Arizona's valley of the birds Vistas, wildlife, and hiking in Patagonia by Michelle Lau
Harold E. Malde
Just give a little whistle: Meander around Patagonia–Sonoita Creek Preserve to spot birds and breathtaking views.
Surrounded by soaring cottonwoods and willows, the Nature Conservancy’s Patagonia–Sonoita Creek Preserve is a great place for anyone to enjoy spring — and it’s a birder’s dream come true: Mid-March to May is prime time for feathered flocks to pass through the region. As one of the richest riparian habitats in southern Arizona, the preserve attracts more than 300 kinds of birds that migrate through or nest along the valley bordered by the Santa Rita Mountains. Bring your binoculars to catch a rare glimpse of gray hawks, thick-billed kingbirds, and Mexican species such as violet-crowned hummingbirds. Can’t tell the difference between a cactus wren and a finch? The 865-acre preserve is also known for white-tailed deer, javelina, and endangered Gila topminnow. And nothing beats the pretty views along Sonoita Creek.
Info: Patagonia–Sonoita Creek Preserve (7:30–4 Wed–Sun till Mar 31; 6:30–4 Wed–Sun Apr 1–Sep 30; $5 trail-access fee; www.nature.org or 520/394-2400) is located 60 miles southeast of Tucson, near Patagonia. From Tucson, take I-10 to State 83, then head west on State 82. Go west on Fourth Ave. and south on Pennsylvania Ave., and drive 1 mile to the entrance.
