The Nature Conservancy’s Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve is one of the best-known and most popular birding spots in the U.S. More birders have seen their first Gray Hawks here than anywhere else. The streamside or riparian habitat along Sonoita Creek contains some of the richest remaining habitat in Southern Arizona. More than 300 species migrate, nest, and live in this critical habitat and bird enthusiasts come thousands of miles to catch a glimpse of some of them. Of particular interest are the Gray Hawk, Vermilion Flycatcher, Violet-Crowned Hummingbird, Thick-Billed Kingbird, Zone-Tailed Hawk, Green Kingfisher, White-Throat Sparrows (in winter) and Black-Bellied Whistling Duck.
Even if you can’t tell a Bluebird from a Blue Jay, the Preserve still offers something for you. Three miles of easy walking trails take you along Sonoita Creek and through rare Cottonwood and Willow forests. The peace that comes from relaxing under 140-year-old Cottonwood trees will bring you one step closer to nature.
Location:
150 Blue Haven Rd.
Patagonia, AZ 85624
520.394.2400.
Hours
April-September: Wednesday-Sunday, 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
October-March: Wednesday-Sunday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Closed: Mondays & Tuesdays all year & on Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Days.
Fees
$6 per person. Conservancy members and Santa Cruz/Cochise County residents, $3. Patagonia residents and ages 16 & under are free. Fees are valid for seven days from date of purchase..
Directions:
Patagonia-Sonoita Creek preserve is 60 miles southeast of Tucson. Take I-10 east to Highway 83 exit south. At Sonoita, turn west on Highway 82. In Patagonia, turn west on 4th Avenue. Turn south on Pennsylvania, cross the creek, and go about one mile to the entrance.