here - Arizona Important Bird Areas Program

Transcription

Arizona’s
Important Bird Areas
A R I Z O N A
Agua Fria National Monument Riparian Corridors IBA
Size: 26.31 square miles, 16843 acres
Michelle Dyer
Identified: 01/2004. Recognized: 01/2010
Visiting The IBA: The Agua Fria National Monument is located 40 miles north of Phoenix, AZ. It is easily
accessed by traveling on Interstate 17 to the Badger Springs Exit (Exit #256), Bloody Basin Road Exit (Exit
#259) or Cordes Lakes and Dugas exits.
Site Description: Agua Fria National Monument consists of semi-desert grassland mesas with
pockets of chaparral, mesquite and desert riparian communities. A number of wells and watering tanks
create very local microhabitats. The IBA is the deeply cut canyons of the Agua Fria River and tributaries
that contain mature riparian forests of Fremont cottonwood, Goodding and other willows, Arizona ashand
Arizona sycamore. At the lower end of the main canyon above Black Canyon City this habitat is dominated
by cottonwoods and merges into sycamore dominated riparian forests at the highest altitudes..
Birds: Species of special conservation status and interest that use the
habitats within this IBA include:
Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Cooper’s Hawk, Golden Eagle, Yellowbilled Cuckoo, Black-throated Hummingbird, Bell’s Vireo,
Juniper Titmouse, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Abert’s
Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Summer
Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Bullock’s Oriole, and
Hooded Oriole.
Migration: Swainson’s Hawk, Bald Eagle, Red-naped
Sapsucker, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher,
Olive-sided Flycatcher, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Crissal Thrasher,
Gray Vireo, Virginia’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler,
MacGillivray’s Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler, Lark Bunting, and
Brewer’s Sparrow.
Conservation Concerns: Grassland and riparian habitat health requires management of
grazing, off highway vehicle travel and fire. Loss of the grasslands impacts the small Pronghorn
Antelope population and the grassland bird assemblage (sparrows, meadowlarks, and Gambel’s quail).
Immediate concerns are: spread of invasive plants and animals such as tamarisk and crayfish, illegal
off-road vehicle use,. Upstream groundwater extraction and development Strategies: Off-highway
vehicle management, seasonal exclusion of livestock from the riparian areas and fire management
through prescription fires.
Conservation Stewards: Sonoran Audubon Society and Friends of Agua Fria
National Monument
Page 2 | Arizona Important Bird Area Program
Yellow-billed Cuckoo / Jessi Bryan
Breeding: Great Blue Heron, Common Black-Hawk, Zone-tailed
Anderson Mesa IBA
Global IBA for Pinyon Jay
Size: 261 square miles, 167509 acres
Identified: 01/2004. Global: 10/2009
Visiting the IBA: Located 20 miles southeast of Flagstaff, take the Lake Mary Road exit and travel
east on Forest Road 3. Mormon Lake Lodge is located on the south side of Mormon Lake. There are
overlooks, trails and two-track roads throughout.
Ownership: Coconino National Forest and private landowners.
Site Description: Anderson Mesa begins about 9 miles southeast of Flagstaff and is a gently sloping
tableland for approximately 25 miles to the southeast. The northern lakes are Marshall, Lower and Upper
Lakes Mary, and Mormon. Ashurst and Kinnikinck Lakes are more central. The southern lakes are Long,
Soldiers’, Soldiers’ Annex, Tremaine and Hay. Along the length of the mesa are many ephemeral wetlands
of varying sizes. Low bluffs outline part of the western edge and Lakes Mary & Mormon are below the bluffs.
Various habitats are coniferous & deciduous trees, shrubs, small canyons, open grasslands, seasonal
marsh wetlands, and shallow wet meadows. The central portion of mesa is made up of plains grasslands,
habitat for Pronghorn Antelope herds.
Birds: Species of special conservation status and interest that use the habitats within this IBA include:
Breeding: The pinyon and juniper woodlands provide significant habitat for Pinyon Jay, and the IBA has
global recognition for this species. Cinnamon Teal, Band-tailed Pigeon, Virginia Rail, Sora, Osprey, Piedbilled Grebe, Western Grebe, Clark’s Grebe, Purple Martin, Virginia’s Warbler, Red-faced Warbler,
Migration: A significant migration stop over site for waterfowl, water birds, and wading birds during years
when sufficient moisture occurs during the winter. Ruddy Duck, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard,
Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Redhead, Ringnecked Duck, Bufflehead, American Avocet, Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, White-faced Ibis and American
White Pelican.
Conservation Concerns: Grassland and wetlands habitat health requires management of
grazing, off highway vehicle travel and fire. Loss of the grasslands impacts the Pronghorn Antelope
population and the grassland bird assemblage (primarily horned larks, sparrows, and meadowlarks).
Immediate concerns are: Drought, fire, and grazing in wetlands by livestock and wildlife. Strategies:
Off-highway vehicle management, exclusion of livestock and elk from wetland areas, replanting wetland
species, and fire management through prescription fires.
Conservation Stewards: Northern Arizona Audubon Society and Arizona Antelope Foundation
Arizona Important Bird Area Program | Page 3
Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch of the NAS IBA
Size: 12 square miles, 7723 acres
Identified: 01/2004
Visiting the IBA: Visitors are asked to e-mail
[email protected] or call 520-455-5522 before
scheduling a trip. This IBA is located south of the town of
Elgin. The miles before the ranch are not paved but are in
good condition.
Ownership: National Audubon Society, Swift Land
and Cattle, Coronado National Forest, Bureau of Land
Management.
Site Description: The Appleton-Whittell Research
USGS
Ranch of the National Audubon Society (the IBA) is located
in a broad semi-desert grassland in Southeastern Arizona. It is a 13 square mile sanctuary from which
livestock has been excluded since 1968. It encompasses a mix of habitats including semi-desert uplands,
oak savannahs, and oak woodlands cut by small ephemeral creeks with riparian habitat.
Birds: Species of special conservation status and interest that use the habitats within this IBA include:
Breeding: Scaled Quail, Montezuma Quail, American Kestrel, Burrowing Owl, Gray Flycatcher, Horned
Lark, Eastern Bluebird, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Cassin’s Kingbird, Lucy’s Warbler,
Virginia’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Blue Grosbeak, Botteri’s Sparrow -wintering, Cassin’s
Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, and Eastern
Meadowlark (Lillian’s).
Migration and Winter: Band-tailed Pigeon, Northern Harrier, Swainson’s Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo,
Willow Flycatcher, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Black-chinned Sparrow, Baird’s Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow,
Brewer’s Sparrow, Sage Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow and Sprague’s Pipit
Conservation Concerns: Grassland habitat health requires management of grazing, off highway
vehicle travel and fire. Loss of grasslands impacts the Pronghorn Antelope population and the grassland
bird assemblage. Immediate concerns are: invasion of exotic grass species (Lehman and Boer lovegrasses,
Johnson grass and Bermuda), wild fire, Strategies: Entire site is a protected area. The BLM property is part
of the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area and the Forest Service portion is designated a Research
Natural Area. All roads except the main access road are designated administrative only. Prescription fire and
control of invasive plants and animals (grasses, blackberry and bullfrogs)
Conservation Stewards: Audubon Arizona and The Research Ranch Foundation
Arivaca Cienega and Creek IBA
Matt Griffiths
Identified: 07/2002
Visiting the IBA: From Tucson take Highway 286 south from Three Points to milepost 12. Turn left
and drive east 12 miles to Arivaca. From Interstate 19, take the Amado/Arivaca exit west, turn right at the T,
then left at the Cow Palace onto Arivaca Road. Then drive 23 miles to Arivaca. Arivaca Cienega Trail is ¼
mile east of Arivaca; Arivaca Creek Trail is 2 miles west of town.
Ownership: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State Trust Lands, Private (with permission)
Site Description: This IBA is rare desert cienega and connected creek system in southern Arizona.
These wet habitats are just a small part of the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses
118,000 acres. The cienega is supported by seven springs. Arivaca Creek in most years is a perennial
creek for 2 miles of its 5½-mile length to where it joins the Brawley Wash system.
Birds: This IBA is important in Arizona because it supports
significant numbers of species of conservation status including:
Hawk (Arivaca Creek), Lucy’s Warbler, and Black-bellied
Whistling Duck, and small but reliable numbers of
nesting Costa’s Hummingbird, Northern BeardlessTyrannulet, Tropical and Thick-billed Kingbirds,
Rufous-winged Sparrow, and Varied Bunting. Buffcollared Nightjar, a rare species, has been known
to nest along Arivaca Creek.
Migration: Virginia’s Warbler, MacGillivray’s
Warbler, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Gray
Flycatcher, Swainson’s Thrush, Lucy’s Warbler,
Winter: Many sparrows including Brewer’s, Cassin’s,
and Grasshopper Sparrows. There is also an influx of
raptors and wading birds including Peregrine Falcon and
Great Egret
Conservation Concerns: Water table drawdown, grazing,
cowbird parasitism, non-native plants and animals (bullfrog). Strategies: National Wildlife Refuge
expansion, bullfrog control, acquisition of water rights.
Conservation Stewards: Friends of Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge www.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo / Steve Baranoff
Breeding: Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Gray Hawk, Swainson’s
friendsofbanwr.org/
Aubrey Valley and Cliffs IBA
Kenny Wilkins Photography
Size: 385 square miles, 246,538 acres
Identified: 10/2011
Visiting the IBA: Primary access is at Pika Camp gate located north of old Route 66 just before
milepost 123. Go through a large gate named Pica Camp and proceed approximately 2.5 miles to a sign in
station. Roads are graded, and high clearance vehicles are recommended.
Site Description: This site is home to Arizona’s largest
colony of Gunnison’s prairie dogs, and for this reason it was
also designated as a reintroduction site for black-footed
ferrets. The large prairie dog population also provides a
regional prey base for resident and migrating raptors,
including Golden Eagles and Ferruginous Hawks as
well as synoptic species like Burrowing Owls. The
extensive northsouth cliff line provides abundant
raptor nesting and perching opportunities.
been reported in this IBA. Species of special
conservation status and interest include:
Breeding: American Kestrel, Prairie Falcon,
Red-tailed Hawk, Golden Eagle, Ferruginous Hawk,
Burrowing Owl, Great-horned Owl, Loggerhead Shrike,
Gray Vireo, Gray Flycatcher, Horned Lark, Eastern
Meadowlark, Western Meadowlark Black-throated Sparrow, Lark
Sparrow
Migration: Northern Harrier, Zone-tailed Hawk, Swainson’s Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Sharp-shinned
Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Bald Eagle
Conservation Concerns: Wind energy development, grazing and off highway vehicle travel.
Strategies: Supporting collection of raptor occurrence data at this location and recommending against
wind development that would risk collision of raptors and other wildlife with turbine blades. Big Boquillas
Ranch in partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department has a sign in for public visitors and
manages off road activity.
Golden Eagle and Ferruginous Hawk
Birds: Sixteen species of raptor have
Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge IBA
Global IBA for Bell’s Vireo and California Black Rail;
Continental IBA for Clark’s Grebe, Yuma Clapper Rail, and Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Identified: 01/2004. Global: 10/2010. Continental: 10/2011
FWS
Visiting the Site: To get to Bill Williams River NWR from Lake Havasu City, Arizona follow Arizona
Highway 95 south approximately 23 miles. Headquarters are located between mileposts 160 and 161.
