Important Bird Areas - RVing with Rex

A Birder’s Winter Migration: Prime Southern Spots

Your RV-friendly road map to the South’s best winter birding hotspots

For the RVer, the changing seasons mean swapping snowy driveways for scenic winter RV parks and there is no better pursuit for the mobile adventurer than following the flyways south. The Southern United States not only offers a welcome escape from the frigid northern weather but also provides unparalleled access to world-class fall and winter birding often right from the doorstep of a comfortable campsite.

This region becomes a massive natural preserve during the cooler months hosting millions of migratory species from massive flocks of waterfowl to elusive, colorful warblers. Better yet, many of the best birding spots are tucked inside or right next to National Wildlife Refuges and State Parks that are wonderfully RV-friendly—so you can chase birds without sacrificing comfort.

The beauty of birding by RV is the flexibility to chase the best sightings. My selection of prime Southern spots focuses on destinations known for their dense bird populations and their excellent accommodations for RV travelers. You’ll find sites near the Gulf Coast where you can scan for thousands of wintering ducks and shorebirds with your morning coffee or parks in the interior South where you can hike miles of gentle trails looking for winter sparrows and raptors returning to your heated home-on-wheels at day’s end.

This is about more than just escaping the cold; it’s about positioning yourself in the heart of the action whether that’s near the legendary Whooping Cranes of the Texas coast or the countless waterbirds of Florida’s premier refuges.

This guide details six can’t-miss birding destinations across the Southern U.S. all chosen with the RV lifestyle in mind. From the ease of access to the incredible diversity of birds, these spots offer the ideal blend of adventure and convenience for the traveling birder. Get ready to hitch up, head south, and discover a spectacular winter world teeming with feathered friends proving that the best migratory route isn’t just for the birds—it’s for your RV, too.

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

1. Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Texas

The refuge is a prime destination for birdwatching, nature photography, hiking, and wildlife observation

Why RVers will love it: Aransas is the definitive Gulf Coast birding trip offering a world-class sighting—the endangered Whooping Crane—accessible via a famous 16-mile scenic auto tour. Camping is prohibited inside the refuge but the surrounding area is a haven of RV parks and nearby state parks (like Goose Island) that cater to Winter Texans. This means you can spend your day driving the refuge loop and climbing the observation towers then return to your comfortable home base just a short drive away.

Birding highlights (October to March)

Whooping crane: This is the prime wintering ground for the entire wild flock. The cranes typically arrive by late October and stay until mid-April. They are the tallest birds in North America and their snowy white plumage with black wingtips makes them an unforgettable sight. Look for them in the brackish marshes often visible from the observation decks and even the auto tour loop.

Waterfowl & raptors: As a major stop on the Central Flyway the refuge is flooded with waterfowl including Redhead ducks various teals (Blue-winged and Green-winged), Gadwalls, and Wigeons. Keep your binoculars pointed skyward for spectacular raptors like the White-tailed Kite and the impressive White-tailed Hawk soaring over the coastal prairie and oak savannahs.

Wading birds: Even in winter, the refuge’s marshes are full of color. Look for year-round residents like the vibrant Roseate Spoonbill, Great Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, and the striking American White Pelican often seen feeding in large groups on the bay.

Roseate spoonville at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

RVer logistics & nearby stays

The refuge is located about 35 miles northeast of Rockport accessible via Highway 35 and FM 774. The refuge itself does not allow camping or overnight stays. However, the 16-mile scenic drive is perfectly suited for RVs to navigate during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset).

The visitor center offers maps, restrooms, and updates on crane activity. The nearby coastal roads are generally RV-friendly—just drive cautiously as the wildlife tends to wander near the roadways.

Closest RV campgrounds

Goose Island State Park: Located near Rockport it offers water/electric sites with easy access to the bays for additional birding including chances to spot Whooping Cranes from the mainland or the park trails. It’s a fantastic state park option for those seeking a natural environment.
Rockport/Fulton area: The nearby towns of Rockport and Fulton are hubs for “Winter Texans” and feature dozens of private, full-service RV resorts (like the Rockport/Corpus Christi KOA Journey, Majestic RV Park, and Blue Lagoons RV Park) that provide excellent amenities and easy day-trip access to the refuge.
Pro-tip for RV birders: If you can’t spot the cranes from the auto tour or observation platforms book a Whooping Crane Boat Tour from nearby Rockport. These narrated excursions offer the best, least-intrusive way to view the cranes feeding on the protected refuge islands from the water.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida

The refuge is a vital sanctuary for migratory birds making it a prime spot for birdwatching especially during winter months

Why the RVer will love it: Nestled along Florida’s Atlantic Coast near Titusville, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge offers RVers the perfect blend of coastal scenery, abundant wildlife, and mild winter weather. Adjacent to Kennedy Space Center, it’s one of the few places where you can spot a bald eagle soaring above while a rocket launches in the distance. The scenic drives, quiet pullouts, and well-maintained visitor areas make it easy to explore at your own pace—and you’re never far from beaches, seafood shacks, or NASA history.

Birding highlights (October to March)

Winter is prime time at Merritt Island. From October through March the refuge teems with migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and waders escaping northern cold. Black Point Wildlife Drive is the refuge’s must-do loop offering close-up views of roseate spoonbills, reddish egrets, wood storks, American avocets, and flocks of pintails and teal. Keep an eye on the observation decks for Northern Harriers gliding over the marsh and the occasional peregrine falcon on the hunt. Painted buntings often visit feeders near the visitor center adding a splash of tropical color.

