Puerto Canyon and Spring
On the north flank of the Tumacacori Mountains and amidst high desert, Puerto Canyon and its spring form an isolated oasis with a permanent seep and large sycamores which attracts an interesting array of migrants in spring and fall, as well as breeding species in summer of interest to any birder. Quick access from I-19 via an unpaved road, that road also forms the primary birding trail that is easily walked and facilitates birding not only the riparian spring but the surrounding desert and hillsides. The fenced-in spring and immediate trees and vegetation contain nesting Gray Hawks, Thick-billed Kingbirds, and Northern Bearded Tyrannulets. Hillsides contain Crissal Thrashers, Varied Bunting, and recently discovered Five-striped Sparrows.
Site Information
Region: Tucson and Southern
County: Santa Cruz
Directions: Driving south on I-19 Highway just past the Border Patrol check point, exit on Chavez Siding #40 and turn right/west to the frontage road. Turn right/north and in ~0.2 miles, turn left/west onto the unpaved road through the cattle guard. The spring is found ~5 miles west of here.
Latitude: 31.625388
Longitude: -111.121119
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: None
Best time to visit: This site can be productive throughout the year but especially during migration and then summer as well for breeding birds.
Habitats: Desert, Stream or river
Know Before You Go
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Rare: Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Five-striped Sparrow
Speciality: Gray Hawk, Montezuma’s Quail, Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, Rufous-winged Sparrow
Charismatic: Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Verdin
Contact Information
Coronado National Forest - perhaps BLM
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1019793