Ownership: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Site Description: The Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge, the IBA, a nine-mile corridor and
delta, is the last extensive naturally flood-regenerated riparian and wetlands habitat on the Lower Colorado
River. This riparian zone is an area of year-around available water and riparian vegetation creating cooler,
more humid conditions than the surrounding desert where rainfall averages
only 3 inches per year and summer temperature often exceed 120
degrees. Habitats consist of extensive mesquite bosque and
desert uplands, as well as cottonwood-willow, bulrush, cattail,
and seep willow.
using the Colorado River flyway as well as being important
wintering habitat for many northern species. Overall 343
species have been recorded on the refuge. Species of special
conservation status and interest that use the habitats within
this IBA include:
Breeding: California Black Rail, Yuma Clapper Rail, American
Bittern, Clark’s Grebe, Cooper’s Hawk, Elf Owl, Burrowing Owl,
Snowy Egret, Great Egret Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Western
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Bell’s Vireo, Crissal, Bendire’s and Curve Billed
Thrashers, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat. Bell’s Vireo estimated numbers is
2700 individual birds.
Migration: American Avocet, Western Grebe, Tree Swallow, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Bald Eagle
Clapper Rail / Len Blumin
Birds: This IBA is a stopover for neotropical migrants
Conservation Concerns: Wind energy development, grazing and off highway vehicle travel.
Strategies: Colorado River Multi-Species Management Plan, no recreational watercraft allowed in
marsh habitat, designation as a national wildlife refuge.
Conservation Stewards: Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge Friends www.
fws.gov/southwest/refuges/arizona/billwill.html and Prescott Audubon Society
Blue and San Francisco Rivers Ecosystem IBA
Blue River / Kevin Dooley
Size: 166.6 square miles, 106,642 acres
Identified: 01/2004
Visiting the Site: Located adjacent to the New Mexico border and located northeast of Clifton
and south of Alpine. For access from the north and Alpine take county route 12 toward Reserve, N.M.
and Luna Lake. Turn south on Forest Road 281 into the IBA and to a trailhead into the Blue Primitive
Area. The Strayhorse Trail is a hiking access into the middle of the IBA from the west. The trailhead is
at Rose Peak campground on Highway 191 Forest Road 475 at the Juan Miller campgrounds is a dirt
road access about 25 miles north of Clifton. The San Francisco River portion of the IBA is very remote.
Ownership: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest (private lands with permission)
Site Description: Elevation ranges from nearly 9,000 feet at the highest points of the Campbell
Mexican Spotted Owl / Lincoln Wildlife Crew
Blue headwaters near Alpine to about 3,300 feet along the San Francisco near Clifton. Of the total
400,000-acre Blue River watershed, 99% is managed by the U.S. Forest Service for the public.
Fifty-five percent of the watershed is a designated Primitive Area. The Blue and San Francisco River
systems are free-flowing, perennial riverine systems. Cottonwoods, willows, alders, and sycamores are the
dominant riverside trees. The upland habitats are pine and mixed conifer at its highest points, and gradually
including habitats such as pinyon-juniper, Madrean oak and chaparral in its middle elevational ranges, and
desert grassland with mesquite in its lower segment. The river corridor and its uplands also include areas
that are canyon confined, with high, rocky cliffs
Birds: To date, 216 species have been documented in this IBA with 138 likely breeding.
Breeding: Conservation status species include: Mexican Spotted Owl Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Cordilleran
Flycatcher, Purple Martin, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Hooded Oriole, Gray Catbird, Bendire’s Thrasher,
MacGillivray’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Juniper Titmouse, Gray Vireo, Black-chinned Sparrow,
and American Dipper. Non-conservation status breeding species include: Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer
Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Northern Goshawk and White-throated Swift,
Belted Kingfisher, Red-faced Warbler, and Common Black-Hawk
Migration: Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Solitary Sandpiper, Willow Flycatcher. American
Avocet, Western Grebe, Tree Swallow, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, and Bald Eagle
Conservation Concerns: Historically, the greatest stress to the river system has been caused
by livestock grazing, which caused significant hydrological changes. The U.S. Forest Service has acted
to remove most livestock grazing from the main Blue River over the last decade, allowing for the natural
regeneration of the riparian habitat and recovery of natural hydrological processes. Exotic crayfish are
present in the streams and pose significant threat to native fish, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates on
which native species depend.
Conservation Stewards: White Mountains Audubon Society, Arizona Wilderness
Coalition
Boyce Thompson Arboretum and Arnett-Queen Creeks IBA
Garry Wilmore
Visiting the Site: From Phoenix: Take Highway 60 east toward Superior until you reach milepost
#223. Drive takes about an hour. From Tucson: Take Oracle Road north, turn left at highway 79 and
continue through and past Florence to highway 60, then turn right and continue 12 miles east. Drive takes
about 2 hours.
Ownership: Boyce Thompson Arboretum and Tonto National Forest
Site Description: This IBA includes the north slope of Picketpost Mountain, foothill canyons and
Birds: Within the Superior Christmas Bird Count circle, this IBA is a
noted bird watching spot. Rarities include Yellow-bellied Sapsucker,
Brown Thrasher, Gray Catbird, and Rufous-backed Robin.
Breeding: Common-Black Hawk, Golden Eagle (Picket
Post), Zone-tailed Hawk, Purple Martin, Elf Owl, Yellow-billed
Cuckoo, Gilded Flicker, Costa’s Hummingbird, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Crissal Thrasher, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler,
Yellow Warbler, Abert’s Towhee, Summer Tanager, Western
Wood-Pewee, Vermilion Flycatcher, Yellow-breasted Chat,
Blue Grosbeak, and Hooded Oriole.
Migration: Gray Flycatcher, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher,
Olive-sided Flycatcher, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Black-throated
Gray Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Brewer’s Sparrow, Tree Swallow,
Swainson’s Thrush, Western Tanager, Lazuli Bunting, Varied Bunting,
and Lawrence’s Goldfinch.
Winter: Red-naped Sapsucker, Plumbeous Vireo, Hutton’s Vireo, Western Scrub-Jay, House Wren,
Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Western Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Greentailed Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco.
Broad-billed Hummingbird
ridges, and two intermittent creeks. The 100-acre tract of botanical gardens open to the public is used for
education, research, land conservation, and low-impact recreation.
eBird focus species: Purple Martin, Gilded Flicker, Costa’s Hummingbird, Crissal Thrasher,
Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler and Abert’s Towhee.
Conservation Issues: Wild fire, flash flooding, and drought. Strategies: Tonto Forest has
designated this segment of Arnett Creek a native fish management area. Protective
management by Boyce Thompson Arboretum helps maintain the habitat quality of this IBA.
Conservation Steward: Boyce Thompson Arboretum www.ag.arizona.edu/bta
California Gulch IBA
Identified: 07/2002
Visiting the Site: From the town of Arivaca drive south on the Ruby
Road for less than 11 miles and take the second FR 217 turnoff that is
prominently marked by a Forest Service “CALIF. GULCH” sign. The
road is rugged and requires a high clearance vehicle. Audubon chapters
occasionally lead field trips to this IBA. Detailed instructions can be found
in the book Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona.
Ownership: Coronado National Forest
Site Description: In the remote Pajarito Mountains of southeast
Arizona California Gulch IBA is a unique thornscrub vegetated canyon. California
Gulch IBA is 5 miles west of Sycamore Canyon IBA. The canyon is unique with its dense shrub layer on
its steep sides, and a perennial spring-fed stream draining into Mexico.
Birds: This area is well known among birders for the rare species found here at times.
Year-round: Montezuma Quail, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Mexican Jay, Bridled
Titmouse, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Cactus Wren, and Black-throated Sparrow
Breeding: California Gulch has a small but consistent population of Five-striped Sparrows (10 to 15
pairs), Gray Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Elegant Trogon, Tropical Kingbird, Thick-billed Kingbird,
Rose-throated Becard, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow
Warbler, Varied Bunting, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Vermilion Flycatcher, Dusky-capped Flycatcher,
Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Cassin’s Kingbird, Bell’s Vireo, Purple Martin, Abert’s
Towhee, and Buff-collared Nightjar, a rare species in Arizona.
Migration: Rufous Hummingbird, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Greater Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Hammond’s
Flycatcher, Gray Vireo, Tree Swallow, Hermit Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Eastern Bluebird, MacGillivray’s
Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler, Wilson’s
Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, and Blue Grosbeak.
Winter: Red-naped Sapsucker, Gray Flycatcher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Townsend’s Solitaire, Green-tailed
Towhee.
eBird focus species: Five-striped Sparrow, Gray Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Elegant Trogon,
Tropical Kingbird, Thick-billed Kingbird, Montezuma Quail, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Varied Bunting,
Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Bell’s Vireo, Purple Martin, and Abert’s Towhee.
Conservation Issues: Water quality from past mining activities, grazing, illegal
activities (drugs and immigrants). Strategies: Border enforcement, Coronado Forest land
management plan.
Montezuma Quail / Jerry Oldenettle; Five Striped Sparrow / Marcel Holyoak
Cave Creek Ecosystem IBA
Identified: 06/2009
Visiting the IBA: Access to the Tonto National Forest, including the Seven Springs
Recreation Area and the Cave Creek Trail, is via Seven Springs Road (Forest Road 24) north of
Scottsdale. The Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area and the Jewel of the Creek Preserve are located
at the north end of Spur Cross Road in Cave Creek. Access to the Seitts and Watt preserves is via
an easement at the intersection of Creek Canyon Road and Cloud Road in Cave Creek. The Desert
Enclave Preserve is accessible from the west via Cloud Road. Public access is allowed on the Tonto
National Forest, Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area and designated locations on Desert Foothills
Land trust properties.
Gilded Flickers / Jim Burns
Ownership: Tonto National Forest, Spur Cross Conservation Area (Maricopa County Park), Desert
Foothills Land Trust, Private (Permission only)
Site Description: Cave Creek Ecosystem IBA is located in the Sonoran Desert Eco-region, specifically
the Arizona Upland subdivision of the Sonoran desertscrub biome. The IBA encompasses cottonwood/
willow/sycamore and mesquite bosque riparian areas along with associated desert scrub uplands. Flowing
or standing water is present in many places and there is considerable elevation change and habitat diversity
in this IBA. Much of the land is publicly owned and in a natural undisturbed state is an exceptional example
of a lowland mesic and xeric southwestern riparian community with adjoining undisturbed high quality upland
Sonoran desertscrub vegetation. The perennial water found in reaches of Cave Creek supports a healthy
high quality cottonwood/willow and sycamore vegetation and ecological community.
Birds: The IBA is within the Cave Creek and Carefree Christmas Bird Count. Species of special
conservation status and interest that use the habitats within this IBA include:
Year-round: Sonoran desert; Gambel’s Quail, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna’s Hummingbird, Costa’s
Hummingbird, Gilded Flicker, Gila Woodpecker, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Blacktailed Gnatcatcher, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Black-throated Sparrow, Abert’s Towhee, Canyon
Towhee, Northern Cardinal and Lesser Goldfinch.
Breeding: With the riparian community type; Common Black-Hawk, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Black
Phoebe, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer
Tanager, Abert’s Towhee, Song Sparrow (localized to Jewel Preserve), Blue Grosbeak, Hooded Oriole, and
Bullock’s Oriole. Sonoran desert; White-winged Dove, Costa’s Hummingbird, and Elf Owl
Conservation Concerns: Water quantity from upstream diversions, historic grazing. Strategies:
All of the IBA is excluded from cattle grazing and public recreation is primarily hiking and equestrian use on
developed trails. Spur Cross Conservation Area and Tonto National Forest Land Use Plan.
