There are many reasons Cochise County is a birders’ paradise. This year-round destination is home to countless species of birds, local to the area and migrating through. No matter which season you visit, you are bound to spot a feathered friend in the open sky, on a madrone tree branch, or floating down a canyon creek. The convergence of desert, grassland, and mountain environments creates a unique ecosystem rich in biodiversity. Birders from around the world come back to this area to witness the array of hummingbirds or to find the rare trogon.
The weather in Cochise County is favorable all year long. In the summer months, the temperatures stay around 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit compared to other parts of Arizona that easily reach the triple digits. The fall brings the monsoon season, when the landscape rehydrates, foliage becomes greener, and creeks swell with welcomed rain. In the higher elevation of the Sky Islands, you may even come across snow in the winter months. This doesn’t deter the (human) snowbirds, as winter temps stay around a 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit.
The numerous towns around Cochise County share the love for birding with their visitors. Most hotels have information about birding areas such as Chiricahua National Monument, the Ramsey Canyon Nature Preserve, Cochise Stronghold, and the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area.
Between the comfortable weather, inviting towns, and biodiverse environment, it's easy to see why so many people are excited to explore Cochise County. It’s not only humans that find refuge in this area though, as you will find different species throughout the seasons. Sandhill cranes and snow geese make their way down in the winter, and in the summer you can find upwards of 20 different hummingbird species that have migrated north from Central America. This landscape is thriving with wildlife, from the pipevine swallowtail and black chinned hummingbird, all the way up to the black bear and mountain lion, although you are much less likely to encounter the latter. Any time of year, any canyon or valley you explore, any town you use as a base camp, you are going to have an exceptional stay in Cochise County!