Wood storks at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

RVer logistics & nearby stays

Merritt Island is an easy day trip from many RV-friendly spots along Florida’s Space Coast. The refuge has no camping within its boundaries but paved parking areas accommodate larger rigs for day visits. Titusville provides convenient grocery, fuel, and dump station options and you’ll find plenty of places to stretch your legs or picnic with a lagoon view. The scenic drive through the refuge can handle most RVs under 35 feet—just go slow, enjoy the wildlife, and watch for herons crossing the road.

Closest RV campgrounds

Manatee Hammock Campground (Titusville): County-run park with full hookups, shade, and views across the Indian River toward Kennedy Space Center.
Great Outdoors RV Resort (Titusville): A resort-style park with spacious sites, golf, pool, and nature trails—perfect for longer stays.
Jetty Park Campground (Port Canaveral): Beachfront camping about 40 minutes away with ocean breezes and cruise-ship watching.
Titusville/Kennedy Space Center KOA: Convenient, well-maintained park just minutes from the refuge.

Pro tip for RV birders

Arrive early—just after sunrise—to catch the best light and bird activity along Black Point Wildlife Drive. Bring a spotting scope or long lens for lagoon viewing and if you’re there in January or February time your visit around a rocket launch for an unforgettable pairing of natural and human flight.

Sunrise “fly-out” of Sandhill Cranes at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

3. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico

The refuge is a winter home for migratory waterfowl particularly sandhill cranes, snow geese, and ducks

Why RVers will love it: Tucked along the Rio Grande in central New Mexico, Bosque del Apache feels like a peaceful desert oasis where wildlife takes center stage. For RVers, it offers easy access, wide-open views, and that unbeatable Southwest backdrop of sun-warmed mesas and golden cottonwoods. The refuge’s scenic loops are RV-friendly and the nearby town of Socorro provides all the essentials without losing its small-town charm. If you enjoy quiet mornings, big skies, and the thrill of watching thousands of birds in motion this is winter RVing at its most soulful.

Birding highlights (October to March)

From late October through February, Bosque del Apache becomes one of North America’s most dramatic birding destinations. Tens of thousands of sandhill cranes, snow geese, and Ross’s geese fill the air in waves of motion and sound—sunrise “fly-outs” and sunset “fly-ins” are legendary. Wintering northern harriers, bald eagles, and ferruginous hawks patrol the skies while American kestrels, mergansers, and canvasbacks frequent the ponds. Keep your eyes peeled for rarities such as vermillion flycatchers and roadrunners darting across the dikes.

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

RVer logistics & nearby stays

Bosque del Apache is located about 20 miles south of Socorro just off I-25. The auto tour loops (North and South) are paved and well-maintained—accessible for most RVs under 40 feet. There’s a large visitor center parking lot suitable for day use with restrooms, picnic areas, and ranger information. Fuel, groceries, and dump stations are all available in Socorro and the drive through the refuge takes about 2–3 hours if you’re stopping often for photos and sightings (and you will).

Closest RV campgrounds

Bosque Birdwatchers RV Park (San Antonio, NM): Small, friendly park closest to the refuge—perfect for birders who want to be there at dawn.
Socorro makes an ideal RV base for exploring Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge with several convenient campgrounds offering easy access to town and the refuge.
Luis RV Park (Socorro): Small park in town with full hookups and friendly management—perfect for those who want quick access to groceries, fuel, and dining.
Socorro RV Spaces (Socorro): Earns top marks for its quiet atmosphere and clean facilities, a favorite among travelers seeking a peaceful stay.
Casey’s Socorro RV Park (Socorro): Provides plenty of pull-through sites and reliable amenities though it can be busier given its size and popularity.

Pro tip for RV birders

Plan to arrive before sunrise—well before—to snag a spot at the Flight Deck viewing area. Bring hot coffee, binoculars, and patience. When the cranes and geese rise together against a fiery New Mexico sky, the sight (and sound) will stay with you long after the migration ends.

Green jay at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

4. Rio Grande Valley, Texas

Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, and Estero Llano Grande State Park are top birding destinations in South Texas

Why RVers will love it: Stretching along the southernmost tip of Texas, the Rio Grande Valley is a dream destination for RVers who crave sunshine, rich culture, and spectacular birding. The region’s mild winters and diverse landscapes—from palm-lined riversides to thorny brushland and coastal lagoons—make it ideal for long stays. Dozens of birding sites are within an easy drive of one another with convenient RV parks, friendly locals, and a vibrant blend of Tex-Mex food and small-town charm.

Birding highlights (October to March)

The Valley is famous for its unique mix of North American and tropical species found nowhere else in the U.S. Winter brings peak diversity with specialties like Green Jays, Altamira Orioles, Great Kiskadees, Plain Chachalacas, and Buff-bellied Hummingbirds lighting up the landscape. Visit Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park and Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge to witness dazzling flocks of warblers, herons, and hawks or head to Estero Llano Grande State Park where roseate spoonbills, ibis, and the occasional rare visitor from Mexico steal the show. The World Birding Center network makes it easy to plan your route across multiple habitats—all bursting with life in the cooler months.

Great horned owl at Estero Llano Grande State Park © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

RVer logistics & nearby stays

The Rio Grande Valley is tailor-made for RV travel with excellent roads, abundant full-hookup parks, and an entire community of wintering RVers. The major birding sites are centered around McAllen, Weslaco, and Harlingen so you can base yourself in one area and explore multiple refuges within short drives. Many parks offer bird blinds, nature trails, and feeders right on site. Local towns provide everything from produce markets to authentic tacos and repair shops—making it one of the most convenient birding hubs in the South.