Stewards: Desert Foothills Land Trust www.dflt.org/
Chiricahua Moutains IBA
Global IBA for Mexican Spotted Owl
Identified: 04/2003. Global:10/2009
JPC Raleigh
Visiting the IBA: From Sierra Vista go east on Hwy 90 then south on Hwy 80 to Bisbee; continue east
on Hwy 80 to Douglas; continue northeast on Hwy 80 to Rodeo, NM; and finally go west on Portal Road
about 2 miles north of Rodeo. This route is entirely blacktop and is an all-weather route.
Birds: The Chiricahua Range is where the interior Rocky Mountain and
the northern Sierra Madrean avifauna meet, making this IBA a coveted bird
watching destination. This IBA is within the Portal Christmas Bird Count
circle. Species of special conservation status and interest that use the
Year-round: Wild Turkey (Gould’s race), Scaled Quail, Montezuma
Quail, Prairie Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Mexican Spotted Owl, Arizona
Woodpecker, Mexican Chickadee (found only in the Chiricahua and
Animas Mountains in the U.S.), Eastern Bluebird, Yellow-eyed Junco, Blackchinned Sparrow, Abert’s Towhee, and Pyrrhuloxia.
Breeding: Band-tailed Pigeon, Short-tailed Hawk (rare), Apache Goshawk, Golden
Eagle, Elegant Trogon, Eared Quetzal (rare), Broad-billed Hummingbird, Magnificent Hummingbird,
Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Lucifer Hummingbird, Costa’s Hummingbird, Flammulated Owl,
Whiskered Screech-Owl, Elf Owl, Greater Pewee, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Cordilleran Flycatcher,
Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Crissal Thrasher, Grace’s Warbler, Olive Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, Lucy’s
Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Red-faced Warbler, Historically, Thick-billed Parrots occupied the
Chiricahua Mountains
Migration: Blue-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Red-naped
Sapsucker, Williamson’s Sapsucker (winter), Olive-sided Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, MacGillivray’s
Warbler, Brewer’s Sparrow
Conservation Concerns: Historic grazing, wild fire, soil erosion. Uncontrollable wild
fires have plagued this IBA over the past decade. The higher elevation mixed conifer forest
habitats have been severely impacted by recent fires.
Elegant Trogon / Dominic Sherony
Site Description: This IBA encompasses the large “sky island” mountain range, the Chiricahua
Mountains in southeastern Arizona almost 40 miles long by 20 miles wide. The IBA extends from 5000 feet
elevation, at the ecotone between grassland and oak, to the top of Chiricahua Peak at 9795 feet. Sierra
Madrean species reach the northernmost extension of their ranges within this IBA. This IBA is notable for
the incredible diversity of bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian species that occur here due to the numerous
life zones that overlap in this sky island.
Cibola National Wildlife Refuge IBA
Identified: 06/2008
Visiting the Site: From Blythe, go approximately 3 miles west on I-10 to
Site Description: Cibola NWR is located in the floodplain of the lower Colorado
River surrounded by a fringe of desert ridges and washes. The refuge encompasses both the historic
Colorado River channel as well as a channelized portion constructed in the late 1960’s. Along with
these main water bodies, several important backwaters are home to many wildlife species that reside
in this portion of the Sonoran Desert. Because of the river’s life sustaining water, wildlife at the refuge
survives in an environment that reaches 120 degrees in the summer and receives an average of only 2
inches of rain per year. Cibola Lake is closed in the winter to provide a safe, undisturbed roosting area
for wintering waterfowl and other wildlife.
Birds: The largest portion of the lower Colorado River population of greater Sandhill Cranes winter
on this refuge.
Year-round: American Kestrel, Gamble’s Quail, Clark’s Grebe, Western
Grebe, Pied-billed Grebe, Cattle Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Egret,
Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, American Bittern,
Greater Yellowlegs, Burrowing Owl, Abert’s Towhee, Red-winged
Blackbird, and Killdeer.
Breeding: Yuma Clapper Rail, Least Bittern, Western Kingbird,
Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Bell’s Vireo, Blue Grosbeak,
Yellow-breasted Chat, Lesser Nighthawk and Black-necked Stilt.
Migration: White-fronted Goose (mid to late September), Whitefaced Ibis, American Avocet, Black Terns, Dowitchers, Long-billed
Curlew, Wilson’s Phalarope, Western Sandpiper, Marbled Godwit, Lesser
Yellowlegs, Willet, and Wilson’s Warbler.
Winter: Sandhill Crane, Canada Goose, Snow Goose, Ross’ Goose, Mallard, Northern Pintail, American
Widgeon, Ring-necked Duck, Ruddy Duck, Northern Shoveler, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal,
Cinnamon Teal, Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Northern Harrier, Wilson’s Snipe, and
Belted Kingfisher.
sandhill crane / Matthew Paulson
Neighbours Boulevard/78 exit. Go south on Neighbours for 12 milesto the Cibola
Bridge. After crossing the bridge, continue south for 3.5 miles to headquarters.
eBird priority species: Abert’s Towhee, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, and Bell’s Vireo.
Conservation Concerns: Saltcedar encroachment has consumed thousands
of acres in upland and riparian areas. Restored sites contain mixed stands of Fremont
cottonwoods, willows, and mesquites.
Gilbert Riparian Preserves IBA
Johnida Dockens
Identified: 01/2007
Visiting the Site: Take US 60 to the Greenfield Road Exit. South on Greenfield and drive south to
Guadalupe. The entrance to the parking lot is east of Greenfield on Guadalupe. Winter and spring are the
best times to visit.
Ownership: Town of Gilbert
Site Description: The Gilbert Riparian Preserves IBA contains two areas: the Water Ranch and
Neely Ponds, consisting of riparian, upland, and open water habitats. The wetlands have ponds of
varying water levels that also provide roosting and foraging habitat for many waterbird and waterfowl
species. The upland habitat is native desert scrub, as well as sedge and grasslands in dry basins.
Martin Ely
Birds: Maricopa and Desert Rivers Audubon Society members
regularly offer bird walks and beginning birder classes. This
IBA is a migration and over-wintering concentration “hot
spot” for shorebirds in Arizona and Shorebird diversity
is high with 14 species using the wetland basins.
Species of special conservation status and interest
that use the habitats within this IBA include:
Year-round: American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe,
American Kestrel, Double-crested Cormorant,
Neotropic Cormorant, Black-crowned Night Heron,
Black-bellied Whistling Duck
Migration: Killdeer, American Avocet, Black-necked
Stilt, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary
Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper,
Least Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher (rare), Long-billed
Dowitcher, Stilt Sandpiper (rare), Wilson’s Snipe, and Wilson’s
Phalarope.
Winter: Canada Goose, Shoveler, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Blue-winged
Teal, Canvasback, Redhead, Pintail, Ring-necked Duck. Mallard, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Turkey Vulture,
Peregrine Falcon, Osprey, and Loggerhead Shrike.
Conservation and Threats: The primary purpose of the site is treatment of waste water for
the city of Gilbert. Management of the water system will influence water quality and quantity. Threats to
birds using the site include anaerobic water conditions that may facilitate botulism outbreaks,
predation by feral cats, and disturbance from human activities-including recreational and facility
management. Water management by Town of Gilbert, humane removal of feral cats.
Grand Canyon NP – Lipan and Yaki IBA
Jeremy Wilburn
Identified: 07/2002
Visiting the IBA: To visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon where Lipan and Yaki Points are
located, take I-17 North to Flagstaff, Arizona and then take Highway 89 North to just before Cameron and
take State road 64 West to the Park. Fall and Spring are the best times to visit.
Ownership: Grand Canyon National Park
Site Description: This IBA includes the entire Grand Canyon National Park and two hawk watch
Birds: The Grand Canyon cliff promontories function as important air space of a major migratory
corridor for raptors. Up to 19 species have been recorded at least once, and 10,000 to 12,000
individuals average per fall migration season. Two to three nest sites for the endangered California
Condor are documented within the canyon. Bald Eagles fish the trout rich waters of the Colorado River
in the winter.
Breeding: 48 bird species regularly nest along the river and the inner canyons, Peregrine Falcon,
Prairie Falcons and Golden Eagle, Mexican Spotted Owl, Bell’s Vireo and Lucy’s Warbler. The forested
habitat has nesting Northern goshawk and Cassin’s Finch. Pinyon Jay are in the Pinyon and juniper
habitat.
Migration: Northern Harrier, Broad-winged Hawk, Swainson’s Hawk, Red-tailed
Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Northern Rough-winged Hawk, Cooper’s hawk,
Sharp-shinned Hawk, American Kestrel, Merlin, Bald Eagle, Osprey,
Turkey Vulture
California Condor / Michael Quinn
points on the south rim of the Grand Canyon, Lipan and Yaki Points
Conservation Concerns: Low-flying site seeing aircraft is a
potential threat, but otherwise this site faces no threats.
Site Stewardship: Hawk Watch International for the raptor
monitoring. Monitoring dates are August 27 to November 5. Information
about the hawk monitoring and how you can help by being a hawk watch
volunteer can be found at: http://www.hawkwatch.org/migration
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge IBA
exit on J Street and go southwest (uphill) 0.6 miles. Turn right at the headquarters entrance sign and
follow the signs. The office is in the back. Office hours are 8am-4pm Monday through Friday. Best time
to visit is from late fall to early spring.
Site Description: The refuge protects 30 river miles and 300 miles of shoreline from Needles,
California, to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. One of the last remaining natural stretches of the lower
Colorado River flows through the 20-mile-long Topock Gorge. The 4,000-acre Topock Marsh depends
on water from the Colorado River. 32 percent of the refuge is designated as wilderness.
Birds: The refuge shelters thousands of Canada and snow geese and ducks each winter. Western
and Clark’s grebes raise their young in both Topock Marsh and Topock Gorge, early spring nesting
California Black Rail, Yuma Clapper Rail, and Least Bittern can be heard and maybe seen if you take a
canoe or kayak trip through Topock Gorge. Herons and egrets also nest in rookeries in the marsh.
Year-round: Sonoran desert; Gambel’s Quail, Anna’s Hummingbird, Burrowing Owl, Gila Woodpecker,
Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla, Abert’s Towhee.
Breeding: White-winged Dove, Costa’s Hummingbird,Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler,
Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Abert’s Towhee, Song Sparrow, Hooded
Oriole, and Bullock’s Oriole. Conservation Issues: Salt cedar, a tree originally from Asia, aggressively takes over disturbed
Chris Austin
areas along the Colorado River and native cottonwood and willow trees cannot compete. Strategies:
Havasu NWR works to control salt cedar and re-establish native riparian forests. To protect floating nest
birds, jet powered personal watercraft (PWC) are not allowed in backwaters off the main Colorado River
channel for the 15-mile stretch from the Island/Castle Rock location, north to the Interstate 40 bridge,
buoy line.
