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

5/31/2026Rock Corral Canyon1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

5/31/2026Arivaca Lake3 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

5/30/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Arivaca Creek access at Cañada del Toro1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/30/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Arivaca Creek Trailhead1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

5/30/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Arivaca Creek access at Cañada del Toro1 observed

American Coot (White-shielded)

Fulica americana

5/26/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Triangle Pond1 observed

Rufous-capped Warbler

Basileuterus rufifrons

5/26/2026Sycamore Canyon (Pajarito Mountains)1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

5/26/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Arivaca Creek Trailhead1 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

5/22/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Arivaca Creek Trailhead1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Ground Dove

16/1/2026

White-winged Dove

66/1/2026

Mourning Dove

26/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/1/2026

Gray Hawk

26/1/2026

Zone-tailed Hawk

16/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/1/2026

Elf Owl

16/1/2026

Gila Woodpecker

106/1/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

26/1/2026

Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet

36/1/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

36/1/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

126/1/2026

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

46/1/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

26/1/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

66/1/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

86/1/2026

Bell's Vireo

126/1/2026

Verdin

66/1/2026

Barn Swallow

16/1/2026

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.