When to Plan Your SE Arizona Birding Trip
There's really no such thing as a "bad time" to bird in Cochise, Santa Cruz, and Pima counties... but here is a run-down of the most popular and productive times of year to plan your birding trip, including key species to look for!
Season-by-Season Birding in SE Arizona
WINTER (December through early March)
SE Arizona is lesser-known for its wintering birds, but can be surprisingly  productive for both first-time vistors and returning birders. Many species of sparrows, longspurs, and other grassland birds arrive during the colder months; semi-arid mesquite scrub and riparian corridors can also teem with skulky towhees and sparrows. Winter is also the most likely season for a rare Rufous-backed Robin or Ruddy Ground-Dove to show up. Due to our mild climate, numerous flycatchers are able to winter in SE Arizona: Hammond's Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet (scarce in winter; also breeds), Say's Phoebe, Eastern Phoebe (rare), Ash-throated Flycatcher (also breeds), Vermilion Flycatcher (also breeds), and Cassin's Kingbird (uncommon; breeds).

Many raptors take advantage of flat, agricultural valleys and grasslands to stay well-fed. These include a wide variety of Red-tailed Hawk morphs, Ferruginous Hawk, White-tailed Kite (some also breed), Northern Harrier, Prairie Falcon, American Kestrel (also breeds), and others. Both open and scrubby semi-arid grasslands are winter homes to a wide variety of ground-loving species, including some highly sought-after birds. Examples include Baird's Sparrow, Chestnut-collared Longspur, Brewer's Sparrow, McCown's Longspur, Grasshopper Sparrow (also breeds), Vesper Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Horned Lark (also breeds), Cassin's Sparrow (scarce in winter; breeds), Sagebrush Sparrow, Lark Bunting, and more.

In mid-elevation mountain canyons, mixed flocks of Bridled Titmice, Bushtits, and Hutton's Vireos in the oaks, junipers, and sycamores may harbor a hidden gem such as a wintering Olive Warbler, Painted Redstart, Townsend's Warbler, or Hepatic Tanager. Resident Yellow-eyed Juncos are joined in winter by at least three "types" of Dark-eyed Juncos: Gray-headed, Pink-sided, and Oregon. High elevation conifer-dominated habitat can be home to Williamson's Sapsucker, Townsend's Solitaire, Cassin's Finch, and Red-breasted Nuthatch.

And on any body of water, there will be an assortment of water birds: geese, dabbling and diving ducks, grebes, waders, shorebirds, even 10,000s of Sandhill Cranes!​​ Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall, Common Merganser, Eared Grebe, Ruddy Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Canvasback, American Wigeon, Western Grebe (uncommon), Snow Goose, Bufflehead, and Northern Shoveler are only a few examples.

SPRING (mid-March through mid-May)
***One of our two traditional PEAK BIRDING SEASONS!***
Starting around the second week in March and tapering off by mid-May (early by northern standards), a variety of neotropical migrants return from their wintering grounds. Some have very limited breeding ranges within the US, nesting only in the handful of Sky Island Mountain ranges in the SE Arizona tri-county area and -- in a few cases -- in the (private) Animas Mountains in New Mexico and/or tiny areas in Texas. Some examples include Elegant Trogon, Lucifer Hummingbird, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Greater Pewee, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Rose-throated Becard, Thick-billed Kingbird, Olive Warbler, Painted Redstart, and Red-faced Warbler. Particularly rare and local nesting species may appear in some years, such as Tufted Flycatcher, Slate-throated Redstart, or Flame-colored Tanager.*

Other returning migrants nest elsewhere in Arizona and the Southwest, but only in 4-5 states (or fewer). Zone-tailed Hawk, Gray Hawk, Lucy's Warbler, Grace's Warbler, Hepatic Tanager, Hooded Oriole, and Scott's Oriole are good examples of these regional specialties.*

And of course, many species are simply passing through, breeding as close as central Arizona and as far away as Alaska! This includes birds such as Common Black-Hawk (migration peaks in mid-March), Cassin's Vireo, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Hermit Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Rufous Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, and others.

SUMMER (mid-May through June)
By SE Arizona standards, these are the "Dog Days" of summer. It is an excellent time to observe unique breeding birds mentioned above as well as permanent residents (see following section*). Migration has tapered off and birds are busy defending their territories and raising young. This period is typically very dry, and is often very hot. Fittingly, birding should be done from very early morning until around lunch -- conditions for both the birds and humans can range from miserable to dangerous in the afternoons, so everyone slows down their activities and takes cover in cooler environs.