Western Grebes / Mark Watson
Mispahn
Identified: 06/2008
Visiting the IBA: The refuge office is in Needles, California. From Interstate 40,
Huachuca Mountains IBA
Simplifies
Identified: 01/2004
Visiting the Site: To reach the most popular birding sites in the Huachucas, you must go through
Fort Huachuca. Please note that everyone in the car must have a valid ID and your car must have current
registration and insurance. Enter Fort Huachuca from Sierra Vista. Follow south on the main road 9.5 miles
to Garden Canyon as indicated by the signs. For the more adventuresome Lyle and Sunnyside Canyons on
the west side are wonderful birding destinations accessible from the Parker Canyon road south of Sonoita.
Directions to other birding sites in this range can be found in Finding Birds in SE Arizona.
Ownership: Coronado National Forest and Fort Huachucha (Permission Only) and Private
(Permission Only)
Site Description: Four major peaks dominate the 20-mile long mountain range; Miller Peak
(9,466 ft), Carr (9,220 ft), Ramsey (8,725 ft), and Huachuca Peak (8,410 ft). The highest elevations are
mixed conifer forests dominated by Chihuahua Pine. The lower slopes are Madrean Oak woodlands and
savannahs and the riparian canyons are populated with large
Sycamore, Arizona Ash and Alder trees mixed with large live
oaks, alligator juniper, and pine.
incredible number of avian “species of conservation
concern”, some of which are found only in the
United States in the border “Sky Island” mountain
ranges of southeastern Arizona. A particularly
unique feature of this range is the convergence
of Rocky Mountain and Sierra Madrean bird
populations, for example Virginia’s and Blackthroated Gray Warblers of the interior Rocky
Mountains and Red-faced and Olive Warblers of
the Sierra Madres both occurring in the IBA and the
co-occurrence of nesting Eastern and the Western
Bluebird. Part of this IBA is within the Ramsey Canyon
Christmas Bird Count circle.
Year-round: Wild Turkey (Gould’s race), Scaled Quail, Montezuma
Quail, Prairie Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Mexican Spotted Owl, Whiskered Screech-Owl, Arizona
Woodpecker, Mexican Jay, Yellow-eyed Junco, Black-chinned Sparrow, Abert’s Towhee, Eastern
Meadowlark, and Pyrrhuloxia.
Breeding: Band-tailed Pigeon, Apache Goshawk, Golden Eagle, Elegant Trogon, Eared Quetzal (rare),
Berylline Hummingbird, White-eared Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Magnificent Hummingbird,
Arizona Woodpecker / Wayne Dumbleton.
Birds: The Huachuca Mountains support an
Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Lucifer Hummingbird, Costa’s Hummingbird, Flammulated Owl, Elf Owl, Greater
Pewee, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Crissal Thrasher, Eastern
and Western Bluebird, Grace’s Warbler, Olive Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, Lucy’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray
Warbler, Red-faced Warbler, Botteri’s Sparrow, Cassin’s Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow,
Migration: Blue-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Red-naped
Sapsucker, Williamson’s Sapsucker (winter), Olive-sided Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, MacGillivray’s
Warbler, Brewer’s Sparrow
Conservation Concerns: Salt cedar, a tree originally from Asia, aggressively takes over disturbed
areas along the Colorado River and native cottonwood and willow trees cannot compete. Strategies:
Havasu NWR works to control salt cedar and re-establish native riparian forests. To protect floating nest
birds, jet powered personal watercraft (PWC) are not allowed in backwaters off the main Colorado River
channel for the 15-mile stretch from the Island/Castle Rock location, north to the Interstate 40 bridge,
buoy line.
Site Stewardship: Huachucha Audubon Society and Birdland Ranch in Algerita Canyon on the west
side and The Nature Conservancy Ramsey Canyon Preserve on the east side.
Buff-breasted Flycatcher / Dominic Sherony
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge IBA
Identified: 06/2008
Visiting the IBA: From Yuma: Travel north on Highway 95. Near Milepost 47 turn left onto Martinez
Lake Road. Follow Martinez Lake Road west for approximately 10 miles. Turn right onto Red Cloud Mine
Road and follow signs directing you to the Visitor Center.
Birds: Spring and Fall offer the greatest variety of birds and the best birding opportunities. 275
species have been observed on the refuge. Also, the refuge is important as a wintering area for Canada
geese and many species of ducks. Part of this IBA is within the Yuma Christmas Bird Count circle.
Species of special conservation status and interest that use the habitats within this IBA include:
Year-round: Ladder-backed & Gila Woodpeckers, Phainopepla, Verdin, Crissal Thrasher, Abert’s
Towhee
Breeding: Yuma Clapper Rail, California Black Rail, Sora, Least Bittern,
Pied-billed Grebe, Clark’s & Western Grebes, Common Poorwill,
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler (early spring),
Yellow Warbler, Summer Tanager,
Migration: Sandhill Crane (rare, migration & winter), Willow
Flycatcher
Winter: Canada and White-fronted Geese, Tundra Swan
(rare, winter), Peregrine & Prairie Falcons, Bald Eagle, Sage
Sparrow
Clapper Rail / Matt Tillet
Site Description: A 30-mile reach of the Colorado River bisects the refuge. Over 14,000 acres of the
Refuge’s desert upland habitats are designated Wilderness. Major resource initiatives on the refuge include
restoration of native riparian habitats and wetlands to benefit migratory birds and other riparian-obligate
species.
Conservation Concerns: Historic loss of
cottonwood and willow and marshlands habitats from the
impacts of dikes, diversion canals and dams on natural hydrologic
regime. Strategies: The Lower Colorado River Multi-Species
Conservation Plan is implementing riparian forest restoration projects.
Site Steward: Yuma Audubon Society
Imperial Reservoir IBA
Identified: 01/2002
Visiting the Site: Fisher’s Landing and campground located on the north
end of the reservoir and Imperial Dam and Hidden Shores Resort on the south end
are places with good access. An excellent resource for birding this IBA and the lower
Colorado River region is Southwest Birders web site at www.southwestbirders.com
Black Rail
Site Description: A 30-mile reach of the Colorado River bisects the refuge. Over 14,000 acres of
the Refuge’s desert upland habitats are designated Wilderness. Major resource initiatives on the refuge
include restoration of native riparian habitats and wetlands to benefit migratory birds and other riparianobligate species.
Ownership: Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Land Management, Private (with permission)
Birds: Spring and Fall offer the greatest variety of birds and the best birding opportunities. 275 species
have been observed on the refuge. Also, the refuge is important as a wintering area for Canada geese and
many species of ducks. Part of this IBA is within the Yuma Christmas Bird Count circle. Species of special
conservation status and interest that use the habitats within this IBA include:
Year-round breeding residents: Pied-billed Grebe, Common Moorhen, American Coot, Yuma Clapper
Rail, California Black Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora, Least Bittern, Turkey Vulture, Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl,
Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Osprey, Spotted Sandpiper, Greater Roadrunner, Turkey Vulture,
Gambel’s Quail, Ladder-backed and Gila Woodpeckers, Loggerhead Shrike, Black Phoebe, Vermilion
Flycatcher, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Verdin, Song Sparrow
Migration: American Bittern, Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Hermit, Black-throated Gray, Lucy’s,
MacGillivray’s, Townsend’s, Virginia’s, Wilson’s, Nashville, and Yellow Warblers, Common Yellowthroat
Winter: Canada Geese, Snow Geese, Ruddy Duck, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Cinnamon Teal, Northern
Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Canvasback, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, and Bufflehead;
Greater Yellow-legs, Long-billed Dowitcher, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, White-faced Ibis, and
American White Pelican; Peregrine & Prairie Falcons, Merlin, Bald Eagle, Yellow-rumped and Orangecrowned warblers
Conservation Concerns: Non-native salt cedar and phragmites replacing native marsh and
riparian species. Strategies: The Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Plan is implementing
riparian forest restoration projects.
Alan Stark
Site Steward: Yuma Audubon Society
Lower Colorado River Gadsden Riparian Area IBA
Alan Stark
Identified: 01/2004
Visiting the IBA: Access is difficult and visiting is best
recommended with a local guide. An excellent resource for birding
this IBA and the lower Colorado River region is Finding Birds in Yuma
County, Arizona by Henry Detwiller.
Ownership: Various U.S. and Mexican Agencies and Cocopah Tribe
Site Description: This area provides an example of the lower
Colorado River in a relatively natural condition. The upper portion is about
12 miles south of Morelos Dam and the lowest portion is about 1 mile north
of the Mexican border. Hunter’s Hole has been recently restored to native
riparian and marsh habitats.
Birds: The lower Colorado River is a major migratory corridor for neotropical
birds and also provides significant winter and nesting habitat.
Year-round: Burrowing Owl, Ladder-backed & Gila Woodpeckers, Phainopepla, Verdin, Abert’s
Black-throated Gray Warbler (top); Willow Flycatcher by Syd Phillips
Towhee
Breeding: Yuma Clapper Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora, Least Bittern, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Egret, and
Snowy Egret.
Migration: Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Willow Flycatcher, Black-throated Gray Warbler
Winter: White-faced Ibis, Long-billed Curlew
Conservation Issues: Historic loss of cottonwood and willow and marshlands habitats from the
impacts of dikes, diversion canals and dams on natural hydrologic regime. Strategies: The Lower Colorado
River Multi-Species Conservation Plan is implementing riparian forest restoration projects.
Colorado River Gadsden Riparian Area
Morelos Dam
Lower Oak Creek IBA
Identified: 01/2004 Recognized: 04/2006
Visiting the IBA: Red Rock State Park is immediately
Ownership: Arizona State Parks, Arizona Game and Fish Commission, Coconino National Forest,
Private (with permission)
Wood Duck / Texas Eagle
south of Sedona. The best way to the park is travel on I-17 to
Arizona highway 260 west to Arizona Highway 89A and north
to Red Rock Loop Road. Page Springs and Bubbling Ponds
Fish Hatchery is north of Cornville. Take the Rim Rock exit
Oak Creek / Outdoor PDK; Red Rock State Park / Az State Park
on I-17 and travel west to Page Springs Road, immediately
east of Cornville, and travel north to the parking lot and access
to the hiking trails and observation platform. The Verde Valley Birding Trail has excellent information for
birding in this area. http://verdebirdingtrail.com/birdsites/hotspot/
Site Description: The identified IBA is the river corridor, extending upslope to approximately
the rim level on either side of the river extending from Red Rock State Park to just south of Page
Springs Fish Hatchery. Vegetation is a mix of riparian gallery (cottonwood/willow/sycamore), mesquite/
hackberry bosque, recovering floodplain terrace and upslope prickly pear grassland. The creek is perennial
and the hatchery ponds provide seasonal habitat for migrating waterfowl and waterbirds.
Birds: Many cavity nesting species are supported in great abundance because of old growth gallery
forest within this IBA. Species of special conservation status and interest that use the habitats within this
IBA include:
Year-round: American Kestrel, Common Merganser, Wood Duck, Ladder-backed & Gila Woodpeckers,
Northern Flicker, Bewick’s Wren, Bridled Titmouse, and Abert’s Towhee.
Breeding: Common Black-Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo (rare), Belted Kingfisher, Brown-crested Flycatcher,
Ash-throated Flycatcher, Violet-green Swallow, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Summer Tanager, and
Bullock’s Oriole.
