Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Creek Trailhead

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Creek Trailhead is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, and Gila 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 (Arizona)

Vireo bellii

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

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/5/2026Arivaca Lake1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/5/2026Arivaca Lake1 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

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/4/2026Tumacacori NHP45 observed

Five-striped Sparrow

Amphispizopsis quinquestriata

3/4/2026Rock Corral Canyon2 observed

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma woodhouseii

3/3/2026Rock Corral Canyon1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

12/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/28/2026

Gila Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

12/28/2026

Bewick's Wren

12/28/2026

Northern Cardinal

22/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Creek Trailhead for birding?
The best months to visit Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Creek Trailhead 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 Creek Trailhead?
Notable species at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Creek Trailhead include Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Common Raven. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Creek Trailhead?
Birding at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Creek Trailhead 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 Creek Trailhead?
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca Creek Trailhead offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.