Overview

The San Pedro riparian corridor runs north-south through the dry desert region north of the Mexican border, providing a well-vegetated corridor for breeding birds and migrants passing through on their annual journeys. Cottonwood trees grow densely along the river, a 40-mile stretch of which is in the San Pedro Riparian Conservation Area, and grasslands beyond the trees provide additional habitat. Some 350 species of birds have been seen in the area.

Link to Map.

Description

The San Pedro River flows north from the Mexican border to the Gila River through the broad San Pedro Valley between the Mule and Huachuca Mountains. The riparian corridor is quite narrow, but it is densely vegetated with cottonwood and other trees and stands in stark contrast to the grasslands beyond the river and the desert scrub on the hills. This north-south oriented band of prime habitat provides a migratory corridor for birds moving north and south during their annual journeys between breeding and wintering grounds. Over 100 species breed in the riparian corridor, and others winter here using the trees and grasslands for food and shelter.

There are several places to access the riparian areas. Two good places are the San Pedro House and Hereford Crossing. In addition, the Sierra Vista sewage treatment plant offers opportunities to find waterfowl and other birds associated with ponds and cattail marshes.

San Pedro House. The San Pedro House, an historic ranch house, has been restored by the Friends of the San Pedro River and is used as a bookstore and visitor center. Trails lead from here through grasslands to the river, and then along the river to abandoned agricultural fields, intersecting washes, and several ponds.

Hereford Crossing. Hereford Crossing is a bridge over the river near Hereford. There is a parking area on the east side of the river with trails to the river. The riparian area here is narrower than at the San Pedro House. There are grasslands northwest of the bridge where Cassin's and Botteri's Sparrow can be found during the summer monsoon season (July to September). The fields are good during winter for finches and sparrows too.

Sierra Vista Sewage Treatment Plant. The sewage treatment plant is typical, with secondary and tertiary ponds with marsh vegetation.

Location

San Pedro House. The San Pedro House is on the south side of Highway 90, about 8 miles east of Sierra Vista and just west of the river. Watch for signs and the parking area near the bridge.

Hereford Crossing. Hereford Crossing is a bridge over the river, about 20 miles southeast of Sierra Vista. From Sierra Vista, drive south on Highway 92 to Nicksville. In Nicksville, turn east on Hereford Road and drive out to the river to river. The parking area is just across the bridge on the south side of the road.

Sierra Vista Sewage Treatment Plant. The sewage treatment plant is located on Highway 90 just west of the river.

Hours

Hours: Always open. Trails in the riparian areas are always open. I don't know about the Sierra Vista Sewage Treatment Plant.

Fees

None

Specialties

Gray Hawk and neotropical migrants. Thirty-six species of raptors (including Mississippi Kite, Common Black Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, and Crested Caracara) have be seen here. Other species include Green Kingfisher, Northern-beardless Tyrannulet, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Neotropic Cormorant, Wild Turkey, Montezuma Quail, Scaled Quail, Gambel's Quail, Black Swift, Plain-capped Starthroat, Elegant Trogon, Thick-billed Kingbird, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Rufous-backed Robin, Baird's Sparrow, Cassins's Sparrow, Rusty Blackbird, Orchard Oriole, and lots of warblers.

For More Information

Visitor information is available at San Pedro House or call the Sierra Vista Convention & Visitors Bureau (800) 288-3861, (520) 458-6940 for to a free Birding Guide.