Migration: Willow Flycatcher, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Hammond’s Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Warbling
Vireo, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon’s), MacGillivray’s Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray
Warbler, Nashville Warbler, and Wilson’s Warbler, Western Tanager, and Lazuli Bunting
Winter: Waterfowl, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Dark-eyed Junco,
eBird focus species: Breeding season: Common Merganser, Belted Kingfisher, Yellow-billed
Cuckoo, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Abert’s Towhee
Conservation Issues: Irrigation water diversions, development, invasive plants
(Russian olive, arundo, salt cedar)
Conservation Stewards: Northern Arizona Audubon Society
Lower San Pedro River IBA
Global IBA for Bell’s Vireo
Identified: 01/2007, Global on 01/2008. Recognized: 02/2008
Matt Griffiths
Visiting the IBA: Most of the lands in this IBA are privately owned with no public access. BLM land
at San Manuel Crossing and private land at Dudleyville Crossing are open for walk in public. The privately
owned 7B Ranch is located east of the town of Mammoth and has a recently developed walking trail at
Copper Canyon Road.
Ownership and Management: Arizona Game and Fish Department, BLM, Bureau of
Reclamation, Salt River Project, The Nature Conservancy, Pima County, Private
Farm in Cochise County and follows the San Pedro river downstream north (the San Pedro flows from
south to north) to the confluence with the Gila River at the town of Winkleman. A free flowing river, the
San Pedro has well developed cottonwood-willow gallery forest riparian
habitat interspersed with old growth honey mesquite (Prosopis
juliflora woodlands known as bosques. The largest intact
mesquite bosque community in Arizona is located on 14
miles of the San Pedro River beginning south of the
community of San Manuel and ending north of the
community of Mammoth. The majority of the land is
privately owned and only select properties in public
ownership or under conservation easement and
management are specifically included in the IBA.
Grey Hawk / Khyri
Site Description: The IBA is over 60 miles in length and begins at the southern boundary of 3 Links
Birds: The high importance of the lower San
Jennie MacFarland
Pedro River for the recovery of the Southwestern
Willow Flycatcher contributed to its designation as
critical habitat for the species. Species of special
conservation status and interest that use the habitats
within this IBA include:
Year-round: American Kestrel, Ladder-backed & Gila
Woodpeckers, Northern Flicker, Gilded Flicker, Black Phoebe,
Say’s Phoebe, Bewick’s Wren, Abert’s Towhee, Song Sparrow
Breeding: Common Black-Hawk, Gray Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Mississippi Kite, White-tailed Kite, Elf
Owl, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Western Purple Martin, SW Willow Flycatcher, Vermillion Flycatcher, Northern
Beardless Tyrannulet, Thick-billed Kingbird, Tropical Kingbird, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Ash-throated
Flycatcher, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Summer Tanager Bullock’s Oriole Hooded Oriole
Lower San Pedro / J. MacFarland
Migration: Willow Flycatcher, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon’s),
MacGillivray’s Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Nashville Warbler, and Wilson’s
Warbler, Black-headed Grosbeak, Western Tanager, Lazuli Bunting
Winter: Belted Kingfisher, Red-naped Sapsucker
eBird focus species: Breeding season: Gray Hawk, Mississippi Kite, Elf Owl, Yellow-billed Cuckoo,
Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Abert’s Towhee
Conservation Concerns: Irrigation water diversions, development, wild fire, OHV use in riparian areas, wood
cutting, invasive plants (salt cedar). Strategies: Conservation partnerships among landowners
Conservation Stewards: Tucson Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy, Cascabel Working Group,
Redington and Winkleman NRCDs
The Arizona Important Bird Area Program
The Arizona Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program is an exciting, active, field-oriented,
community-engaged, science-based and conservation-focused program benefiting Arizona’s
birds, and other native biodiversity, at the most critical habitats and sites in Arizona.
Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program are a worldwide program through BirdLife International
that identifies sites that provide important habitats for avian species. Criteria for designation
are species abundance, diversity, rarity, and geographic specificity.
As the United States Partner of BirdLife International, the National Audubon Society
administers the IBA Program in the U.S. The Arizona IBA Program was established in 2001
and is co-administered by Audubon Arizona and the Tucson Audubon Society. Scott Wilbor
of the Tucson Audubon Society laid the groundwork for and coordinated the AZ IBA Program
solo from 2001 through 2004 and continued with the program until 2011. AZ IBA is currently
coordinated by Jennie MacFarland at Tucson Audubon and Tice Supplee at Audubon
Arizona.
The AZ IBA Program works in partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department
(through the Arizona Bird Conservation Initiative which provides the main support for the AZ
IBA program), the Sonoran Joint Venture, and the Intermountain West Joint Venture.
Arizona IBAs are focal areas for both Joint Ventures and contribute to the bird conservation
strategy of the AGFD Arizona Wildlife Action Plan. Designation of a site as an IBA is nonregulatory and private lands are recognized with permission of the landowners.
Always seek permission of private landowners before attempting to access their lands.
There is a strong volunteer-science component to the Arizona IBA Program. The data used
to create new IBAs and monitor existing IBAs come from surveys conducted by trained
volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, visit www.aziba.org
Jennie MacFarland
The purpose of the Important Bird Areas Program is to identify a global network of sites
that maintains the long-term viability of wild bird populations while engaging the public to
conserve areas of critical habitat.
1. Agua Fria National Monument Riparian
Corridors IBA
2. Anderson Mesa IBA
3. Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch of the
NAS IBA
4. Arivaca Cienega and Creek IBA
5. Aubrey Valley IBA
6. Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge
IBA
7. Blue and San Francisco Rivers Ecosystem
IBA
8. Boyce Thompson Arboretum and Arnett
-Queen Creeks IBA
9. California Gulch IBA
10.Cave Creek Ecosystem IBA
11.Chiricahua Mountains IBA
12.Cibola National Wildlife Refuge IBA
13.Gilbert Riparian Preserves IBA
14.Grand Canyon NP- Lipan and Yaki IBA
15.Havasu National Wildlife Refuge IBA
16.Huachuca Mountains IBA
17.Imperial National Wildlife Refuge IBA
18.Imperial Reservoir IBA
19.Lower Colorado River Gadsden Riparian
Area IBA
20.Lower Oak Creek IBA
21.Lower San Pedro River IBA
22.Marble Canyon IBA
23.Mittry Lake State Wildlife Area IBA
24.Mogollon Rim Snowmelt Draws IBA
25.Patagonia-Sonoita Creek TNC Preserve
26.Quigley State Wildlife Area IBA
27.Salt and Verde Riparian Ecosystem
28.Salt and Lower Gila Riparian Ecosystem IBA
29.San Pedro River National Conservation
Area IBA
30.San Rafael Grasslands IBA
31.Santa Rita Mountains IBA
32.Sonoita Creek State Natural Area/ Patagonia
Lake IBA
33.Sonoran Desert Borderlands IBA
34.Sycamore Canyon/Pajarito Mountains IBA
35.Tanque Verde Wash/ Sabino Canyon IBA
36.Tuzigoot IBA
37.Upper Little Colorado River Watershed IBA
38.Upper Santa Cruz River IBA
39.Upper Verde River State Wildlife Area IBA
40.Watson and Willow Lakes Ecosystem IBA
41.Whitewater Draw State Wildlife Area IBA
42.Willcox Playa /Cochise Lakes IBA
eBirding Arizona’s IBAs
You can help conserve Arizona’s native birds every time you visit one of Arizona’s Important
Bird Areas. The valuable online data portal eBird now includes the boundaries of all of
Arizona’s Important Bird Areas and by keeping track of the species and numbers of birds
you encounter within these areas and entering them into eBird, you are contributing to a
massive data set that can be used to manage and protect these special places.
To become a valuable asset to the Important Bird Area Program:
• Setup a free account with eBird at www.ebird.org.
• While birding an IBA, keep track of the species of birds you observe.
• Bring a checklist and keep track of the number of each species you encounter. Also
record your exact location, time, and distance traveled.
• Submit your checklist to eBird. By listing ArizonaIBA as one of your observers, your data
will be sent directly to the AZ Important Bird Area office. Birders will be recognized and
credited for sharing their data with the Important Bird Area program.
What Can You Do?
• Visit one of Arizona’s Important Bird Areas and go birding, on your own or with friends!
• Promote awareness of these special areas to your friends, family, and community.
Patagonia Mountians
• Create an eBird account and start sharing your data with the Important Bird Area
Program
Marble Canyon IBA
Arizona Traveler
Global IBA for California Condor
Identified: 04/2003, Global 01/2008
Visiting the IBA: Lees Ferry and Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center is located on Highway 89A 45
miles southwest of Page Arizona and 62 miles southeast of the North Rim of Grand Canyon National
Park. Lees Ferry is located seven miles down the Lees Ferry road from Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center.
Vermillion Cliffs are located adjacent to U.S. Highway Alternate 89 (89A) for approximately 30 miles to the
south and west. From Kanab, Utah, take U.S. Highway Alternate 89 (89A) south and then east from Jacob
Lake to the cliffs.
Ownership: National Park Service Glen Canyon National Recreation
Area, Bureau of Land Management
Birds: The high importance of the lower San Pedro River
for the recovery of the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher
contributed to its designation as critical habitat for the species.
Species of special conservation status and interest that use the
Year-round: Great Blue Heron, California Condor, Peregrine
Falcon, Prairie Falcon, Golden Eagle, Spotted Owl
Breeding: southwestern willow flycatcher, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler,
Yellow Warbler, Summer Tanager Bullock’s Oriole Hooded Oriole
Migration: Willow Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon’s), MacGillivray’s
Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Nashville Warbler, and Wilson’s Warbler,
Winter: American Coot, Ring-billed Gull, Western Grebe, Gadwall, Green-winged teal, Common
Goldeneye, Redhead, Bald Eagle, Osprey
California Condor / C Parish
Site Description: This IBA is the Colorado River corridor
and adjacent side canyons from Glen Canyon Dam to the
mouth of the Little Colorado River and the Vermillion Cliffs
Wilderness Area.
Conservation Concerns: Invasive plants (tamarisk and Ravenna grass). Strategy: Tamarisk
Leaf-eating Beetle is impacting the tamarisk trees.
Conservation Steward: The Peregrine Fund
Mittry Lake State Wildlife Area IBA
USFS
Identified: 07/2002
Visiting the Site: From Yuma, take Highway 95 north to East Imperial Dam Road, then turn left
(west) toward the lake, following WA signs.
Ownership: BLM and Bureau of Reclamation, managed by Arizona Game and Fish
Site Description: Mittry Lake is a 400-acre oxbow of the Little Colorado River, with a well-
developed wetland and marsh habitat adjacent to harsh desert conditions. The Mittry Lake Wildlife
Area includes about 600 acres of water surface and 2400 acres of marsh or upland. A wide variety of
vegetative and wildlife species can be found here, with a scenic backdrop of three mountain ranges.
Numerous serpentine waterways connect to main lake body and make exploring by boat a unique
experience. Mittry Lake Wildlife Area provides riparian, wetland, and aquatic habitat for many wildlife
species. This is one of the most accessible settings for wildlife viewing in the Colorado River floodplain.
populations of Yuma Clapper Rails and California Black Rails in the southwest.
Year-round: Black-crowned Night-Heron, Green Heron, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy
Egret, Osprey, Western Grebe, Clark’s Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Loggerhead Shrike, Abert’s
Towhee, and Red-winged Blackbird.
Breeding: Burrowing Owls, Virginia Rail, Sora, Least Bittern, American
Bittern, Lesser Nighthawk, Bell’s Vireo, Common Yellowthroat,
Yellow Warbler, and Blue Grosbeak.
