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Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

$8 adults, TNC members free

Hours

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

Five-striped Sparrow

Amphispizopsis quinquestriata

4/17/2026Montosa Canyon--km 1 (culvert area)2 observed

Inca Dove

Columbina inca

4/17/2026Madera Canyon--Santa Rita Lodge1 observed

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

4/17/20261591 Duquesne Road, Patagonia, Arizona, US (31.378, -110.686)1 observed

Thick-billed Kingbird

Tyrannus crassirostris

4/17/2026Harshaw Creek Road1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

4/17/2026Sycamore & Italian Canyons1 observed

Hepatic Tanager

Piranga flava

4/17/2026Sycamore & Italian Canyons1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/16/2026374 Gull Ct Rio Rico Az.1 observed

Brown-crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus tyrannulus

4/16/2026Florida Canyon--lower1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

4/16/2026Florida Canyon--lower1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

4/16/2026Market East1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

14/17/2026

White-winged Dove

84/17/2026

Mourning Dove

24/17/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

14/17/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

14/17/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

24/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

64/17/2026

Gray Hawk

34/17/2026

Gila Woodpecker

114/17/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

24/17/2026

Northern Flicker

14/17/2026

Say's Phoebe

24/17/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

44/17/2026

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

24/17/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

44/17/2026

Bell's Vireo

24/17/2026

Common Raven

64/17/2026

Verdin

14/17/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/17/2026

House Finch

14/17/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Bird activity peaks at dawn in desert habitats; arrive at first light for the best sightings.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve?
Notable species at Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve include Mexican Duck, Wild Turkey, Inca Dove, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Acorn Woodpecker, Gila Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, House Sparrow, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve?
Birding at Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve?
The entrance fee at Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve is $8 adults, TNC members free. Hours: Open Wed-Sun, 6:30 AM - 4:00 PM (Apr-Sep), 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM (Oct-Mar).
What amenities are available at Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve?
Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.