Overview

The Patagonia area is riparian valley where Sonoita Creek runs between the arid Patagonia and Santa Rita mountains in southern Arizona. The diversity of vegetation (riparian, desert, and mountain) provides habitat for many bird species, including Mexican species that reach the northern limit of their range in this area. More than 300 species of birds have been seen in the Patagonia area. The best birding is from March to September. Spring migrants are most abundant in late April and May, and fall migrants are abundant in late August and September.

There are several hot spots in the Patagonia area, including the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve (Nature Conservancy Area), Marion Paton's hummingbird feeders (private residence), the Roadside Rest Area, and the Patagonia Lake State Park & Sonoita Creek Natural Area (a state park area).

Link to Maps.

Description

The Patagonia area is riparian valley with many big, old cottonwood, black walnut, ash, mesquite, and willow trees along Sonoita Creek, plus remnant cienagas (wetlands) that once were common. The surrounding hillsides are covered in sparse to dense thickets of southern-Arizona desert vegetation. Sonoita Creek is a perennial stream fed by surface and underground springs, and it is one of the few streams in southern Arizona that supports native species of fish.

The Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve is a Nature Conservancy area that protects riparian habitat, ancient Fremont Cottonwoods, open grassy areas and the associated birds, rare fish, frogs, and other wildlife. Three trails provide access to the preserve, and a visitor center provides trail information, bird checklists, and a list of current sightings.

Marion Paton lives in the town of Patagonia, adjacent to the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve. Ms. Paton puts out hummingbird feeders, and she graciously opens her yard to birders. The house is set in a rural residential area with scattered houses, trees, shrubs, and other amenities of rural living. The feeders, on the back of her house, attract a variety of hummingbirds, including Violet-crowned Hummingbirds. If the gate is open, you are welcome. It's customary to leave a few bucks in the 'sugar jar.'

The Roadside Rest is a rest area on Highway 82 adjacent to Sonoita Creek. This place provides easy viewing into dense riparian areas where Rose-throated Becards nest Sonoita Creek, behind the fence, is on private land. Rocky and densely vegetated hillsides above the creek provide habitat for desert species. Many rare and unusual birds have been seen here. Cross the highway carefully.

The Patagonia Lake State Park & Sonoita Creek Natural Area is a lake fringed with brush thickets and cattails and an adjacent natural area. The developed areas can be noisy, but shoreline trails run through various habitat types (desert scrub, mesquite thickets, and cattail marsh) and lead to good areas for finding desert scrub, riparian, and waterfowl species. Hummingbirds are common at campground feeders. Northern Beardless-Tyrannulets are said to be fairly common in the mesquite thickets. The Sonoita Creek State Natural Area is a pristine area adjacent to the Park with 5,000 acres of cottonwoods, willows, sycamores, and mesquites. Watch for Zone-tailed Hawks during spring and summer.

Location

Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve. The preserve is located just west of the town of Patagonia. From Highway 82 in Patagonia, turn north on 4th Avenue; turn left (west) on Pennsylvania (which changes to Blue Heaven), cross the creek, and go about 1 mile to the entrance. Watch for signs.

Paton House. Ms. Paton lives in Patagonia on Pennsylvania Avenue. From Highway 82 in Patagonia, turn north on 4th Avenue; turn left (west) on Pennsylvania, and cross the creek. Look for the distinctive "Birder's Haven" sign on a chain-link fence on the left side of the road. If the driveway gate is open, you are welcome.

Roadside Rest Area. The Rest Area is 4.2 miles south of Patagonia on the south side of State Highway 82.

Patagonia Lake State Park & Sonoita Creek Natural Area. Patagonia Lake State Park is located off Hwy 82, 7 miles west of Patagonia. The Park is on the north side of the highway. Watch for signs, then drive several miles on the access road to the main gate.

Hours

Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve. During winter (October 2 to March 31), the preserve is open 7:30 to 4:00, Wednesday through Sunday. During summer (April 1 to October 1), the preserve is open 6:30 to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. The preserve is always closed Monday and Tuesday.

Paton House. If the driveway gate is open, you are welcome to visit the hummingbird feeders.

Roadside Rest Area. Always open.

Patagonia Lake State Park & Sonoita Creek Natural Area. Always open.

Fees

Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve. The Nature Conservancy charges $5.00 per person for non-members, $3.00 per person for members of TNC. Children under 16 are admitted free. Fee good for 7 days; annual passes available.

Paton House. Ms. Paton graciously allows birds into her backyard (private residence) for free, but there is a donation jar.

Roadside Rest Area. None.

Patagonia Lake State Park & Sonoita Creek Natural Area. The State Park charges an entrance fee of $5.00 per car; they also give 1-hour birding tours on a pontoon boat for $1.00 per person.

Specialties

The Patagonia area is known for the 300 bird species observed here. These include Gray hawk, vermilion flycatcher, violet-crowned hummingbird, thick-billed kingbird, zone-tailed hawk, green kingfisher, white-throated sparrows (in winter) and black-bellied whistling duck, northern beardless-tyrannulet, violet-crowned hummingbird, and rose-throated becard. Other animals include mountain lion, bobcat, white-tail deer, javelina, coati, coyote, desert tortoise, rattlesnakes, toads, frogs, and Gila topminnow.

For More Information

Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve. Visit the The Nature Conservancy website.

Marion Paton's. Visit the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory's Birding Guide.

Roadside Rest Area.Visit the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory's Birding Guide.

Patagonia Lake State Park & Sonoita Creek Natural Area. Visit the Patagonia Lake State Park website. For tour reservations or more information, call the visitor center at 520-287-2791.