Closest RV campgrounds

Bentsen Palm Village RV Resort (Mission): Upscale, nature-focused resort next to Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park with direct trail access.
Casa del Valle RV Resort (Alamo): Active 55+ park near Santa Ana NWR with large sites and a friendly community of birders.
AmeriCana The Birding Center RV Resort (Mission): True to its name, this park caters to birdwatchers with native plantings and nearby hotspots.
Country Sunshine RV Resort (Weslaco): Centrally located with full amenities and easy access to Estero Llano Grande.

Pro tip for RV birders

Plan your mornings early—birds are most active just after sunrise before the heat sets in. Stop by the Valley Nature Center in Weslaco for local updates on rare sightings and keep your checklist handy—you might just add a life bird before lunch.

Sandhill cranes at Whitewater Draw © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

5. Arizona’s Desert Oases

Arizona’s desert oases are legendary birding destinations

Why RVers will love it: Southern Arizona is tailor-made for RVers who love wide skies, dramatic landscapes, and a slower desert pace. Between Tucson, Green Valley, and Patagonia you’ll find easy RV access, mild winter temperatures, and a rare blend of mountain canyons, riparian corridors, and open desert—all within a few hours’ drive. The region’s rich biodiversity means you can watch hummingbirds flit through saguaro forests by day and relax under star-filled skies by night. Plus, with numerous public lands, boondocking sites, and top-notch RV resorts it’s easy to combine comfort with wild adventure.

Birding highlights (October to March)

Winter birding in southern Arizona brings an extraordinary mix of residents and migrants. Canyons like Madera, Patagonia-Sonoita Creek, and the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area come alive with Costa’s Hummingbirds, Vermilion Flycatchers, Canyon Towhees, and Bridled Titmice. Sandhill cranes gather by the thousands at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area while hawks, owls, and sparrows fill the valleys. Lucky birders might spot the dazzling Elegant Trogon overwintering in Madera Canyon—a true prize on any life list.

Western Scrub Jay at Catalina State Park © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

RVer logistics & nearby stays

Tucson serves as a perfect base for exploring Arizona’s desert birding circuit. The city offers everything an RVer could need—fuel, food, dump stations, and plenty of campgrounds—while still being close to wilderness. Many birding hotspots are easily reached via good roads and parking is generally manageable for small to mid-sized RVs. Several state parks and national forest campgrounds also offer quiet, scenic bases with direct access to trails and birding sites.

Closest RV campgrounds

Gilbert Ray Campground (Tucson Mountain Park): Scenic desert setting near Saguaro National Park with electric hookups and easy access to Tucson.
De Anza RV Resort (Amado): Full-service resort just minutes from Madera Canyon.
Patagonia Lake State Park: Gorgeous lakeside camping with water and electric hookups—ideal for spotting waterfowl and passerines.
Kartchner Caverns State Park (Benson): Spacious sites with hookups, great facilities, and proximity to San Pedro birding sites.

Pro tip for RV birders

The desert comes alive at dawn—start your day early, bring layers for chilly mornings, and keep a bird guide handy. For a special treat visit one of the area’s private feeding stations (like the Paton Center for Hummingbirds in Patagonia) where dozens of species gather within arm’s reach.

Burowing Owl at Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

6. Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, California

The refuge is a critical wetland and migratory bird habitat located at the southern end of the Salton Sea

Why RVers will love it: Located in California’s Imperial Valley near the southern edge of the Salton Sea this refuge offers RVers a surprising and unforgettable mix of stark desert scenery and incredible birdlife. The surrounding landscape may seem harsh and arid but the combination of wetlands, salt flats, and agricultural fields creates an oasis for hundreds of species. RVers will appreciate the solitude, easy access from major highways, and the fascinating blend of wildlife, history, and geology. It’s an ideal stop for anyone traveling between Arizona and Southern California in winter.

Birding highlights (October to March)

The Salton Sea is one of the most important wintering sites in the Pacific Flyway. Between October and March expect massive flocks of snow geese, Ross’s geese, and sandhill cranes sharing the skies with white pelicans, ibises, stilts, and avocets. The refuge’s ponds and agricultural fields attract burrowing owls, Say’s phoebes, verdins, and loggerhead shrikes. On calm days the mirror-like surface of the sea makes for exceptional photography. With patience and luck you might also catch rarities like Yellow-footed Gulls or Brown Boobies that wander north from Mexico.

Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

RVer logistics & nearby stays

The refuge lies about 40 miles south of Indio, off Highway 111. The Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR has two main units—Unit 1 and Unit 2 (Visitor Center area)—both with ample day-use parking and scenic walking trails. There’s no camping within the refuge but it’s an easy drive from several RV parks along the eastern and western shores of the Salton Sea. Bring plenty of water as services are limited and be prepared for variable conditions—mornings can be cool, afternoons warm, and the air salty.

Closest RV campgrounds

Salton Sea State Recreation Area (North Shore): Waterfront sites with hookups, shade shelters, and direct access to the sea.
Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort (Niland): A popular desert oasis for snowbirds—soak in the hot springs after a day of birding.
Indian Waters RV Resort & Cottages (Indio): A highly-rated RV resort in Indio featuring 265 full hookup camping sites and 8 fully furnished cottages.
The Springs at Borrego RV Resort and Golf Course (Borrego Springs): A premier RV resort with 200 spacious full-hookup RV sites, fully-furnished park model rentals, 9-hole golf course, mineral baths, dark sky stargazing, pool, fitness center, and pet-friendly policies.

