Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Cienega

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Cienega is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 261 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Turkey Vulture, Gila Woodpecker, and Arizona Woodpecker among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

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

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

3/6/2026Anza Trail--Tubac1 observed

Bell's Vireo (Arizona)

Vireo bellii

3/6/2026Anza Trail--Carmen (Clark Crossing Rd)1 observed

Five-striped Sparrow

Amphispizopsis quinquestriata

3/6/2026Rock Corral Canyon1 observed

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay (Woodhouse's)

Aphelocoma woodhouseii

3/6/2026Rock Corral Canyon2 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/5/2026Anza Trail--Tubac15 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/5/2026Arivaca Lake1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/5/2026Arivaca Lake1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

3/5/2026Anza Trail--Tubac1 observed

Northern Pygmy-Owl

Glaucidium gnoma

3/5/2026Sycamore Canyon (Pajarito Mountains)1 observed

Rufous-capped Warbler

Basileuterus rufifrons

3/5/2026Sycamore Canyon (Pajarito Mountains)2 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/4/2026Anza Trail--Tubac1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

12/23/2026

Gila Woodpecker

12/23/2026

Arizona Woodpecker

12/23/2026

American Kestrel

22/23/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

42/23/2026

Bewick's Wren

12/23/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

32/23/2026

Savannah Sparrow

12/23/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Cienega for birding?
The best months to visit Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Cienega for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Cienega?
Notable species at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Cienega include Turkey Vulture, Gila Woodpecker, Arizona Woodpecker, American Kestrel, Cassin's Kingbird. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Cienega?
Birding at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Cienega is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Cienega?
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Cienega offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.