We travel to experience new places and meet new people along the way. Fortunately, the local communities of Cochise County have a love for birding that makes a visit here even more welcoming and enjoyable. Plan a long weekend staying in southeast Arizona and venture out into the Sky Islands for some amazing and exclusive birding!
Like the migratory birds you may be searching for, fly into Tucson, Arizona. There you can rent a car and head south to the town of Hereford where the Casa de San Pedro B&B is located. After checking in and getting a brief tour of the amenities by one of your stellar hosts, take a walk around the grounds. The quaint, adobe style building is arranged so all guest rooms open into a peaceful courtyard full of flowers and a central fountain. The great room, on one end of the courtyard, has a full kitchen and dining room, a comfortable common space, and fully stocked coffee and tea service. Don’t miss out on the freshly made pies either—they go fast! Around the property you’ll find a ramada that offers shaded outdoor seating and a grill available for guest use, a number of bird feeders to bring in the feathered residents, and there is also a swimming pool to enjoy after a day of hiking.
A walking path leads you back to the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, or SPRNCA for short. This public land area is home to hundreds of bird species in addition to the other inhabitants from butterflies to white tailed deer. Bring your binoculars and take a leisurely stroll around the SPRNCA, and keep an ear out for the gray hawk, recently rediscovered in this area.
For dinner on your first evening, head over to Pizzeria Mimosa for some delicious Italian dishes and a celebratory glass of wine to kick off your Arizona adventure. Cheers!
Wake up to the tranquil sounds of a trickling fountain and birdsong and enjoy a hot and filling breakfast, included in your stay. Your first day will start relatively close to home base, just a quick 30-minute drive over to the Ramsey Canyon Nature Preserve. Managed by The Nature Conservancy, this shaded canyon is tucked into the foothills of the Huachuca Mountains. Because of its elevation and northeast aspect, the preserve is unique in its lower-than-average temperatures, moist environment, and diverse flora and fauna. Take a tour with one of the friendly and knowledgeable guides or explore on your own with a complimentary map and informative brochure.
Rivoli’s and Anna’s Hummingbirds zip through the forest and around feeders that hang near scenic seating areas. Acorn woodpeckers hop along sycamore and maples, uncommon to this region but thriving in the cool, wet canyons. Even the illusive elegant trogon has been spotted here, enjoying the berries of the madrone tree.
After an enjoyable day of hiking and discovery, stop into Sierra Vista for an authentic meal at Down Home BBQ. A savory end to a day in paradise.
After another fresh-made breakfast, pack up, say goodbye to the Casa, and head out to your next destination. Chiricahua National Monument is just an hour and a half northeast of Hereford and offers a vastly different ecosystem to explore.
Stop at the visitor center upon arriving to pick up a map and chat with the helpful rangers about the best places to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife. Next, head to the very top of the park at Massai Point, where you can take an easy hike on the half mile nature trail that overlooks the stunning rock towers filling the Chiricahua Mountains like a stone forest. You’ll find perplexing balanced rocks and informative signage identifying the flora and fauna that reside here. Listen for canyon wrens’ descending trill that can be heard echoing around the rock formations.
As you make your way down, check out the various hikes that make up the 17 miles of user-friendly trails throughout the park. In the stands of alligator juniper, keep an eye out for the three different species of towhees that call the Chiricahuas home. Another year-round resident is the northern flicker, known for its distinct spotted feathers and vibrant orange underwing; it can also be seen hopping around the canyon floor in search of insects.
Wrap up your weekend by heading to Willcox, home to the Wings over Willcox Birding and Nature Festival in January. Here you will find ample lodging and restaurants to give you a comfortable last night’s stay in the Sky Islands region. Reflect on your findings over a hearty meal at Big Tex BBQ and start your planning for your next Cochise County adventure!