Migration: Southwestern Willow Flycatchers, Vaux’s Swift,
Tree Swallow, Violet-green Swallow, Bank Swallow, American
Pipit, Nashville Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Townsend’s
Warbler, Hermit Warbler, and Wilson’s Warbler
Winter: Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk American
Coots (large population), Sora, American White Pelican,
Double-crested Cormorant, Wilson’s Snipe, and Belted
Kingfisher.
eBird priority species: Bell’s Vireo, Abert’s Towhee, and
Yellow Warbler.
Conservation Concerns: Tamarisk invasion is a major issue regarding
the degradation of the riparian habitat. Increasing selenium levels also pose a significant threat
to local bird populations. Leakage from the Gila Gravity Main Canal has created marsh habitat,
that would be lost if this canal were lined. Fire burning widely in non-native vegetation is a
threat.
Clapper Rail / Len Blumin
Birds: In winter, up to 10,000 waterfowl may be present This area contains some of the largest
Mogollon Rim Snowmelt Draws IBA
USFS
Pine, AZ, Forest Road 300 “Rim Road” heads east from the 87 and travels
through the IBA. This is a relatively primitive area offering stunning views and
many opportunities to pull off and explore the habitat.
Ownership: Coconino and Apache Sitgreaves National Forests
Site Description: This IBA encompasses drainages located within 8 km of the edge of the
Mogollon Rim, an abrupt cliff that represents the southern extension of the Colorado Plateau. This
edge of the rim has a narrow band of moist vegetation (especially maples) associated with greater
precipitation formed by the upward deflection of air at the rim face. The habitat of this IBA includes
Ponderosa pine, white fir, Douglas fir, southwestern white pine, quaking aspen, and Gambel oak. Young
plants of these canopy trees, plus canyon maple and New Mexico locust dominate the understory
woody species.
Birds: This A long-term study (since 1986) of a high elevation riparian ecosystem and bird community
demonstrates complex effects of climate impacts and has shown this area to be significant habitat for
many woodpecker species.
Year-round: Mountain Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted
Nuthatch, Pygmy Nuthatch, Brown Creeper
Breeding: Northern Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, William’s Sapsucker,
Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Acorn Woodpecker, American
Three-toed Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, MacGillivray’s Warbler,
Red-faced Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, Grace’s Warbler, Western
Bluebirds, Band-tailed Pigeon, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Warbling
Vireo, Steller’s Jay, Violet-green Swallow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit
Thrush, Green-tailed Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco, Western Tanager, and
Red Crossbill
Migration: Townsend’s Warbler, Hermit Warbler and Wilson’s Warbler
Brown Creeper / Kelly Colgan Azar; Red-naped Sapsucker / Dominic Sheron
Identified: 07/2010
Visiting the Site: Take Highway 87 North from Payson, AZ. North of
eBird focus species: William’s Sapsucker, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Olive-sided
Flycatcher, and MacGillivray’s Warbler.
Conservation Issues: Long-term declines in winter snowfall have been associated with a decline in
deciduous trees because it influences over-winter presence of elk that over-browse the habitat
in winters with lower snowfall Large herbivores have been found to impact a variety of systems,
and aspen in the western North America seems particularly susceptible.
Patagonia-Sonoita Creek TNC Preserve IBA
Identified: 07/2010
Visiting the Site: Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve is 60 miles
southeast of Tucson. Take I-10 east to Highway 83 exit south to Sonoita then
turn west onto Highway 82. In Patagonia, turn west on 4th Avenue. Turn south on Pennsylvania, cross
the creek, and go about one mile to the entrance.
Ownership and Management: The Nature Conservancy
Site Description: This IBA has some of the richest of the remaining riparian (streamside)
habitat in the region in a verdant floodplain valley between the Patagonia and Santa Rita Mountains of
southeastern Arizona. As one of a few remaining permanent streams, it provides habitat for a wide array
of diverse species from endangered fishes to butterflies and birds. The preserve protects a magnificent
example of the rare Fremont cottonwood-Goodding willow riparian forest. Some of the trees are among
the largest (more than 100 feet tall) and oldest (130 years old) Fremont cottonwood trees in the US. This
is one of the few remaining sites in Arizona where this once-common forest type still persists.
Bell’s Vireo / Jerry Oldenette; Black-bellied Whistling Ducks / Richard Crook
Birds: The primary factors for the large diversity of bird species (including rarities) here are the
riparian forest, reliable surface water, and proximity to the Huachuca Mountains IBA, one of the Sky
Islands in the Sierra Madre Occidental.
Year-round: Abert’s Towhee, Great Blue Heron, Western Screech-Owl, Anna’s Hummingbird, Broadbilled Hummingbird, Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Gilded Flicker, Black Phoebe. Bridled Titmouse, Crissal
Thrasher, and Rufous-crowned Sparrow.
Breeding: Gray Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Inca Dove Yellow Warbler, Lucy’s Warbler, Bell’s Vireo, Northern
Beardless-Tyrannulet, Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Black-chinned Hummingbird,
Costa’s Hummingbird, Western Wood-Pewee, Vermilion Flycatcher, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Ash-throated
Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Tropical Kingbird, Cassin’s Kingbird, Thick-billed Kingbird, Western
Kingbird, Summer Tanager, and Varied Bunting
Migration: Rufous Hummingbird, Allen’s Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Olive-sided Flycatcher,
Warbling Vireo, Cassin’s Vireo, Swainson’s Thrush
Winter: Northern Harrier, Red-naped Sapsucker, Merlin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Western Bluebird, Townsend’s
Solitaire, Green-tailed Towhee, Lincoln’s Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow
Rare: Sinaloan Wren, Rufous-capped Warbler, Plain-capped Starthroat, and Black-capped Gnatcatcher.
eBird focus species: Abert’s Towhee Lucy’s Warbler, Bell’s Vireo, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet,
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Tropical Kingbird, Thick-billed Kingbird, and Varied Bunting
Conservation Issues: Primary conservation issues are loss/alteration of habitat
(development within the watershed, groundwater pumping & climate change.
Quigley State Wildlife Area IBA
Avenue 40E or Tacna (exit 42), turn north and cross the railroad tracks. Go
north for 1.3 miles then west onto a dirt road for 0.5 miles to the mesa on the
southernmost boundary overlooking the ponds.
Ownership and Management: Arizona Game and Fish
Site Description: This IBA is located along the lower Gila River 40 miles east of Yuma and just
north of the town of Tacna and consists of oxbow ponds and associated marshes and riparian areas,
irrigated fields planted with wheat for doves in the summer and moist soil waterfowl foods in the winter,
and irrigated stands of cottonwoods and willows and is the only property below Gillespie Dam that is
managed for wildlife.
Birds: Quigley Wildlife Area provides marsh and riparian habitat
along the lower Gila River.
Year-round: Abert’s Towhee, Black Phoebe, Loggerhead
Shrike, and Mourning Dove.
Breeding: Yuma Clapper Rail, Least Bittern, Great Egret,
Snowy Egret, Lesser Nighthawk, White-winged Dove,
Western Kingbird, Cliff Swallow, Song Sparrow, Blue
Grosbeak, and Red-winged Blackbird.
Migration: White-throated Swift, Tree Swallow, MacGillivray’s
Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, and Willow Flycatcher.
Winter: Osprey, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Harrier, Rubycrowned Kinglet, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler,
Savannah Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, and Brewer’s Sparrow.
Osprey / Sergey Yeliseev; Belted Kingfisher / Len Blumin
Identified: 01/2004
Visiting the Site: From Yuma, take I-8 east towards Phoenix. Exit at
eBird it! When you visit this IBA you can help with the monitoring of this
habitat by counting how many of the listed eBird focus species you see and reporting your sightings on
www.ebird.org. It’s free, fun and easy! We really need your help gathering information about this site! If you
bird here it would be especially helpful if you could enter your observations into eBird.org.
eBird focus species: Yuma Clapper Rail, Abert’s Towhee
Conservation Issues: The dominant continuing threat is competition from salt cedar over
native riparian vegetation, but revegetation projects for cottonwoods and willows have been
implemented. Water levels in the ponds have declined in recent years as adjacent agriculture
has been retired; use of canal water has replaced some of this lost water. Other threats are
from wildfire and cowbirds.
Salt and Verde Riparian Ecosystem IBA
Identified: 07/2002. Global: 10/2011. Recognized: 11/2010
Visiting this Site: Much of this IBA is remote, rugged and
Gem66
only navigable by boat. A good birding destination within the IBA is
Horseshoe Reservoir where Bald Eagles are frequently seen. To
reach this area from Phoenix take to 101 loop to Pima Road and go
north to Carefree. From Carefree drive Cave Creek Road northeast
until you reach Bartlett Road. Take a right onto Bartlett Road and go 6
miles until you reach the junction with FR 205. Take a left onto FR 205
(which is unpaved). Continue for 11 miles until you reach the reservoir.
Bald Eale / Ron G
Ownership: National Forest and Fort McDowell Indian Reservation. The
Bartlett and Horseshoe Reservoirs (part of the Verde River), are operated by the Salt River Project, Inc.
Site Description: This IBA is comprised of sections of two large rivers, the Salt and the Verde, that
come together just east of Phoenix. The Salt River section extends from Saguaro Lake’s Stewart Mountain
Dam, along the riparian corridor of the Salt River west to the confluence with the Verde River, and the Verde
River section is the riparian corridor from Childs, AZ to its confluence with the Salt River. The northern most
15 miles have been designated as a “Wild River”, under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. This stretch of river
is within the large designated U.S. Forest Service Mazatzal Wilderness, the largest forest Wilderness in
Arizona.
Birds: This IBA contains about approximately 1/3 of all Bald Eagle nest areas in the state of Arizona.
Year-round: Bald Eagle, Abert’s Towhee, Gambel’s Quail, Spotted Sandpiper, Gilded Flicker, Vermilion
Flycatcher and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.
Breeding: Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Southwestern Willow Flycatchers, Lucy’s Warbler, Common Black-Hawk,
Neotropic Cormorant, Double-crested Cormorant, Elf Owl, Bell’s Vireo, Bullock’s Oriole and Hooded Oriole.
Migration: Western Wood-Pewee, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Barn Swallow, Nashville Warbler, Virginia’s
Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, and Lazuli Bunting.
Winter: Ring-necked Duck, Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Cinnamon Teal,
Common Merganser, Pied-billed Grebe, Greater Yellowlegs, Belted Kingfisher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and
Western Bluebird.
eBird focus species: Bald Eagle, Abert’s Towhee, Gilded Flicker, Yellow-billed Cuckoo,
Southwestern Willow Flycatchers, Lucy’s Warbler, and Elf Owl.
Conservation Concerns: Livestock grazing is a key stressor affecting the under-
story and mid-story avian habitat along the Verde River. Recreation uses, including boating on
the lakes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), have the potential to disturb nesting birds, particularly
Bald Eagles.
Salt and Lower Gila Riparian Ecosystem IBA
Global IBA for Neotropic Cormorant and Yuma Clapper Rail;
Continental IBA for Abert’s Towhee and Long-billed Curlew
Identified: 07/2002. Recognized: 03/2008. Global/Continental: 10/2011
Visiting the Site: Arlington Wildlife area is on the west bank of the Gila River
approximately 3-1/2 miles south of Arlington and 15 miles southwest of Buckeye in Maricopa County,
Arizona.