Summer is also a good time to try nocturnal birding outings from just before sunset until 1-2 hours into the night, as these cryptic birds are present in their highest diversity and can be quite vocal: Mexican Whip-poor-will, Elf Owl, Western and Whiskered Screech-Owls, Common Poorwill, Lesser Nighthawk, and others.

MONSOON (July through early September)
***One of our two traditional PEAK BIRDING SEASONS!***
Traditionally starting in early July, a unique weather pattern develops across southern Arizona and New Mexico: intense, local downpours fall from the sky like water faucets, soaking the landscape. This in turn gives rise to our famous "Second Spring," a time when grasslands explode with fresh green growth, nectar-filled agave blossoms abound, a new round of wildflowers bloom in the canyons and deserts, and insects are plentiful. And just like "regular" spring, our birds respond to this influx of new resources!

Monsoon is the best time of year to observe the greatest numbers and diversity of hummingbirds. Many young of the year and adults swarm natural nectar sources and feeder stations alike. The most numerous tend to be Black-chinned, Broad-billed, Anna's, Rivoli's, Broad-tailed, and Costa's (depending on microhabitat/elevation). Blue-throated Mountain-gems abound in the area of Portal, in the Chiricahua Mountains... but do show up sporadically high on Mt. Lemmon. Lucifer and Violet-crowned Hummingbirds can be found in fair numbers, albeit only in a few local spots. And if one of our "trifecta" of super-rare hummers is going to show up in any given season, monsoon is the time: Plain-capped Starthroat, Berylline Hummingbird, and White-eared Hummingbird.

Some of our birds are so specialized that they do not begin breeding activities until the bounty of monsoon arrives! Examples include Botteri's Sparrow, Cassin's Sparrow, and the sought-after Five-striped Sparrow. Montezuma Quail are also monsoon-obligate breeders; although still very skulky, sometimes a few whistled imitations of a female will draw in a curious male. Many of our later-arriving neotropical migrants are still busy raising their first (and sometimes second) broods: Varied Bunting, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Blue Grosbeak, Yellow-breasted Chat, Mississippi Kite (local), Willow Flycatcher (local), Tropical Kingbird, Summer Tanager, and others.

Sought-after rarities that occur almost exclusively during the monsoon period include Yellow-green Vireo, Aztec Thrush. 

FALL (mid-September through November)
Fall migration may be our "slow season" for birding and visiting birders, but can nonetheless be very rewarding -- especially for those who have never birded in SE Arizona or the Southwest before! Many of our resident birds (see below) are life birds even for seasoned Western birders.

We may not have much water, but wherever there are shallow cattle tanks or artificial ponds with muddy edges, migrating shorebirds abound. Great studies can be had of Baird's, Least, and Western Sandpipers, among other "peeps." Huge flocks of American Avocet and Black-necked Stilt are joined by rafts of spinning Wilson's Phalaropes (with the odd Red-necked Phalarope mixed in). Other goodies include Long-billed Curlew, Stilt Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, Spotted Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, and both Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs.

On the early end of fall migration, many birders are surprised that Painted Buntings sometimes pop up in high reeds and grasses, often joined by Lazuli Bunting, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, and the occasional Dickcissel. With the nesting season over, transients from farther north filter through canyons, scrubland, and riparian zones, including Cassin's Vireo, Olive-sided Flycatcher, and Townsend's, Hermit, Nashville, MacGillivray's, and Wilson's Warblers.

*Don't see some of your most-wanted SE Arizona birds here? Check under the "Permanent Year-Round Residents" or "Nocturnal Birds" 
headings in the next section.
The sprawling grasslands of Las Cienegas NCA with the Santa Rita Mountains in the background. Only during monsoon is it a sea of green -- for nine months of the year it's waves of golden-yellow!
?What Birds Can I See
In addition to the general patterns of seasonal birding discussed above, this section provides even more detailed information about which birds can be expected over the course of the year, including links to custom eBird reports showing ALL species recorded in Cochise, Santa Cruz, and Pima counties in each season, all-time.
Season-by-Season Key Bird Species
WINTER (December through early March)