Pro tip for RV birders

Arrive early to catch the morning “fly-off” of geese and cranes from the fields—it’s a breathtaking sight. Late afternoon offers golden light for photography and the nearby Red Hill Marina and Obsidian Butte are excellent side stops for shorebirds. Don’t forget a good spotting scope; the Salton Sea’s scale and distance views make it indispensable.

General tips for RV birders

Remember the unwritten rule of RV birding: slow down and listen

Travel with the seasons: Birds follow the weather—and so should you. Start farther north in early fall (Bosque del Apache, Aransas) and work your way south or west as winter deepens (Rio Grande Valley, Merritt Island, Sonny Bono).
Pack smart optics: A good pair of binoculars is essential but a spotting scope takes your viewing (and photography) to the next level especially for distant wetlands and open lagoons.
Plan for flexibility: Migration patterns can shift with weather and water levels. Allow extra days in your itinerary to revisit hotspots or explore nearby refuges—you’ll often discover unexpected gems.
Join local birding communities: Many refuges host guided walks or festivals such as the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival or Wings Over the Prairie. Local experts are your best resource for current sightings and access tips.
Practice ethical birding: Always keep a respectful distance, minimize noise, and stay on designated trails. The goal is to observe without disturbing—the hallmark of a seasoned birder.
Stay weather aware: Even in the South, mornings can be brisk and afternoons warm. Dress in layers, keep extra water in the rig, and protect your gear from humidity or desert dust.

Conclusion: Following the wings south

Traveling by RV allows you to move with the birds

As the northern winds turn cold, the birds show us the way—to the warmth, the light, and the living landscapes of the southern United States. From Florida’s coastal marshes to Arizona’s desert canyons, each refuge tells a story of survival, rhythm, and renewal.

For RVers, birding in winter isn’t just about ticking species off a list—it’s about waking up to the sound of cranes in the mist, watching the sunrise over salt flats, and feeling part of something timeless and free.

So hitch up, point your rig toward the sun, and join the migration. The birds are waiting.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in November 2025. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. For topics that may change quickly, please verify current details before planning. To ensure honesty and avoid bias, this website features no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just straightforward information for fellow travelers.

Worth Pondering…

A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.

—Maya Angelou

Pinal County: Exploring the Heart of Southern Arizona

Experience many of Arizona’s unique attractions with a road trip in Pinal County, the heart of Southern Arizona, between Phoenix and Tucson

At a sprawling 5,374 square miles, Pinal County has two distinct geographical regions. The eastern portion is mountainous with breathtaking views at elevations up to 6,000 feet while the western portion is primarily low valleys filled with gorgeous desert vegetation. You can find it all here in the heart of the desert.

You’re in Arizona, so slip into the saddle for a horseback riding adventure at Apache Junction’s Superstitions O.K. Corral Stables.

Goldfield Ghost Town *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Then head up the Apache Trail (SR-88) into the Superstition Mountains to Goldfield Ghost Town, an 1890s gold mining town and Historic Goldfield Museum. Entrance is free with fees for some attractions including a zipline, narrow gauge railroad, mine tours, and gold panning with free gunfight shows.

Superstition Mountain Museum *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The Superstition Mountain Museum is situated on a scenic 15-acre site just beneath the west end of Superstition Mountain. On the grounds is a restored 20-stamp ore mill, two historic buildings salvaged from Apacheland Movie Ranch, a labelled nature trail, Boot Hill, and an extensive model railroad display. The museum building itself boasts an exhibit gallery, a gift shop, and a bookstore.

Lost Dutchman State Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Named after the fabled lost gold mine, Lost Dutchman State Park is located nearby. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. Take a stroll along the Native Plant Trail or hike the challenging Siphon Draw Trail to the top of the Flatiron.

The campground has 135 sites and three group camping areas: 68 sites with electric (50/30/20 amp service) and water and the remainder non-hookup sites on paved roads for tents or RVs. Every site has a picnic table and a fire pit with an adjustable grill gate. There are no size restrictions on RVs.

San Tan Mountain Regional Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The San Tan Mountain Regional Park is a 10,000 acre rural/suburban park with picnicking and a well-equipped visitor center. The park ranges in elevation from about 1,400 feet to over 2,500 feet. The Park has over 20 miles of non-motorized trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

If you are looking for an easy, relatively short hike the Moonlight Trail is the perfect choice as it provides a scenic and rather mild hike for all to enjoy. The Moonlight Trail begins at the San Tan Trailhead near the Visitor Center and guides you along the base of a mountain located in the central valley of the park and connects to the San Tan Trail at the west end.

San Tan Mountains Regional Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

If you are looking for a longer more difficult hike try the 6.4-mile San Tan Trail. The trail starts at the San Tan Trailhead and encompasses a large portion of the park and intersects with other trails at various points. Enjoy scenic mountain views at the south end of the park near Rock Peak and the Malpais Hills or hike to the central valley of the park to explore its unique beauty.

Look for petroglyphs and Sonoran plants and animals from javelinas to Gila monsters. Special events include stargazing with provided telescopes.

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Coolidge is home to the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, a true Arizona treasure. The four-story building was built in about 1350 by the Hohokam Indians and named Casa Grande (Big House) by Spanish Missionary Father Eusebio Kino in 1694.