Black-crowned Night-heron / Lip Kee
Ownership: Arizona Game and Fish, Arizona Lands State Trust, Maricopa County Regional Park,
and Bureau of Land Management.
Site Description: The IBA is the Salt River from 83rd Avenue, connecting with the Gila River at 115th
Avenue and extending west and south along the Gila River to Gillespie Dam. The Gila River has perennial
flow that is from treated effluent from the City of Phoenix and other communities, excess agriculture water,
and from natural ground water. This IBA includes Arlington, B&M, Powers Butte and Robbins Butte Arizona
Game and Fish Wildlife Areas managed for birds and wildlife. The Tres Rios Nature Festival is held in
March to celebrate the birds and other wildlife and their habitats. The fish community here is considered to
be one of the most abundant in Arizona and consequently, fish-eating birds are found here in high numbers.
Birds: The area has rich productivity of plant growth due to perennial supply of nutrient laden waters.
Year-round: Gambel’s Quail, Neotropic Cormorant, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret, Great Blue
Heron, Snowy Egret, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Black-necked Stilt, Greater Roadrunner,
Burrowing Owl, Gila Woodpecker, Abert’s Towhee, Northern Cardinal, and Phainopepla
Breeding: Yuma Clapper Rails, White-tailed Kite, Lesser Nighthawk, Anna’s Hummingbird, Summer
Tanager, Yellow-breasted Chat, Yellow Warbler, Lucy’s Warbler
Migration: Swainson’s Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow
Flycatcher, Cassin’s Vireo, Wilson’s Warbler
Winter: Northern Harrier, Prairie Falcon, Peregrine Falcon Osprey, Black-crowned Night Heron, Gadwall,
Cinnamon Teal, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Sora, Long-billed Curlew, Greater Yellowlegs, Costa’s
Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-naped Sapsucker, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Yellowrumped Warbler.
eBird focus species: Yuma Clapper Rail, Neotropic Cormorant, Long-billed Curlew, Abert’s
Towhee, Lucy’s Warbler, and Costa’s Hummingbird.
Conservation Concern: Invasive salt cedar dominates much of the riparian corridor. Loss of
water supply due to pumping and reduced sewage flow because of diversion to other treatment
facilities, water conservation, and gray water recapture by local communities is considered a
long-term serious threat.
San Pedro River National Conservation Area IBA
Identified: 07/2002
Visiting the IBA: The most popular birding spot in this IBA is the
San Pedro House. From Tucson, take Interstate 10 east 40 miles to State
Highway 90. Follow the highway south through Huachuca City to Fry
Boulevard in Sierra Vista, AZ. Follow this street for six miles east until you
reach the San Pedro House.
Site Description: The San Pedro River National Riparian Conservation Area is a protected area
encompassing some 50 miles of the San Pedro River and adjoining habitats, it is the best example of
desert riparian ecosystem in the United States.
Ownership and Management: Bureau of Land Management
Birds: This IBA is one of the four major north-south migratory bird corridors of the southwestern
United States, along with the Rio Grande, Santa Cruz, and the Colorado River. This IBA supports
the largest breeding population of Gray Hawks and one of the largest Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo
population in the U.S.
Year-round: Inca Dove, Greater Roadrunner, Black Phoebe, Bridled Titmouse, Bewick’s Wren, Curvebilled Thrasher, Crissal Thrasher, Rufous-crowned Sparrow Abert’s Towhee, Lark Sparrow,
Breeding: Gray Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Lesser Nighthawk, White-throated
Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Green Kingfisher, Northern BeardlessTyrannulet, Western Wood-Pewee, Vermilion Flycatcher, Tropical Kingbird, Tropical Kingbird, Bell’s
Vireo, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Violet-green Swallow, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellowbreasted Chat, Botteri’s Sparrow and Cassin’s Sparrow.
Migration: Common Nighthawk, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Cassin’s Vireo, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow,
Swainson’s Thrush, Nashville Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler,
Black-throated Gray Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler and Southwestern Willow
Flycatchers heading down river to nest.
Winter: Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Gray Flycatcher, Rubycrowned Kinglet, Western Bluebird, Townsend’s Solitaire, Hermit Thrush,
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Red-napped Sapsucker, and Belted Kingfisher.
eBird focus species: Gray Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Bell’s
Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Abert’s Towhee, Crissal Thrasher, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Botteri’s Sparrow and Cassin’s Sparrow.
Conservation Issues: Over draft of the aquifer from ever expanding and new
subdivisions may ultimately dry the river at certain seasons and locations, unless strict growth
and conservation measures are implemented.
San Pedro River NCA by Esther 17; Vermillion Flycatcher / Lance & Erin Willet; Common Black Hawk / Ross Texas; Blue Grosbeak / Blake Matheson
San Rafael Grasslands IBA
Alan Stark
Identified: 10/2011
Visiting the Site: From Tucson take the I-10 east to the AZ-83 south
and go about 25 miles. Then make a right onto AZ-82, then left onto Taylor
Ave, then left onto Harshaw Road and 6 miles later a slight right onto Harshaw
Creek Rd and then a right onto San Rafael Valley Rd. This road takes you through
most of the IBA’s prime birding areas.
Ownership: Private, Forest Service, State Park and Arizona Game and Fish.
Site Description: The habitat of this IBA is primarily short grass prairie and is one of the
finest stands of native grassland in the state. This area encompasses one of the last remaining unfragmented remnants of a grassland ecosystem in the US between southern California and west Texas.
Much of the private ranching land in the valley is protected by conservation easements to ensure that
the sustainable grazing practices that have preserved this valley continue. Bog Hole Wildlife Area is in
the north end of the valley.
Birds: This area is of vital importance for several wintering raptors, sparrows, pipits and longspurs.
Year-round: White-tailed Kite, Loggerhead Shrike, Horned Lark, Eastern Meadowlark,
Breeding: Montezuma Quail, Cassin’s Kingbird, Western Kingbird, Botteri’s Sparrow, Cassin’s
Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Grasshopper Sparrow, Botteri’s Sparrow, and Cassin’s Sparrow.
Migration: Swainson’s Hawk, Gray Hawk, Tree Swallow, Hermit Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee
Winter: Northern Harrier, Ferruginous Hawk, Short-eared Owl, Merlin, Canvasbacks, Cinnamon Teal,
Mexican Mallards, Northern Pintail, American Pipit, Sprague’s Pipit, Chestnut-collared Longspur,
McCown’s Longspur, Chipping Sparrow, Brewer’s Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow,
Baird’s Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow, Western Meadowlark
eBird it! When you visit this IBA you can help with the monitoring of this habitat by counting how
San Rafael Grasslands / J. MacFarland; Loggerhead Shrike / Mark Sharon; Chestnut-collared Longspurs by Mark Sharon
many of the listed eBird focus species you see and reporting your sightings on www.ebird.org. It’s free,
fun and easy!
eBird focus species: Chestnut-collared Longspur, McCown’s Longspur, Short-eared Owl,
Grasshopper Sparrow, Botteri’s Sparrow, and Cassin’s Sparrow.
by cobalt123.
Conservation Issues: The most relevant current threat to this valley is mining. As the headwaters
of the Santa Cruz River, this area is particularly vulnerable to the water depletion and fouling associated
with mining.
Santa Rita Mountains IBA
Visiting this IBA: The most accessible birding destination in this “sky island” is Madera Canyon.
From Tucson, take I-19 south to exit 63, Continental Road and go east and make a right on Whitehouse
Canyon Rd. Go several miles through the Santa Rita Experimental Range, which has some good
birding opportunities, especially during monsoon season for sparrows. Stay on the paved road into
Madera Canyon. Be sure to check the feeders at the B&Bs.
Ownership and Management: Forest Service
Site Description: Encompassing the entire mountain range the Santa Rita Mountains are one of
the Sierra Madrean Occidental “Sky Islands.” The distinct forest, oak savannah, grassland, and riparian
habitats found here provide essential habitat for significant populations of a number of bird species. It is
this transitioning elevational gradient of many different vegetation communities that makes this IBA so
important to so many different bird species.
Birds: The Santa Rita Mountains support many different suites of native birds in its varied habitats.
Year-round: Arizona Woodpecker, Say’s Phoebe, Hutton’s Vireo, Mexican Jay, Bridled Titmouse,
Bushtit, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Black-throated
Sparrow, Yellow-eyed Junco, Hepatic Tanager, Western Tanager and Olive Warbler
Breeding: Northern Goshawk, Gray Hawk, Mexican Spotted Owl, Elf Owl, Whiskered Screech-owl, Golden
Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Zone-tailed Hawk, Montezuma Quail, Elegant Trogon, Band-tailed Pigeon, Violetcrowned Hummingbird, Lucifer Hummingbird, Costa’s Hummingbird, Blue-throated Hummingbird, Whiteeared Hummingbird, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Greater
Peewee, Virginia’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Grace’s Warbler, Red-faced Warbler, Cassin’s
Sparrow, Botteri’s Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak and Varied Bunting.
Migration: Common Nighthawk, Rufous Hummingbird, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Nashville Warbler,
Hermit Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Swainson’s Thrush and Tree Swallow.
Winter: Red-naped Sapsucker, Hammond’s Flycatcher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Orange-crowned
Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco and Pine Siskin.
eBird focus species: Montezuma Quail, Elegant Trogon, Magnificent Hummingbird, Violet-
Santa Rita Mountains / airplane journal; Magnificent Hummingbird by Carol Foi; Whiskered Screech-owl by Len Blumin
Crowned Hummingbird, Lucifer Hummingbird, Greater Pewee, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Cassin’s Sparrow,
Botteri’s Sparrow, Olive Warbler, and Wilson’s Warbler.
Conservation Issues: Illegal immigrant traffic can be significant through the range, which leads to
trampling of vegetation, and accompanying trash. Campfires have potential for starting forest
fires if they are not properly put out, but due to the remoteness of this area there is little Border
Patrol impact. Birder overuse of lower Madera Canyon trail may be disturbing nesting birds in
this confined stream reach. Please note that playing bird calls is prohibited in Madera Canyon.
Sonoita Creek SNA/Patagonia Lake IBA
Alan Stark
Visiting this Site: Patagonia Lake State Park is notable as a hot spot of bird
diversity and for the rare birds that are often found there. From Tucson take the I-10
east to the AZ-83 south (exit 281) and turn right onto AZ-82W. After 19 miles turn right where indicated
toward Patagonia Lake. Just before the entrance to Patagonia Lake is a turnoff to Sonoita Creek, you
must first obtain a permit at Patagonia Lake State Park before entering Sonoita Creek.
Ownership: Arizona State Park, State Trust and Private
Site Description: Sonoita Creek is bordered by lush broadleaf riparian vegetation (cottonwood,
willow, ash, sycamore) with an upland terrace of mesquite bosque. The uplands of Sonoita Creek SNA
are covered with high desert vegetation of mesquite, acacia, ocotillo, barrel cactus, and other smaller
cactus and yucca. Patagonia Lake and its wetland and riparian margins, comprised of cattails, bulrush,
and willow attracts many rarities and as a result birders.
Patagonia Lake / Alan Stark; Neotropical Cormorant / Gustavo Duran; Black-capped Gnatcatcher / Dominic Sherony
Birds: This habitat is an excellent example of riparian habitat and supports a diverse array of nesting
species along with migrants and wintering species.