Rufous-backed Robin (rare; local)
Ruddy Ground-Dove (rare; local)
Hammond's Flycatcher
Gray Flycatcher
Dusky Flycatcher
Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet (scarce in winter)
Say's Phoebe
Eastern Phoebe (rare)
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Vermilion Flycatcher
Cassin's Kingbird (rare; breeds)
Red-tailed Hawk

Ferruginous Hawk
White-tailed Kite
Northern Harrier
Prairie Falcon
American Kestrel
Baird's Sparrow
Chestnut-collared Longspur
Brewer's Sparrow
McCown's Longspur
Grasshopper Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Horned Lark
Cassin's Sparrow (scarce in winter)
Sagebrush Sparrow
Lark Bunting
Bridled Titmice
Bushtits
Hutton's Vireos
Olive Warbler
Painted Redstart
Townsend's Warbler
Hepatic Tanager
Yellow-eyed Junco
Dark-eyed Juncos (Gray-headed, Pink-sided, and Oregon)
Williamson's Sapsucker
Townsend's Solitaire
Cassin's Finch
Red-breasted Nuthatch.
Sandhill Crane
Geese, dabbling and diving ducks, grebes, waders, shorebirds


SPRING (mid-March through mid-May)
***One of our two traditional PEAK BIRDING SEASONS!***

Elegant Trogon
Lucifer Hummingbird
Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet
Greater Pewee
Buff-breasted Flycatcher
Dusky-capped Flycatcher
Rose-throated Becard
Thick-billed Kingbird
Olive Warbler
Painted Redstart
Red-faced Warbler
Tufted Flycatcher (rare)
Slate-throated Redstart (rare)
Flame-colored Tanager (rare)
Zone-tailed Hawk
Gray Hawk
Lucy's Warbler
Grace's Warbler
Hepatic Tanager
Hooded Oriole
Scott's Oriole
Common Black-Hawk
Cassin's Vireo
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Hermit Warbler
Townsend's Warbler
Rufous Hummingbird
Calliope Hummingbird


SUMMER (mid-May through June)
Breeding Birds (see Spring and Monsoon)
Nocturnal Birds (see below)

MONSOON (July through early September)
***One of our two traditional PEAK BIRDING SEASONS!***

Black-chinned Hummingbird
Broad-billed Hummingbird
Anna's Hummingbird
Rivoli's Hummingbird
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Costa's Hummingbird
Blue-throated Mountain-gem
Lucifer Hummingbird
Violet-crowned Hummingbird
Plain-capped Starthroat (rare)
Berylline Hummingbird (rare)
White-eared Hummingbird (rare)
Botteri's Sparrow

Cassin's Sparrow
Five-striped Sparrow (local)
Montezuma Quail
Varied Bunting
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher
Blue Grosbeak
Yellow-breasted Chat
Mississippi Kite (local)
Willow Flycatcher (local)
Tropical Kingbird
Summer Tanager
Yellow-green Vireo (rare)
Aztec Thrush (rare)


FALL (mid-September through November)
In addition to the species listed here, many of the birds listed in spring and monsoon seasons may also be found in the fall, in varying numbers, depending on the species (some have headed south already).
Baird's Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Western Sandpipers
American Avocet
Black-necked Stilt
Wilson's Phalaropes
Red-necked Phalarope
Long-billed Curlew
Stilt Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Long-billed Dowitcher
Spotted Sandpiper
Solitary Sandpiper
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Painted Bunting
Lazuli Bunting
Blue Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Dickcissel
Cassin's Vireo
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Townsend's Warbler
Hermit Warbler
Nashville Warbler
MacGillivray's Warbler
Wilson's Warbler