Archeologists have discovered evidence that the ancestral Sonoran Desert people who built the Casa Grande also developed wide-scale irrigation farming and extensive trade connections which lasted over a thousand years until about 1450.

Casa Grande Monument National Monument *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

This was the first historic site to receive protected status by the United States Government in 1892.

The Museum of Casa Grande provides a detailed look at the area’s heritage. Explore the early days of Arizona with artifacts and exhibits from pre-history to modern day. Many special programs and events are scheduled throughout the year.

Don’t miss Skydive Arizona in Eloy, the world’s largest parachuting resort and frequent host of National and World Skydiving Championships! Check out the famous Bent Prop Saloon & Cookery.

Ostrich Ranch *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch in Picacho fills the need for something different and unusual on this road trip. The family-owned ostrich ranch and petting zoo has been featured on numerous television shows. There are many different critters to feed with an amusement park, outdoor recreational activities, and affordable family fun for all ages.

Discover the world in a 3.14-acre laboratory with active research systems spanning from ocean to desert environments at Biosphere 2 in Oracle now a University of Arizona Earth-Science research facility. Built to study living in an artificial environment, the 7.2 million cubic foot enclosed ecological system is the largest closed system ever built. Time-Life Books calls it “one of the 50 must-see wonders of the world.”

Boyce Thompson Arboretum *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum near Superior is Arizona’s largest and oldest botanical garden with 4.75 miles of trails. With over 3,900 plant species from around the world the riparian area attracts Sonoran Desert wildlife and over 270 migrating bird species.

Enjoy 4.7 miles of trails throughout the arboretum in gardens representing 11 different regions of the world. The trails provide many opportunities to stop and take beautiful landscape, fauna, and flora photos.

As an Audubon Important Bird Area, Boyce Thompson Arboretum and the adjacent Arnett and Queen Creeks are known for spectacular birding opportunities. Some 275 different species have been sighted. Guided bird walks take place between October and May.

Worth Pondering…

The trip across Arizona is just one oasis after another. You can just throw anything out and it will grow there.

—Will Rogers

Best Bird-watching Trail in Arizona

Arizona offers some of the very best bird watching in the United States

Blame it on the state’s remarkable diversity. Soaring mountains, warm deserts, deep canyons, and rolling grasslands provide welcoming habitats for a wide range of birds. Arizona’s species list of around 550 is the highest of any state without an ocean coastline.

Mourning dove *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Important Bird Areas, identified by the National Audubon Society, can be found throughout Arizona but there’s an especially high concentration amid the sky islands in the southeastern corner of the state. These forested mountaintop habitats are surrounded by seas of desert and grasslands creating tightly stacked ecosystems, distinct and isolated. This is the Arizona rainforest, a hotbed of life.

To enjoy an assortment of feathered friends grab your binoculars and cameras and hit some of Arizona’s best birding trails. And these are birding trails, not birding hikes. Birding is hiking interrupted. Finish the trail or don’t finish; it doesn’t matter. Birding is all about the pauses—the stopping and listening and, most importantly, the discovery.

Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Patagonia: Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve

The Nature Conservancy protects a stretch of Sonoita Creek at the edge of Patagonia and the verdant floodplain adjacent to the stream as its first project in Arizona.

More than 300 bird species migrate, nest, and live in this rare and beautiful Fremont cottonwood-Goodding’s willow riparian forest where gray hawks like to nest. Over 20 species of flycatchers have been recorded in the preserve along with the thick-billed kingbird and Sinaloa wren.

There are several gentle paths including one along the old railroad grade, another that follows the creek, and a one-mile connector to the Paton Center for Hummingbirds. If you want to stretch your legs a little more, the Geoffrey Platts Trail makes a 3.2-mile loop through mesquite-covered hills with views of the mountains and valley.

Details: Hours and hiking access points vary; closed Mondays and Tuesdays. 150 Blue Heaven Road, Patagonia. $8, free for age 12 and younger.

Vermillion flycatcher at Paton Center *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Patagonia: Paton Center for Hummingbirds

The Paton family began welcoming strangers to their backyard feeders swarming with hummingbirds in the 1970s. After Marion Paton died, neighbors kept the feeders stocked until the Tucson Audubon Society took over.

Visitors travel from all over the world just to sit quietly in a small Arizona backyard and watch clouds of hummingbirds. It’s a lovely, small town way to spend an hour.

Details: Open dawn to dusk daily. 477 Pennsylvania Avenue, Patagonia. Free; donations are appreciated.

Acorn woodpecker at Ramsey Canyon *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Sierra Vista: Ramsey Canyon Preserve

Almost 200 species of birds have been seen in high-walled Ramsey Canyon, a lush defile in the Huachuca Mountains south of Sierra Vista that’s managed by the Nature Conservancy.

A single trail starts from the back of the visitor center past several hummingbird feeders buzzing with activity. After all, Sierra Vista is known as Arizona’s Hummingbird Capital where 15 species of small winged jewels have been sighted.

Mexican jay at Ramsey Canyon *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The path moseys alongside Ramsey Creek for about a mile beneath a canopy of shade. Big sycamore trees drape the stream with oaks and pines filling the canyon. Summer avian visitors include the painted redstart, black-headed grosbeak, and black-throated gray warbler. Surprise visitors like the flame-colored tanager and Aztec thrush are occasionally seen.

