River/Riparian birding habitat

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Creek Trailhead

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Creek Trailhead is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, and Gila 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

Five-striped Sparrow

Amphispizopsis quinquestriata

4/14/2026Rock Corral Canyon2 observed

Scaled Quail

Callipepla squamata

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

Buff-collared Nightjar

Antrostomus ridgwayi

4/12/2026California Gulch/Warsaw Canyon confluence1 observed

Steller's Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

4/12/2026California Gulch/Warsaw Canyon confluence3 observed

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay (Woodhouse's)

Aphelocoma woodhouseii

4/11/2026Rock Corral Canyon1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

4/11/2026Arivaca Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gray Hawk

14/14/2026

Gila Woodpecker

24/14/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

14/14/2026

Say's Phoebe

14/14/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

24/14/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

14/14/2026

Bell's Vireo

44/14/2026

Common Raven

24/14/2026

Lucy's Warbler

34/14/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

24/14/2026

White-winged Dove

124/14/2026

Mourning Dove

14/14/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

14/14/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

14/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

44/14/2026

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

14/14/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

54/14/2026

Abert's Towhee

14/14/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

24/14/2026

Summer Tanager

14/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Creek Trailhead for birding?
The best months to visit Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Creek Trailhead 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 Creek Trailhead?
Notable species at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Creek Trailhead include Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Common Raven. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Creek Trailhead?
Birding at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Creek Trailhead 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 Creek Trailhead?
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Creek Trailhead offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.