PERMANENT YEAR-ROUND RESIDENTS
Many of our visiting birders are surprised to discover that -- along with birds typical of the Southwest (not all listed here) -- a good number of our specialties are present year-round! Granted, most of these species are easier to detect in some seasons than others (especially breeding), but there's always a chance to find them if you know where and how to look -- and we do!
Montezuma Qual
Scaled Quail
Inca Dove
White-throated Swift
Rivoli's Hummingbird (winters locally)
Blue-throated Mountain-gem (Portal)
Anna's Hummingbird
Costa's Hummingbird
Broad-billed Hummingbird (winters locally)
Violet-crowned Hummingbird (winters locally)
Neotropic Cormorant
Harris's Hawk (local)
Elegant Trogon (winters locally)
Green Kingfisher (local)
Acorn Woodpecker
Gila Woodpecker
Arizona Woodpecker
Gilded Flicker
Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet (winters locally)
Black Phoebe
Say's Phoebe
Vermilion Flycatcher
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Hutton's Vireo
Plumbeous Vireo
Steller's Jay
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay
Mexican Jay
Chihuahuan Raven
Mexican Chickadee (Chiricahuas only)
Bridled Titmouse
Verdin
Bushtit
Pygmy Nuthatch
Black-tailed Gnatcatcher
Black-capped Gnatcatcher
Rock Wren
Canyon Wren
Bewick's Wren
Cactus Wren
Curve-billed Thrasher
Bendire's Thrasher
Crissal Thrasher
Western Bluebird
Phainopepla
Olive Warbler (winters locally)
Lesser Goldfinch
Rufous-winged Sparrow
Black-throated Sparrow
Lark Sparrow
Yellow-eyed Junco
Canyon Towhee
Abert's Towhee
Rufous-crowned Sparrow
Spotted Towhee
"Lilian's" Easterh Meadowlark
Great-tailed Grackle
Black-throated Gray Warbler (winters locally)
Rufous-capped Warbler (local)
Painted Redstart (winters locally)
Hepatic Tanager (winters locally)
Pyrrhuloxia
Lazuli Bunting (winters locally)
 

NOCTURNAL BIRDS
Although there are a few resident owl species (and Common Poorwill winters in some areas), the greatest variety of nocturnal birds are present from spring through summer, with April and May being the best window to detect them by listening for their calls.
Barn Owl (resident)
Long-eared Owl (local; winter)
​Short-eared Owl (rare; winter)
Great Horned Owl (resident)
"Mexican" Spotted Owl (resident)
Western Screech-Owl (resident)
Whiskered Screech-Owl (resident)
Flammulated Owl (rare; spring-summer)
Elf Owl (fairly common; spring-summer)
Northern Saw-Whet Owl (rare and local; resident)
Lesser Nighthawk (fairly common; spring-summer)
Common Nighthawk (uncommon; spring-summer)
Mexican Whip-poor-will (fairly common; spring-summer)
Buff-collared Nightjar (rare and local; spring-summer)
Common Poorwill (fairly common; spring-summer)
Although each of these SE Arizona specialties may be easier to detect in certain seasons, they are all year-round residents to some degree! Closewise from upper left: Rufous-capped Warbler, Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Olive Warbler
Weather, Safety, and Trip Preparation
What to expect in various seasons, and how to pack and prepare for your trip
Safe & Comfortable Birding in Southeast Arizona
Clothing & Gear:
  • Long pants to guard against thorny desert plants and thick brush
  • Light, nylon pants to help stay cool
  • Light, long-sleeve shirts for UV protection
  • Ventilated nylon shirts or athletic wear to prevent overheating
  • A hat with a full brim to protect face and ears
  • Closed-toe shoes in all areas
  • Hiking shoes or boots for mountain trails and rocky canyons
  • Gortex or other waterproof material helps with stream crossings and mud (especially Jul-Sep) 
  • Layered clothing to peel off layers as necessary (late fall-winter)
  • Early mornings may be cool and even cold in the mountains
  • Lighter clothing under a long-sleeve shirt and/or fleece jacket
  • Late fall-early spring, light gloves or a warm hat are nice
  • July-August, a rain shell, jacket or a cheap plastic poncho is critical during monsoon season—don’t get caught unprepared out on the trail with a bunch of expensive gadgets when a downpour hits!
  • Gaiters are NOT required but protect against thorns and cactus around your ankles and lower legs and prevent debris from getting into your boots; snake bites are very rare, but gaiters do add one additional layer

Heat & Water:
  • The “dry heat” factor is NOT a myth, and can make highs of 85-100 F feel deceivingly comfortable, especially in the shade… but you’re still losing moisture, even if you’re not dripping with sweat!
  • Bring plenty of water, keep 1-2 gallons in your car to refill your bottles or water backpack bladders between birding spots
  • Carry at least 1 quart for most hikes and 1/2 gallon for all day hikes
  • Water backpacks (such as CamelBak) come in very handy
  • Remember to drink water before you feel thirsty to avoid dehydration
  • Assume all surface water is contaminated; never drink directly from creeks or ponds

