The Binocular Site
Madera Canyon, Arizona
Resting 50 miles to the south of Tucson, Arizona, the Madera Canyon faces the northern slopes of the Santa Rita Mountains. The canyon also makes up part of the Coronado National Forest.
Madera Canyon has become a favorite spot for nature lovers - especially birdwatchers - and offers cool relief from the arid heat of the surrounding Sonoran Desert.
Madera Canyon's rich, protected habitat offers a number of campsites and cabins for rent, making it perfect for an extended visit.
The beautiful scenery in the valley can be soaked in by traveling along the Madera Nature Trail. The trail takes you right into the base of Mt. Wrightson. The area also offers a number of picnic areas, horseback trails, and extensive hiking trails. Many seasonal nature programs are also offered by The Friends of Madera Canyon volunteer group.
This unique spot is a birdwatcher's paradise and provides shelter to over 240 recorded species of birds, including over a dozen species of Hummingbirds.
Some of the birds you may see in Madera Canyon include Elegant trogon, Buff-collared Nightjar, Whiskered Screech Owls, Magnificent Hummingbirds, and Painted Redstart.
The official state bird of Arizona is the Cactus Wren and you can find a bird watching checklist for Arizona here.
Photo credit to ikeaboi81, used with permission under the creative commons license. You can learn more about the ecosystem and habitat of Madera Canyon as well as event information for the Canyon here.
If you've visited Madera Canyon, please take the time to share your experience and any tips or insight you have about this Arizona birding location below.
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