Cottonwood-lined San Pedro River flowing through desert landscape

San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
WetlandDesertForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-September

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily

About This Location

The San Pedro Riparian NCA protects 40 miles of the upper San Pedro River, one of the last undammed rivers in the Southwest. This lush cottonwood-willow corridor supports over 350 bird species and is one of the most important migratory corridors in the continental US.

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

Flame-colored Tanager

Piranga bidentata

6/3/2026Miller Canyon Trail1 observed

Rufous-winged Sparrow

Peucaea carpalis

6/3/2026Veterans Memorial Park, Sierra Vista1 observed

Lucifer Hummingbird

Calothorax lucifer

6/2/2026Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (closed Thursday morning)1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

6/1/20261000 Carr Canyon Road, Hereford, Arizona, US (31.434, -110.285)2 observed

Berylline Hummingbird

Saucerottia beryllina

6/1/2026Ramsey Canyon Preserve (formerly Mile Hi Ranch)1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

6/1/2026Casa de San Pedro B&B--Visitors Welcome1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Ground Dove

25/31/2026

White-winged Dove

155/31/2026

Mourning Dove

125/31/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

25/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

45/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/31/2026

Common Black Hawk

15/31/2026

Gray Hawk

15/31/2026

Gila Woodpecker

115/31/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

55/31/2026

Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet

15/31/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

35/31/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

235/31/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

25/31/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

25/31/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

65/31/2026

Bell's Vireo

55/31/2026

Common Raven

45/31/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

25/31/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

25/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk the San Pedro House trail for riparian specialties

  2. 2

    Check the cottonwoods for nesting Gray Hawks in spring

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

  5. 5

    Bring waterproof boots and scan the marsh edges for rails, herons, and bitterns

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area for birding?
The best months to visit San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area for birding are April-September. The best seasons are Spring and Summer.
What birds can I see at San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area?
Notable species at San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area include Gray Hawk, Green Kingfisher, Vermilion Flycatcher, Lucy's Warbler, Tropical Kingbird, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, House Finch, Song Sparrow, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Lesser Goldfinch. The area supports wetland, desert, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area?
Birding at San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area?
There is no entrance fee at San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily.
What amenities are available at San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area?
San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.