Sun & Insects:
  • Bring SPF 20+ products to protect exposed skin from the sun
  • April-September insect repellant to deter pests
  • Chiggers – Yes, we do have chiggers in SE Arizona from about late June through mid-September or so. While uncommon, they occur in various habitats
  • Ticks – Quite uncommon, but we do get a few in the warmer months
  • Tuck pant legs into your hiking socks to ward off ticks and chiggers and thoroughly spray the area with repellant
  • Mosquitos – While not overwhelming, they may occur in various habitats in the warmer months, but are worst in low, riparian areas
  • Ants – Circular patches of bare ground indicate colonies of large, red “harvester ants" which can be seen pouring in and out of the entrance in warm months, yet reside underground all winter. They are generally docile, but will bite if you stand on their nest!
  • Wasps, tarantulas, scorpions, giant centipedes – Yep, we’ve got ‘em all! Luckily, many of these fascinating creatures are primarily nocturnal, and don’t bother people unless we bother them

Rain & Roads:
  • July-August, monsoon rains cause isolated deluges that range from  “pop-up storms” to slow-moving, rumbling water faucets pouring from the sky. While beautiful, these storms require extra precautions
  • Flexibility is key to birding in monsoon
  • If you can see a storm in the area you are headed towards, pinpoint its exact location/movement with radar, and then tweak the order of birding accordingly
  • Many paved roads have dips that cross dry "riverbeds" which may turn into rushing torrents of water after a rain
  • Unpaved roads can turn into slippery mud or even develop washouts
  • Trails may be blocked by rising water
  • Do not drive across swift water running on the road, simply wait it out
  • Approach dips cautiously and with a sharp eye, as any hint of a thunderstorm in the area may produce a rapidly approaching wall of water from several miles away 
  • NEVER PARK IN A DRY WASH!!!
  • Winter rains are typically sporadic, gentle and prolonged
  • Spring and fall see very little rain

Other Critters:
  • Arizona is major reptile country and occur in the mountains as well as the desert, always watch where you place your hands and feet 
  • Reptile activity is temperature-dependent so they may be foraging at dawn and dusk in hot weather or resting in a shady crevice during the day
  • Snake sightings are somewhat rare, but provide an enjoyable experience if you give them the space and respect they deserve
  • Should you be lucky enough to encounter a rattlesnake or even a Gila Monster, please admire them from a distance as these are venomous reptiles
  • Scorpions are active at night in warm weather and hide under bark or rocks when the weather is cool
  • Stay away from all bee colonies or swarms/balls in brush or trees
  • All of our bees should be considered Africanized and may become very aggressive if disturbed—run as fast and as far away as possible if you are attacked
  • SE Arizona is home to an impressive number of mammal species, including some predators, including black bear, mountain lion, jaguar, bobcat, and coyote

Crime & Personal Safety:
  • Some of our best birding areas occur near the Mexican border, or on land that allows passageway through mountain ranges away from roads and towns
  • Illegal trafficking of people or drugs occurs in this area, and many places have signage to this effect
  • Actually seeing or having interactions with people participating in such activities is very rare, and despite the fact that there is a lot of “hype,” vigilance and common sense must be the order of the day
  • Travel with a companion when planning a backcountry hike
  • Always lock your vehicle and keep any possessions of value, especially guns, out of sight—some urban sites (such as Sweetwater Wetlands) have experienced multiple cases of vehicle break-ins
  • U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents patrol backroads regularly and they may stop any vehicle or person, sometimes birdwatchers
  • Carry adequate identification and do not carry illegal substances
  • Be a good ambassador of the Birding Community: polite and respectful, provide I.D. if asked, answer questions directly, and avoid having “attitude” or a “chip on your shoulder” as these men and women are trying to do their job and keep us safe
The Sky Island mountains, riparian corridors, and Sonoran and Chihuahuan desert habitats of Southeast Arizona provide habitat for many noteworthy animal species throughout the year. The climate here varies widely from season-to-season or even hour-to hour. Cold mornings in upper canyons quickly turn to scorching afternoons in the valleys. Deserts are particularly difficult areas for plant and animal survival⁠—humans included! While a critical part of our ecosystems, monsoon rains periodically cause  dangerous flash floods across trails and roads. Here is our advice to avoid some common climate pitfalls using a few simple precautions. 
The trail to Guindani Canyon in the Whetstone Mountains can range from frosty mornings in January... to blazing hot at mid-day in June.
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