Hummingbirds of SE Arizona

Sky Island Plant Biomes

Today we start our birding adventure in Box Canyon on the north side of the Santa Rita’s. Here are targets are Five-striped Sparrow and Varied Bunting amoung others. With lots of possible lower elevation destinations, we will select from Florida Wash, Proctor Road, and lower Box Canyon. These areas have terrific grasslands and chaparral habitats. Speaking of habitats, the plant biomes picture is a great example of the habitats that will be visited during this trip. Today we visit the bottom these habitat types.

Santa Rita Lodge is up next which has feeders everywhere. We could see 7-9 hummingbird species here while sitting in the shade including Broad-billed, Rivoli’s and possibly Berylline Hummingbirds. The oak woodlands will also have Acorn Woodpeckers, Bridled Titmouse, and Mexican Jays to name just a few. Overnight in Green Valley. Tonight or tomorrow night will be an optional evening birding outing for Lesser Nighthawks and maybe even a Buff-collared Nightjar. (B, L, D)

Acorn Woodpecker

Traveling east to the Huachuca Mountains, hummingbird spots today may include Beatty’s Guest Ranch in Miller Canyon and Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary where a Violet-crowned Hummingbird was present in 2025. Beatty’s property back gate opens up into the Coronado National Forest where we walk a bit in the cooler morning temperatures. Orioles, vireos and flycatchers should be present plus lots of hummingbirds. As always, the unique species are the targets. This female Acorn Woodpecker is common in oak habitat and the many feeders we visit on this tour. (B, L, D)

Elegant Trogon, Sulpher-bellied Flycatcher, and many others should be in the upper Madera Canyon this morning. If we missed any other targets, this is the day to track them down. We will go where the birds are located! After Madera Canyon, time to head furture south. Possible spots in the afternoon include Patagonia Lake State Park with its impressive bird list, the famous Paton Center for Hummingbirds, Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, and Patagonia Roadside Rest. Overnight in Green Valley. This female Elegant Trogon was seen in Madera Canyon. They love to sit just above eye level in the large Sycamore trees. (B, L, D)

Rose-throated Becard male

Today is the day for lots of quick stops as we head east towards Willcox and the Chiricahua Mountains. Possible stops include Florida Wash, Tubac, Green Valley Water Reclamation Facility, Benson S, Sewage Treatment Plant. and St. David Holy Trinity Monastery.

Last year we located this Rose-throated Becard visiting his nest. By late afternoon we will arrive at Cochise Lake which is a shallow water body just outside of Willcox. Here we look for shorebirds and other waterbirds. You never know when a rariety could show up! Overnight in Willcox. (B, L, D)

Mexican Spotted Owl Juvenile

Our day starts by driving through the beautiful and very birdy grasslands near Chiricahua National Monument. Sparrows galore just singing away as we head up and over the pass in Pinery Canyon. We drive through almost every layer of the biome map on this drive up and over into Pinery Canyon. The scenery is spectacular and the birds are terrific too. This high elevation ecosystem should provide Mexican Chickadees, Yellow-eyed Juncos and maybe even a Spotted Owl like this one we found in 2025.

The George Walker House has had a White-eared Hummingbird so it is on the itinerary in the small town of Paradise. The town of Portal is the next location with several other houses that welcome birders to their feeders. Crissal Thrasher, Black-throated Sparrow, Canyon Towhee, and Gambel’s Quail are targets here. Possible hikes in Cave Creek, Rustler Park, or near the Southwest Research Station are all possible to track down the Chiricahua favorites. Overnight in Willcox. (B, L, D)

Zone-tailed Hawk

As we look at the species list, today we evaluate where we need to go birding. The whole southeastern part of the state is available. Checking every Turkey Vulture should reward us by seeing a Zone-tailed Hawk sometime during the trip pictured here. A Saguaro National Park visit could be possible in Tucson before dinner. Celebrations during our final dinner together is in store tonight. Overnight in Tucson. (B, L, D)

Red-faced Warbler

Our final day together starts early going up Mt. Lemmon. Close to Tucson, this birding gem shouldn’t be missed. We will bird every major elevation change as we make our way up to warbler habitat. Near the top our targets include up to twelve species of warblers. The migrants are starting to come through while the breeders are still around. Target species include Painted Redstart, plus Grace’s, Red-faced, Hermit, and Townsend’s Warblers. This will be a great way to end our species packed southeastern Arizona trip. Arrival at Tucson International Airport by noon with flights scheduled for 1:30pm or later. (B)