Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve
Arizona · Southwest
Moderate
October-May
$8 adults, TNC members free
Open Wed-Sun, 6:30 AM - 4:00 PM (Apr-Sep), 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM (Oct-Mar)
About This Location
Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 283 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Mexican Duck, Wild Turkey, and Inca Dove 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
Lawrence's Goldfinch
Spinus lawrencei
Hooded Oriole
Icterus cucullatus
Bell's Vireo (Arizona)
Vireo bellii
Song Sparrow
Melospiza melodia
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
Cassin's Finch
Haemorhous cassinii
Inca Dove
Columbina inca
Verdin
Auriparus flaviceps
Scott's Oriole
Icterus parisorum
Gila Woodpecker
Melanerpes uropygialis
Eastern Bluebird
Sialia sialis
Elf Owl
Micrathene whitneyi
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Mexican Duck
Wild Turkey
White-winged Dove
Mourning Dove
Anna's Hummingbird
Broad-billed Hummingbird
Violet-crowned Hummingbird
Great Blue Heron
Ladder-backed Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Black Phoebe
Vermilion Flycatcher
Cassin's Kingbird
Common Raven
Bridled Titmouse
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
White-breasted Nuthatch
Bewick's Wren
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Birding Tips
- 1
Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.
- 2
Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.
- 3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.
- 4
Bird activity peaks at dawn in desert habitats; arrive at first light for the best sightings.
- 5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Patagonia Roadside Rest Area
- Patagonia Lake State Park
- San Rafael Valley