Past the small ponds that provide habitat for the threatened Chiricahua leopard frogs, the trail turns into the woods and switchbacks up to an overlook with nice views.

Ramsey Canyon *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Details: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays to Mondays from March 1 through October 31; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the rest of the year; Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 27 E. Ramsey Canyon Road, Hereford. Parking is limited; try to arrive early. $8 per person, free for ages 12 and younger.

Sierra Vista: Brown Canyon Trail

If the small parking area at Ramsey Canyon is full, the trail to historic Brown Canyon Ranch makes a nice alternative. Meander through rolling grasslands dotted with manzanita and oak in this shallow canyon.

Resident birds include the Mexican jay, bridled titmouse, and Montezuma quail. Look for elegant trogon and Scott’s oriole in the summer. A small pond at the old ranch site attracts many water loving species. Trailhead is on the north side of Ramsey Canyon Road, two miles from State Route 92.

Sierra Vista: San Pedro River

The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area protects a 40-mile stretch of the San Pedro River. This slender forest of cottonwood and willow trees creates some of the richest wildlife habitat in the Southwest.

Start at the historic San Pedro House and, as with all birding trails, go only as far as you like. Follow the path through the grassy meadow to the river.

Curved bill thrasher near San Pedro House *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

A network of trails follows the bank of the San Pedro in both directions skirting oxbows and loops around a pond named for the elusive green kingfisher. Other sightings might include vermilion flycatchers, lesser goldfinch, summer tanagers, and yellow-breasted chats.

Details: San Pedro House, operated by The Friends of the San Pedro River, is nine miles east of Sierra Vista on SR 90. It will be open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Wilcox: Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area

A 1,500-acre wildlife habitat, Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area is famous for the large population of sandhill cranes during the winter season of October through February. Whitewater Draw lies in the Chiricahua desert grassland habitat of the Sulphur Springs Valley.

The Sulphur Springs Valley, west of the Chiricahua Mountains between Bisbee and Douglas to the south and Willcox to the north, is great for bird watching. The valley’s highways and back roads offer access to a variety of habitats including grassland, desert scrub, playa lake, and farm fields. A wide variety of birds winter here alongside permanent residents.

Sora at Whitewater Draw *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Located in the southwestern part of the valley, the Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area lies within a desert grassland habitat. Nearly half of the Wildlife Area falls within a floodplain. Over 600 acres of the area is intermittently flooded wetland with two small patches of riparian habitat. The surrounding agricultural community of the valley enhances feeding opportunities for wintering birds.

Whitewater Draw has a one-mile boardwalk trail that takes you around cattail marshes, shallow ponds, and eventually to several viewing platforms. Here you can use permanently-mounted spotting scopes to observe the wintering sandhill cranes and the flocks of snow geese and tundra swan that share the sky with the cranes. This is also a great place to see avocets, stilts, and yellowlegs. Wetland birds include egrets, great blue heron, black-crowned night heron, ibis, soras, terns, and other shorebirds.

Green teal at Whitewater Draw *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Overnight camping is allowed in designated areas only, for no more than three days within a seven day period. Camping is free; however, no utilities are available. There is a vault toilet on site. Open fires are allowed in designated areas only.

Details: Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day

Madera Canyon *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Green Valley: Madera Canyon

South of Tucson and west of Green Valley, Madera Canyon is carved from the Santa Rita Mountains. The road into the narrowing gorge climbs from desert grasslands to mixed woodlands shading a seasonal stream.

More than 250 species of bird have been documented in these varied habitats. Favorite sightings include elegant trogon, elf owl, sulphur-bellied flycatcher, and painted redstart.

The Madera Creek Trail follows the stream and has multiple access points. The Carrie Nation Trail branches off from Old Baldy Trail, tracing the creek bed deeper into the canyon. It’s a good place to see elegant trogons in April and May.

Non-hikers can enjoy the picnic areas and the free viewing area at the Santa Rita Lodge, filled with hummingbirds and other desert species.

Old Baldy Trail at Madera Canyon *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Details: $8 day-use pass for Madera Canyon is sold on site.

Related article: Madera Canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains

Gambel’s quail at Catalina State Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Oro Valley: Catalina State Park

Catalina State Park sits at the base of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains. The park is a haven for desert plants and wildlife and nearly 5,000 saguaros. The 5,500 acres of foothills, canyons, and streams invites camping, picnicking, and bird watching—more than 150 species of birds call the park home. The park provides miles of equestrian, birding, hiking, and biking trails which wind through the park and into the Coronado National Forest at elevations near 3,000 feet.

Because of the high diversity of bird species, the National Audubon Society has designated the park as an Important Bird Area (IBA). The species count has reached 193 and includes several much sought-after birds such as Gilded Flicker, Rufous-winged Sparrow, and Varied Bunting.

Gilded flicker at Catalina State Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The makeup of birds in the park varies with the seasons. Spring and summer birds include noisy Brown-crested Flycatchers, beautiful Blue Grosbeaks, and the tiny Lucy’s Warblers. In the early fall, waves of migrants pass through including Lazuli Buntings, Western Tanagers, and several kinds of warblers. Winter brings in a variety of birds that nest in the north such as Red-naped Sapsucker, Green-tailed Towhee, and several species of sparrows. Permanent residents include Great Horned Owls, Red-tailed Hawks, and many other Sonoran Desert species.

The many trails in the park provide great opportunities to see birds. In addition, there are regular bird walks from October into April led by local experts. The park is located within minutes of the Tucson metropolitan area.

