Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve
Arizona · Southwest
Moderate
October-May
$8 adults, TNC members free
Open Wed-Sun, 6:30 AM - 4:00 PM (Apr-Sep), 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM (Oct-Mar)
About This Location
Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 283 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Mexican Duck, Wild Turkey, and Inca Dove 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
Lucifer Hummingbird
Calothorax lucifer
American Goldfinch
Spinus tristis
Blue-throated Mountain-gem
Lampornis clemenciae
Wild Turkey
Meleagris gallopavo
Black-throated Gray Warbler
Setophaga nigrescens
Coppery-tailed Trogon
Trogon ambiguus
Abert's Towhee
Melozone aberti
American Goshawk
Astur atricapillus
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck
Dendrocygna autumnalis
Calliope Hummingbird
Selasphorus calliope
Berylline Hummingbird
Saucerottia beryllina
Rose-throated Becard
Pachyramphus aglaiae
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Wild Turkey
Inca Dove
White-winged Dove
Mourning Dove
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Costa's Hummingbird
Broad-billed Hummingbird
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Gila Woodpecker
Western Wood-Pewee
Say's Phoebe
Vermilion Flycatcher
Western Kingbird
Barn Swallow
Bewick's Wren
Phainopepla
House Finch
Canyon Towhee
Abert's Towhee
Birding Tips
- 1
Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.
- 2
Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.
- 3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.
- 4
Bird activity peaks at dawn in desert habitats; arrive at first light for the best sightings.
- 5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Patagonia Roadside Rest Area
- Patagonia Lake State Park
- San Rafael Valley
More in Arizona
Arizona Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Arizona →