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

Lucifer Hummingbird

Calothorax lucifer

4/18/2026Battiste's Bird Garden1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

4/18/2026Ramsey Canyon Rd W of canyon mouth1 observed

Flame-colored Tanager

Piranga bidentata

4/18/2026Miller Canyon Trail1 observed

Botteri's Sparrow

Peucaea botterii

4/18/2026Coronado National Memorial--Windmill Trail1 observed

Rufous-winged Sparrow

Peucaea carpalis

4/18/2026Cochise College (Sierra Vista Campus)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

284/17/2026

Mourning Dove

104/17/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

54/17/2026

Costa's Hummingbird

14/17/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

44/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

94/17/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

14/17/2026

Cooper's Hawk

24/17/2026

Common Black Hawk

14/17/2026

Gray Hawk

24/17/2026

Zone-tailed Hawk

14/17/2026

Swainson's Hawk

24/17/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/17/2026

Gila Woodpecker

74/17/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

34/17/2026

Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet

54/17/2026

Gray Flycatcher

14/17/2026

Dusky Flycatcher

24/17/2026

Black Phoebe

14/17/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

44/17/2026

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.