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Carr Canyon – 7 miles south on HWY 92 from Fry Blvd/HWY 90, turn west on Carr Canyon Rd – 8.5 miles to the campgrounds in pine forest. Unpaved, switchback road. One of the most reliable localities for Buff-breasted Flycatcher as well as other high-altitude birds such as Red-faced, Grace's and Olive Warblers, Red Crossbill, Yellow-eyed Junco, Pygmy Nuthatch and Steller’s Jay.

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Coronado National Memorial –Turn south from HWY 92 16 miles south of Sierra Vista.  All of the common Madrean Woodland birds such as Acom Woodpecker, Mexican Jay, Bridled Titmouse and Montezuma Quail are found here along with mammals such as White-tailed Deer, White-nosed Coati and Javelina.

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Garden Canyon – South end of Fort Huachuca, west end of Sierra Vista. A visitor's pass must be obtained to gain access to the Fort (see above).  Enter through Van Deman Gate and drive straight on along Hatfield Street. At Arizona Street turn left and then at Winrow Avenue, turn left. At roundabout, turn right along Winrow  and on reaching the Fort bypass go straight across onto the unmade road, and follow signs to Garden Canyon. The upper picnic area offers great, easy birding: Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Painted Redstart and Elegant Trogon are regular here in season.  At the end of the road (which becomes dirt after the Upper Picnic Area, the Sawmill Canyon Trail continues to climb into Pine forest.  Garden Canyon is also legendary for butterfly and dragonfly enthusiasts. The road up to the top of Garden Canyon is best driven in a vehicle with reasonably high clearance.

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Huachuca Canyon - North of Garden Canyon. A visitor's pass must be obtained to gain access to the Fort (see above).  Enter through Van Deman Gate and drive straight on along Hatfield Street until reaching Smith Avenue where you turn right. Continue along Smith Road, across the roundabout, and then take the second road to the left, Christy Avenue. This becomes Hines Road, then Huachuca Canyon Road. The Lower Picnic Area is by a stream crossing with tall trees which is always worth checking. Look out for Gray Hawk. After a mile or so this road soon deteriorates and is really only suitable for high clearance vehicle. Further up the canyon is the Upper Picnic Area where the road ends. This is good for Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher and Elegant Trogons are often seen from here up the trail, which can be hiked. 

 

Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge - Located on the edge of the Swisshelm Mountains 16 miles north of Douglas on Leslie Canyon Road, or 11 miles (unpaved road) east of McNeal on Davis Road. This narrow desert canyon contains Leslie Creek, a stream supporting rare and protected native plants, fish, and frogs. The perennial water amidst Chihuahuan desert thornscrub and grassland attracts a tremendous variety of birds, including Violet-crowned Hummingbirds, Black capped Gnatcatchers, Lucy's Warblers, Rufous-crowned Sparrows, and Varied Buntings. Abide by the regulatory signs as portions of the refuge are closed to public entry to protect the habitat of threatened and endangered species. The road continues through the refuge to Rucker Canyon in the nearby Chiricahua Mountains, where camping is available. No fee.

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Patagonia – Sonoita Creek Nature Conservancy Preserve – On Pennsylvania Ave north of HWY 82. One hour west of Sierra Vista, this lush riparian area provides habitat for over 200 species of birds. The nearby Roadside Rest Area on Hwy 82 is another spot to visit. Carefully cross the highway and walk along the fence marking private land along Sonoita Creek. Rose-throated Becards have nested in the sycamores here in recent years. Fee.  More details here.

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Patagonia Lake State Park - located 13 miles southwest of Patagonia - has recently added the Sonoita Creek Natural Area to its attractions. The area boasts shorebirds, flycatchers, and even a trogon or two. You can rent a boat to see the area, take the trail around the lake, or take advantage of a guided pontoon boat trip. Park entrance fee is $15-20 per car up to 4 people. Overnight full-hookup camping is available. More details here.

 

Patagonia Butterfly Garden - of the 700 butterfly species you can see in North America, over 200 can be seen in Patagonia. The open butterfly garden is in the Patagonia Town Park. August is an excellent time to visit.

 

Paton Center for Hummingbirds - Tucson Audubon's Paton Center for Hummingbirds is located 1 ¼ miles southeast of the Preserve Visitor Center on Blue Haven Rd, this is definitely the place to see hummingbirds in Patagonia, especially Violet-crowned Hummingbird.  The Center is open 7 days a week from dawn to dusk (closed at the moment due to COVID but feeders can be watched from the road).  Donation suggested. More details here.

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Ramsey Canyon Nature Conservancy Preserve – 6 miles south of Fry Blvd/HWY 90 in Sierra Vista, turn west and drive 4 miles to the end of Ramsey Canyon Rd.  This 300 acre property in the middle elevations of the canyon provides excellent birding opportunities. Famous for its hummingbirds (including Magnificent, Blue-throated and White-eared), but offers even more. Look for Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Painted Redstart, Elegant Trogon, Arizona Woodpecker and Spotted Towhee. Fee. More details here. 

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San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge - Located adjacent to the Republic of Mexico 16 miles (unpaved road) east of Douglas along Geronimo Trail Road (15th Street). A mixture of desert upland and scattered wetlands provide habitats for at least 293 bird species. This is a good place to find Northern Beardless Tyrannulets, Tropical Kingbirds, Bell's Vireos, Yellow-breasted Chats, and Varied Buntings. It is the only place in the United States to see Yaqui chub, Yaqui topminnow, Yaqui catfish, and Yaqui beautiful shiner - all rare and protected native fish. The refuge also protects the San Bernardino Ranch National Historic Site, including the beautifully restored 1884 Slaughter Ranch ($5 entry fee). The entire refuge is open to walk-in traffic only, during daylight hours every day. More details here.

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San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area - San Pedro House Visitor Center on Hwy 90, 7 miles west of Hwy 90/Hwy 80 intersection. Additional access points include Hereford Road, Charleston Road and Hwy 92 at Palominas.

Holy Trinity Monastery, adjacent to the NCA at the town of St. David, invites birders to walk its 1.3 mile trail around ponds fed by artesian springs.

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Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area - Located southwest of McNeal at the end of Coffman Road south from Davis Road. Operated by Arizona Game and Fish Department, this is the largest remaining wetland in the southern Sulphur Springs Valley and provides important wintering habitat for Sandhill Cranes and a variety of waterfowl. During summer, the mix of desert grassland and wetlands are good places to see Mexican Ducks and a variety of other waterbirds, raptors, sparrows, and other migratory birds. During the summer monsoon season, the night-time chorus of amphibians can be very diverse and extremely loud. Undeveloped camping is available. No fee. More details here.