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

Loading map...

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

7/21/2026Coronado National Forest, Tubac US-AZ 31.55501, -111.083122 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

7/21/2026Coronado National Forest, Tubac US-AZ 31.55501, -111.083121 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

7/20/2026Arivaca Lake1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

7/16/2026Rock Corral Canyon1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Swainson's Hawk

17/21/2026

Cassin's Sparrow

17/21/2026

Botteri's Sparrow

17/21/2026

Gambel's Quail

17/21/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/21/2026

White-winged Dove

47/21/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

27/21/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

57/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

47/21/2026

Gila Woodpecker

17/21/2026

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

17/21/2026

Barn Swallow

17/21/2026

House Sparrow

57/21/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

47/21/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

17/21/2026

Common Ground Dove

27/17/2026

Mourning Dove

17/17/2026

Cooper's Hawk

27/17/2026

American Kestrel

27/17/2026

Black Phoebe

17/17/2026

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.