Related article: Catalina State Park: Sky Island Gem

Red Rock State Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Sedona: Red Rock State Park

Red Rock State Park is located 5 miles west of Sedona off State Highway 89A on the lower Red Rock Loop Road. A bird list is available upon request. This park makes a great introduction for novice birders. Guided bird walks take place at 8 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The park has an abundance of resident and migratory birds that can be appreciated by park visitors. A five-mile network of trails loops through this park. The Kisva Trail and Smoke Trail are easy strolls along the banks of Oak Creek beneath the shade of cottonwood, sycamore, velvet ash, and alder trees where you might spot wood ducks and common mergansers.

Non-hikers can settle in on the patio beside the visitor center. It’s with hummingbird feeders.

Details: 4050 Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona. $7, $4 for ages 7-13. Pets are not allowed.

Related article: Color Your World at Red Rock State Park

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Sedona

Conclusion

No matter if you’re new to bird watching or are an avid birder looking to check rare species off your life list, Arizona is your place. A day pack will help stow your creature’s comfort items: snacks, water, a sweater or light jacket, a birding field guide, binoculars, and camera. Bring enough gear to ensure your stay in the field is as comfortable as possible.

The last piece of the birding equation is totally up to you. Just get out there and enjoy nature. Hike around while peering into the brush, on the water, or in trees for Arizona’s diverse bird species.

Plan your trip:

Worth Pondering…

Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy, and celebration. The hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation.

—Papyrus

What is the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch?

Over 4.5 miles of trails weave through the park welcoming hikers, runners, bikers, horseback riders, wildlife watchers, and casual strollers

Gilbert, Arizona is located 17 southeast of Phoenix and offers a wide variety of activities but one of its biggest attractions is also one of its most natural: the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch.

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert was developed in 1999 to provide a combination of three functions: a recreational and educational area, a facility for water reclamation, and a wildlife habitat.

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The Riparian Preserve is easy to access and enjoy with 4.5 miles of trails both paved and unpaved for walking, biking, hiking, or horseback riding. Plus, it’s pet-friendly so you can bring your beloved pooch along as long as it’s cool enough for them (tip: if you’re visiting Gilbert during the summer you’ll want to visit the preserve in the early morning or later at night to avoid dangerous levels of heat).

Ring-necked duck at Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Recreational & Educational Area

The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert offers a multitude of recreational and educational opportunities for all ages. There are over four and a half miles of trails throughout with several interpretive education panels on vegetation and wildlife along the walkways. Other educational spaces include a hilltop outdoor classroom, dinosaur dig site, a state-of-the-art observatory, and hummingbird plus butterfly gardens, to name a few. The Gilbert Trail System connects with the Preserve’s trails which allows for hikers, casual walkers, leashed and behaved dogs, also horses on specific equestrian trails.

Related article: 15 Amazing Places to Discover in Phoenix

There are seating and viewing areas along the Preserve’s paths. Restrooms and drinking fountains are also onsite. Several ramadas and campsites for group gatherings are available by reservation.

Another huge recreational benefit offered is the Water Ranch Lake for fishing. As a part of the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Community Fishing Program, those looking to fish for rainbow trout, sunfish, largemouth bass, and farm-raised channel catfish can do so with a proper fishing license.

Northern shoveler at Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Water Reclamation Facility

Seventy acres of the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch’s 110 total acres comprises seven water recharge basins for 100 percent of Gilbert’s treated effluent water each filled on a rotating basis. For those of you, like me, who feel compelled to Google the word effluent to get a better understanding of its meaning this is for you. Per Wikipedia, “Effluent is an outflowing of water or gas to a natural body of water from a structure such as a wastewater treatment plant, sewer pipe, or industrial outfall.”

American Avocet at Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

In addition to the seven percolating ponds there is also a recreational urban fishing lake filled with reclaimed water. Also, one of the ponds contains a unique, desert-like distribution stream. The Water Ranch in the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch combines the Town of Gilbert Drinking Water Treatment Plant, the Southeast Regional Library building, Fire Station, Nichols Park, and the Salt River Project Eastern Canal. The Water Ranch property stretches from Greenfield Road east to Higley Road containing most of the land between Guadalupe Road and the utility easement.

Wildlife Habitat

Arizona wildlife including birds, butterflies, insects, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and mammals call Gibert’s Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch home in its various vegetative zones of native riparian, marshlands, and upland vegetation areas. Let’s delve into the birds a little more; the Preserve is a bird watchers paradise with 298 species of birds identified. The National Audubon Society has also designated the Riparian Preserve as an Important Bird Area. Plus, there is a designated garden exclusively for hummingbirds and butterflies. For a close-up view of fish and ducks the urban recreational lake provides guests with a floating boardwalk that crosses the northern end.

Black-necked stilt at Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Programs

There are a variety of programs from public, school to youth and Scout offered at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch. Public programs such as bird walks with Desert Rivers Audubon, The Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory’s Skywatch featuring a 16-inch Meade state-of-the-art telescope managed by the East Valley Astronomy Club, Naturalist Guided Preserve Tours, and the Outdoor Learning Project answering questions like “Can I Feed the Ducks?”.

Related article: Explore Phoenix Naturally

The Preserve is an excellent field trip destination for surrounding schools to offer a multitude of fun engaging environmental studies of birds, insects, desert life, Arizona groundwater, pollination, fossils, solar energy, and plants. Scout and Youth Groups also enjoy the Riparian Preserve with nature hikes, overnight camping, scout badge work, dinosaur digs, astronomy viewings, and group lessons on wildlife, water, plants, ecology, and conservation.

