Backpacking and Hiking Forum - Backpackers' Basecamp

downriver
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Posts: 883

Birding/Wildlife Viewing Outside of Tucson…??? Jan 10, 2024 0:51:58 GMT -8

Post by downriver on Jan 10, 2024 0:51:58 GMT -8

Greetings, Basecampers…

I’m thinking of making a trip to Tucson to seek out birding and wildlife viewing opportunities (plus get some sun!). My buddy lives in the area, but he is really not a wildlife viewer (more of a straight hiker). I thought I’d post this here in-lieu of the Mountain States forum to possibly get a variety of responses (not a lot of traffic at the Mountain States forum).

So, what areas do you recommend for birding/wildlife viewing? Any “must-sees” in Tucson? Any good chow halls or outdoor shops I should stop by and visit while I’m there? Any favorite federal fish & wildlife refuges in the area? Thx!

Regards,

DR

Life is a long walk forward thru the cars of a passenger train each filled with; strangers whose stories we never learn, dear friends we long remember and passing acquaintances whose names & faces we take in like a breath and soon breathe away.... So many cars, so many passages."

---Ted Kooser

kayman Trail Wise! Loving Retired Life Posts: 200	Birding/Wildlife Viewing Outside of Tucson…??? Jan 10, 2024 5:55:37 GMT -8 via mobile downriver likes this Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by kayman on Jan 10, 2024 5:55:37 GMT -8 We went to Madera Canyon south of Tucson a few years ago looking for the Elegant Trogan. Never did see it but did see quite a variety of birds. This was in the March/April timeframe.

trinity
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Posts: 2,909

Birding/Wildlife Viewing Outside of Tucson…??? Jan 10, 2024 6:10:47 GMT -8 downriver likes this

Post by trinity on Jan 10, 2024 6:10:47 GMT -8

How far are you willing to drive, and do you know when you will be going? The Chiricahuas are considered one of the top birding destinations in the country. Madera Canyon, as mentioned, is also a highly regarded spot. The Paton Center for Hummingbirds is a great place. I love Saguaro National Park. And the Sonora Desert Museum is a must-see.

I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it. -Soren Kierkegaard

balzaccom
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Waiting for spring...

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Birding/Wildlife Viewing Outside of Tucson…??? Jan 10, 2024 6:53:06 GMT -8 downriver likes this

Post by balzaccom on Jan 10, 2024 6:53:06 GMT -8

It is a bit off the beaten track, but we once camped at Patagonia Lake, and were amazed by the birds. There were quite a few people there who only made the trip to see them...

www.americansouthwest.net/arizona/patagonia-lake/state-park.html

Check our our website: www.backpackthesierra.com/
Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierrra; www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-Rocks-Paul-Wagner/dp/0984884963

downriver
Trail Wise!

Posts: 883

Birding/Wildlife Viewing Outside of Tucson…??? Jan 10, 2024 13:02:06 GMT -8

Post by downriver on Jan 10, 2024 13:02:06 GMT -8

Jan 10, 2024 6:10:47 GMT -8 trinity said:

How far are you willing to drive, and do you know when you will be going? The Chiricahuas are considered one of the top birding destinations in the country. Madera Canyon, as mentioned, is also a highly regarded spot. The Paton Center for Hummingbirds is a great place. I love Saguaro National Park. And the Sonora Desert Museum is a must-see.

I’m looking at getting a new job. Hoping to get down there soon. Maybe February. I have to see what’s going on with the job front.

Thank you ALL for your recommendations…!

Respecfully,

DR

Life is a long walk forward thru the cars of a passenger train each filled with; strangers whose stories we never learn, dear friends we long remember and passing acquaintances whose names & faces we take in like a breath and soon breathe away.... So many cars, so many passages."

---Ted Kooser

trinity
Trail Wise!

Posts: 2,909

Birding/Wildlife Viewing Outside of Tucson…??? Jan 11, 2024 6:26:38 GMT -8

Post by trinity on Jan 11, 2024 6:26:38 GMT -8

That probably won't be a great time for birds, but still a beautiful time to be in the area. Good luck with the job search.

This thread makes me realize we haven't heard much from desert dweller or swiftdream lately. Both great posters who are very knowledgeable about the area.