/2026

Mourning Dove

17/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

97/17/2026

Cooper's Hawk

27/17/2026

Gila Woodpecker

37/17/2026

American Kestrel

27/17/2026

Black Phoebe

17/17/2026

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

27/17/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

67/17/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

27/17/2026

Bell's Vireo

37/17/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

17/17/2026

Barn Swallow

27/17/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/17/2026

Phainopepla

27/17/2026

House Finch

27/17/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

87/17/2026

Black-throated Sparrow

17/17/2026

Song Sparrow

17/17/2026

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.