Photo Opportunities

The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch offers a fantastic place as a wildlife habitat, water reclamation facility, and community recreational go-to spot. Still, there are extra benefits to be enjoyed. The Preserve might be the place for you if you’re looking for the perfect backdrop for a family or special event portrait. Or perhaps you’re adding to your nature photography portfolio. It might be safe to say many are looking for ways to make their Instagram pop. Can you say fascinating wildlife, stunning sunsets, gorgeous waterways, tranquil colors, and light? Yes, yes, you can. The bottom line is that there are multiple dynamic photo opportunities for cell phone cameras as well as novice and professional photographers at Gilbert’s Riparian Preserve.

Hours & Parking

The Gilbert Parks and Recreation Department manages the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch. Hours are from 5:30 am to 10:00 pm with the habitat area open dawn to dusk. The Preserve is at the southeast corner of East Guadalupe Road and North Greenfield Road. The most available parking is on the north and west sides of Maricopa County’s Southeast Regional Library at the furthermost northwest corner of the park near the community fishing lake. Additional limited parking is located on the north side of the park off of E Guadalupe Road.

Worth Pondering…

Observe the wonders as they occur around you. Don’t claim them. Feel the artistry moving through and be silent.

—Jalal Ad-Din Rumi

Important Bird Areas for RV Travel

A driving tour of Important Bird Areas that offer fantastic bird-watching opportunities for RV travel

If you’re an RVer interested in bird watching, Audubon’s Important Bird Areas (IBAs) is a great source for planning your next road trip. The IBAs form an impressive network of conservation sites for birds, including expansive lands that support important habitats for birds and other wildlife.

To date Audubon has identified 2,832 IBAs covering 417 million acres of public and private lands in the United States. You may be familiar with many of these IBAs, as some are already protected as national parks and national wildlife refuges—some are small and some expansive—but all are significant. Of the 2,832 North American IBAs, 720 are considered of global importance, 113 are listed as continental importance, and 1,999 are of state importance.

Following are five of our favorite IBA destinations in the US for bird watching and the enjoyment of the natural environment during our RV travels.

New Mexico: Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is the winter home of thousands of sandhill cranes, snow geese, ducks, and other waterfowl. The annual arrival of the sandhill cranes is celebrated by a 6-day festival each November. The Festival of the Cranes is scheduled for November 20-23, 2019. The cranes and snow geese generally remain on the refuge until mid-February when they return to their breeding grounds in the north.

Even with their departure the refuge remains a wonderful place for hiking, biking, and wildlife- and bird-watching year round. You will want to drive the auto Tour Loop to get up close to the wildlife and their habitat.

Florida: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is an important National Wildlife Refuge on the Atlantic coast of Florida. It is also a ‘gateway site’ for the Great Florida Birding Trail. Recreational opportunities are offered at the Refuge from manatee and bird watching, to fishing and hunting. The Visitor Information Center located 4 miles east of Titusville, Florida, is a great place to start your visit.

Consisting of 140,000 acres, the Refuge provides a wide variety of habitats: coastal dunes, saltwater marshes, freshwater impoundments, scrub, pine flatwoods, and hardwood hammocks. The refuge’s coastal location, tropic-like climate, and wide variety of habitat types contribute to the refuge’s diverse bird population. To date, 358 species have been identified on the refuge.

Arizona: Gilbert Riparian Preserves at Water Ranch

The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is managed as a part of the City of Gilbert water treatment facility. The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch features hiking and equestrian trails. The preserve provides a great opportunity for wildlife and bird watching and is considered the premier bird watching facility in the Phoenix metro region. Approximately 250 species of birds have been sighted here.

The preserve also has the only valley astronomy observatory open to the public every Friday and Saturday evening from dusk until 9:30 p.m., subject to weather conditions.

Texas: Laguna Madre

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The Texas coast is bordered by the world’s longest barrier island system. Part of this system forms the Laguna Madre whose mosaic of coastal wetlands, freshwater ponds, and native grasslands provide critical habitat for migratory waterfowl, waterbirds, shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds.

Laguna Madre includes privately owned cattle ranches (Kenedy and King Ranches), federally owned conservation areas (Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge and South Padre Island National Seashore), and coastal communities.

South Padre Island Birding Center *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is host or home to an incredible diversity of migrating birds that funnel through the tip of Texas in an effort to avoid flying too far east, over the Gulf Coast, or too far west, over the desert. In addition, many southern species reach their northernmost range along the Rio Grande.

A slender thread of land between the shallow Laguna Madre and the rolling Gulf of Mexico, South Padre Island anchors the World Birding Center with nature adventures in every season.The nature center offers more than 3,300 linear feet of boardwalk, five bird blinds, and a five story tower with spectacular views of the Laguna Madre, beaches and dunes of South Padre Island, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Louisiana: Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge

Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge is an epic birding destination near Lake Charles. This is due to the fact that it is at the convergence of the Mississippi and Central flyways. Numerous birds make year-round residences here while millions make their way through this region in the spring and fall during migration.

Cameron Prairie is your chance to truly enjoy the Louisiana Outback at its finest. Wildlife is abundant and makes wildlife viewing and photography opportunities endless. The best places to spot wildlife are the Pintail Wildlife Drive, the visitor center, and all along the Creole Nature Trail.

Worth Pondering…

—Papyrus