a group of llamas grazing in a field with mountains in the background

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

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

Lark Bunting

Calamospiza melanocorys

7/20/2026Las Cienegas NCA--South Entrance (Santa Cruz Co.)1 observed

Black-chinned x Anna's Hummingbird (hybrid)

Archilochus alexandri x Calypte anna

7/20/2026Arizona Birding Guides feeders--Visitors Welcome1 observed

Thick-billed Kingbird

Tyrannus crassirostris

7/20/2026Adobe Canyon to Bathtub Tank2 observed

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

Myiarchus tuberculifer

7/20/2026Adobe Canyon to Bathtub Tank1 observed

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentalis

7/20/2026Patagonia Lake dam/spillway area1 observed

Chihuahuan Raven

Corvus cryptoleucus

7/20/2026Harshaw Creek Road1 observed

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

7/20/2026Florida Wash--Corral at Jct FR488&62A1 observed

Blue-throated Mountain-gem

Lampornis clemenciae

7/19/2026Madera Canyon--Madera Kubo B&B1 observed

Broad-billed x Berylline Hummingbird (hybrid)

Cynanthus latirostris x Saucerottia beryllina

7/19/2026Madera Canyon--Madera Kubo B&B1 observed

Violet-crowned Hummingbird

Ramosomyia violiceps

7/19/2026Market House1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

17/19/2026

White-winged Dove

7/19/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

7/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

57/19/2026

Gila Woodpecker

17/19/2026

Black Phoebe

17/19/2026

Say's Phoebe

17/19/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

47/19/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

17/19/2026

Phainopepla

17/19/2026

House Finch

47/19/2026

Abert's Towhee

27/19/2026

Summer Tanager

17/19/2026

Black-headed Grosbeak

17/19/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/17/2026

Violet-crowned Hummingbird

17/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/17/2026

Gray Hawk

17/17/2026

Zone-tailed Hawk

27/17/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

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.

  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.