The Binocular Site
San Pedro River, Arizona
The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (NCA) contains more than 56000 acres of public land including 40 miles of the San Pedro River, and was first established 20 years ago.
It remains a rich, biodiverse, and successful ecosystem where life thrives on the abundant water supply found so surprisingly within the desert.
Over 350 species of birds along with more than 80 species of mammals and 40 species of amphibians and reptiles call San Pedro River home. An organization known as the Friends of the San Pedro River (FSPR) leads guided hikes and trail rides throughout, offering educational programs and helping to maintain the conservation areas.
Birding research is conducted through a special bird-banding program, and is centralized at the San Pedro Avian Resource Center (SPARC). Ultimately over 350 bird species have been identified, and up to 4 million birds stop here each year during migration.
The climate is mild, and the river itself is said to support almost two-thirds of the avian diversity throughout the United States, including about 100 species that use the river as their breeding habitat along with about 250 migrating species.
The official bird for the state of Arizona is the Cactus Wren and you can find a comprehensive birdwatching checklist for Arizona here.
Photo credit to Al Andersen, used with permission under the creative commons license. You can learn more about the history, habitat, birding and hiking schedule offered by the Friends of San Pedro River on their website here.
If you've visited the San Pedro River, please take the time to share your experience and any tips or insight you have about this Arizona based bird watching location below.
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