There are many reasons why Cochise County is a birders’ paradise. This year-round destination is home to countless species of birds, both local to the area or stopping by on their migrations throughout the year. 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. Cochise county is also known as the Sky Islands region, named for the vast open valleys that are punctuated with different mountain ranges in all directions. 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 year after year, whether it’s to witness the array of colors of the numerous hummingbird species or to find the rare trogon that only the lucky few get to spot.
The weather in Cochise County is favorable all year long. In the summer months, the temperatures stay around 80 to 90 degrees fahrenheit (23 to 32 degrees celsius) 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. The higher elevation of the Sky Islands creates an average temperature that is cooler than the nearby Sonoran Desert, which means that you may even come across snow in the winter months. But this doesn’t deter the snowbirds (the human kind) that may want to travel south for the winter. The average winter temps stay around a balmy 50-60 degrees fahrenheit (10 to 15 degrees celsius). This comfortable climate year round creates an inviting environment for birds and people alike!
As you begin to plan your travels, the question of where to stay will certainly arise. Luckily, the numerous towns around Cochise County are accommodating and share the love for birding that many visitors have. Most hotels you stay in have brochures on different parks or preserves to visit nearby. These destinations include the Chiricahua National Monument, the Ramsey Canyon Nature Preserve, Cochise Stronghold, and the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, amongst others. In between the towns or parks, though, you are bound to see birds while driving past the open grasslands and through forested canyons. 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!
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 of birds 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. 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!
