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Sierra Vista - Birding

Located at the center of one of the finest birding areas in the United States, Sierra Vista is often referred to as "The Hummingbird Capital of the U.S." The mild climate, proximity to Mexico and diverse habitats, including 9,000-foot mountains and the magnificent San Pedro River Valley, make southeastern Arizona a major hot spot for rare and unusual species of birds.

The best times to see tropical species such as hummingbirds, trogons, warblers and flycatchers is from mid-April through September. Spring migration peaks between late April and early May, as tens of thousands of colorful songbirds make their way north. Late summer is also an excellent time to observe both resident and migrant birds. Spectacular thunderstorms in July and August bring cooler temperatures and create a "second Spring;" blooming wildflowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, while flocks of migrating birds feast on the bounty of seeds, fruits and insects.

Winter birding has its own special appeal. The Sierra Vista (Ramsey Canyon) Christmas Bird Count regularly records the highest inland species totals in the U.S., with over 150 species. Lowland sites such as the San Pedro River and Sulphur Springs Valley support the greatest variety of wintering birds. Within a two-hour drive of Sierra Vista are habitats ranging from mesquite shrub land, desert grassland and lowland riparian (streamside), to high mountains with Douglas Fir and Quaking Aspen.


 Featured Listings
  Casa De San Pedro   
  8933 S Yell Ln Hereford 520-366-1300
  Located in Southeast Arizona, Casa de San Pedro Bed and Breakfast is a Territorial style inn built around a courtyard and fountain. Our San Pedro River Arizona location is an ideal naturalist hideaway - perfect for birding, hiking, horseback riding, environmental study, or relaxing!
  Ramsey Canyon   
  Sierra Vista 520-378-2785
  Ramsey Canyon is a canyon of contrasts. Its deep cleft lies between Mexico's Sierra Madre, the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts and the Rocky Mountains - and Ramsey Canyon has aspects of all of them. Plants and animals of all types live in the canyon . . . most notably 130 species of birds.
  Ramsey Canyon Cabins   
  76 Ramsey Canyon Road Hereford 520-803-7409
  Ramsey Canyon Cabins is located right in the center of the Hummingbird Capital of the World, with sixteen different species fluttering in and out of the canyon.

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