Breeding: Gray Hawk, Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler,
Abert’s Towhee, and Broad-billed Hummingbird, Common Ground Dove, Yellow-breasted Chat,
Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Varied Bunting, Common Black-Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Green
Kingfisher, Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Least Bittern and Rufous-winged
Sparrow.
Migration: Nashville Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler,
Wilson’s Warbler, Lazuli Bunting, Indigo Bunting, Scott’s Oriole, Olive-sided Flycatcher, and Rufous
Hummingbird.
Winter: Northern Harrier, Elegant Trogon, Gray Flycatcher, Rufous-backed Robin, Gadwall, Greenwinged Teal, Redhead, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Double-crested Cormorants, Neotropical Cormorants,
Eared Grebe, Virdginia’s Rail, Sora, Wilson’s Snipe, Green-tailed Towhee, Marsh Wren, Chipping Sparrow,
Vesper Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow and Swamp Sparrow.
eBird it! When you visit this IBA you can help with the monitoring of this habitat by counting how many
of the listed eBird focus species you see and reporting your sightings on www.ebird.org. It’s free, fun and
easy!
eBird focus species: Gray Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, Bell’s
Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Abert’s Towhee, Rufous-winged Sparrow, and Varied Bunting.
Conservation Issues: Exotic species, including non-native fish, crayfish, bullfrogs
and livestock which impact the riparian area.
Sonoran Desert Borderlands IBA
Size: 1,851 square miles, 1,184,668 acres
Identified: 07/2010
Visiting this Site: To reach Organ Pipe NM: follow Arizona Highway 85
through Ajo and Why. The Monument entrance is four miles from Why. The Kris Eggle Visitor Center is
22 miles (35.4 km) south of Why. To reach Cabeza Prieta NWR: the visitor center is in Ajo where you
must get a permit to enter the refuge and can be found by Take Highway 86 (Ajo Way) west across the
Tohono O’odham reservation to Why, follow Highway 85 north to Ajo. Please be advised that this IBA is
very remote with few to no facilities and can be dangerous at times.
Site Description: This IBA includes the entire Cabeza Prieta NWR and Organ Pipe National
Monument. There is a standing request for permission from the DOD to include the Barry Goldwater
Air Force Range in the IBA. This is the largest IBA in Arizona and one of the most remote. Cabeza
Prieta is the third largest National Wildlife Refuge in the lower 48 states and contains Arizona’s largest
Wilderness area. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is an excellent example of an Arizona Upland
ecosystem within the Sonoran desertscrub biome
Ownership: Federal
Birds: This is a landscape level IBA of exceptional habitat quality and expansiveness with bird
species present in good numbers that are otherwise found locally in isolated patches.
Breeding: Birds of high conservation concern that nest here include: Gilded Flicker Bendire’s Thrasher,
Le Conte’s Thrasher, Costa’s Hummingbird, Abert’s Towhee, Elf Owl and several sightings of Cactus
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl. Other species of interest that nest here include: Loggerhead Shrike, Sage
Thrasher, Golden Eagle, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bell’s Vireo, Black-throated Sparrow, Black-headed
Grosbeak, Varied Bunting
Winter: Brewer’s Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Black-chinned Sparrow, Sage Sparrow, Lincoln’s
Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow
Migration: Peregrin Falcon, Orange-crowned Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Nashville Warbler,
Virginia’s Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Townsend’s Warbler, Hermit Warbler,
Lazuli Bunting, Western Meadowlark, Bullock’s Oriole,
Conservation Issues: As the Refuge shares a 56-mile international border with Sonora, Mexico,
Santa Rita Mountains / airplane journal; Magnificent Hummingbird by Carol Foi; Whiskered Screech-owl by Len Blumin
it is not surprising that two of the most important threats to the ecology of Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife
Refuge are the impacts of illegal border crossers and the actions of Border Patrol officers attempting to
apprehend them. The rules of the refuge prohibit any vehicle traffic off of designated public use roads as the
tracks made by vehicles could remain for hundreds of years in this fragile desert ecosystem. Despite this
prohibition, many tracks, some of them deeply rutted, were observed by IBA surveyors miles
from any road presumably from both illegal border crosser traffic and Border Patrol vehicles
attempting to intercept such traffic.
Sycamore Canyon–Pajarito Mountains IBA
Kendall Kroesen
Identified: 04/2003
Visiting the IBA: From Tucson, go south on I-19 about 58 miles to Ruby
Site Description: Located near the ghost town of Ruby, at the lower
edge of Madrean evergreen oak woodlands, Sycamore Creek flows down to
the Mexico border where it enters Sonoran desert-dominated habitat. The canyon is
relatively shallow and narrow with intermittent drainage with scattered, permanent pools. Vegetation
is primarily high-elevation riparian, including Fremont cottonwood, willow, and velvet mesquite, with
scattered Arizona sycamore.
Ownership: Sycamore Canyon is owned and managed by the Coronado National Forest
Birds: This very small canyon has a very high concentration of nesting IBA priority bird species.
Hepatic Tanager by Mark Watson
Rd (exit 12). Go west on Ruby Rd about 10 miles to a T-intersection. Turn
left (south) towards to campground, the road becomes FR 39. After 9.5
miles of winding road, a sign marks the turn to Sycamore Canyon on the
left. After 150 yards there is a parking area under some Arizona Walnut
trees.
Through the years, this rugged canyon has attracted many resident and visiting birders in hopes of
Cabeza Prieta / Matt Griffiths
viewing the rare Mexican species that have occasionally been
reported. These include such birds as the Black-capped
Gnatcatcher, Rufous-capped Warbler, Fan-tailed Warbler,
and Yellow Grosbeak.
Year-round: Montezuma Quail, White-throated Swift, Black
Phoebe, Bridled Titmouse, Bushtit, White-breasted Nuthatch,
Rock Wren, Canyon Wren and Bewick’s Wren
Breeding: Ninety-five species of birds are confirmed nesters
or designated as probable or possible nesting species in or
adjacent to Sycamore Canyon. This is one of the highest breeding
bird diversity concentrations in Arizona. This unique area was found to
have the lowest elevation breeding populations of many avian species in Arizona
including: Spotted Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Whip-poor-will, Acorn Woodpecker, Arizona Woodpecker,
Elegant Trogon, Rose-throated Becard (highest nesting concentration in US), Eastern Bluebird, Painted
Redstart, Hepatic Tanager, and Black-Headed Grosbeak. Other species that nest in this canyon
include: Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Common Poorwill, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Bell’s Vireo, Vermillion
Flycatcher, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher and Thick-billed Kingbird.
Migration: Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Hammond’s Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher,
Lazuli Bunting,
Winter: Townsend’s Solitaire, Lincoln’s Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco,
Conservation Concerns: Illegal immigrant traffic can be very high at times in the canyon,
which leads to trampling of vegetation. Accompanying litter and discarded materials contribute to trash
build up in the canyon. Campfires have potential for burning sections of the canyon if they are not
properly put out, but due to the remoteness of this area there is little patrol. Overgrazing,
especially in the riparian area is one of the biggest issues.
Rose-throated Becard by Jerry Oldenettel
Alamo Canyon in Organ Pipe NM / Matt Griffith
Tanque Verde Wash and Sabino Canyon IBA
Identified: Expanded: 10/2011
Visiting this IBA: Sabino Canyon: in Tucson, go east on Tanque Verde Road
to Sabino Canyon Road and go north 4.5 miles to the entrance on the east just past Sunrise, there is
a fee to use this area. Tanque Verde Wash: there are several good access points along Tanque Verde
Road such as Woodland Ave or where Tanque Verde Loop Rd crosses the wash. Stay in the sandy
wash, the banks are private land.
Site Description: This IBA originally included Sabino Canyon and Bear Creek but now also
contains the adjoining Tanque Verde Wash. As a result, information about this IBA tends to be divided
along these boundaries. Upper Sabino Canyon (fee area) is a narrow riparian area in a deep canyon
at the southern base of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Its stream is perennial and lined with willow,
cottonwood, ash, and sycamore. At one point a small silted in pond contains a wide area of thick
vegetation. Tanque Verde Wash is part of Tucson’s system of storm water runoff drainages and native
vegetation is especially intact on the eastern end of the wash. This area provides a wonderful habitat
resource for native riparian birds and an oasis for migratory birds along with other wildlife
and also acts as a corridor for wildlife to move through Tucson.
Ownership: Forest Service, Pima County and Private.
Birds: Intact lowland riparian habitat tends to have very high breeding bird
Bell’s Vireo / Dominic Sherony; Black-throated Gray Warbler / Matt Knoth; Purple Martin / SearchNetMedia
densities and are extremely important for birds migrating through the area. Notably,
seven species of hummingbirds have been observed throughout the year including:
Broad-billed, Black-chinned, Anna’s, Costa’s, Calliope, Broad-tailed, and Rufous.
Year-round: Cactus Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Phainopepla, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Canyon Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Pyrrhuloxia, Verdin and Lesser Goldfinch.
Breeding: Certain species of conservation concern nest within the Tanque Verde Wash/Sabino Canyon
in very dense numbers including: Bell’s Vireo, Abert’s Towhee, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Gila
Woodpecker and Broad-billed Hummingbird. Other breeding birds found here, but in lower densities
include Gray Hawk, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Desert Purple Martin, Rufous-winged Sparrow, Yellowbilled Cuckoo, Tropical Kingbird, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Belted Kingfisher and Elf Owl.
Migration: Black-throated Gray Warbler, Swainson’s Thrush, Western Wood-pewee, Olive-sided Flycatcher,
Hammond’s Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, Violet-green Swallow and Scott’s Oriole.
Winter: Green-tailed Towhee, Brewer’s Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed
Junco and Lark Bunting.
Conservation Issues: Private and public wells remove groundwater that may be
necessary for health of the riparian habitat. Introductions of invasive non-native plants are
facilitated by the proximity of homes.
Tuzigoot IBA
Identified: 07/2002
Visiting this Site: Tuzigoot National Monument is 52 miles south of
Flagstaff via U.S. Alternate Highway 89A, or 90 miles north of Phoenix. Travel
Interstate Highway 17, take Exit 287 and travel west on Highway 260 to Cottonwood.
You will continue through Cottonwood on Hwy 89A and go toward Clarkdale. At the first traffic light after
turning on to 89A, signs will direct you to turn left to stay on 89A. Go straight through this intersection.
This will put you on Historic 89A and take you through “Old Town Cottonwood.” There will be a sign
telling you where to turn to go to Tuzigoot. You take Tuzigoot Road and follow it to the end. Car GPS
units have trouble with this, follow the above directions instead.
Site Description: Riparian gallery forest of Fremont cottonwood, Goodding willow, and mesquite
borders the Verde River and the east side of Tavasci marsh. Mesquite bosque borders the south and
north side of Tavasci marsh, and around Peck’s Lake, with the greatest tree height on the north side of
Tavasci marsh, and well developed around Peck’s Lake. Chaparral habitat is present on the uplands.
The remaining habitats consist of grassland and cliff/rock. The marsh is
managed for habitat/wildlife conservation.
Ownership: Tuzigoot National Monument, Dead Horse Ranch
State Park and Private
Birds: This ecosystem provides high quality wetland, lake, and
riparian habitat for migrating, breeding, and over-wintering birds.
Breeding: The marsh habitat stands out for its uniqueness in
Arizona, and has breeding populations of Least Bittern, Virginia’s
Rail, Belted Kingfisher, Abert’s Towhee, Crissal Thrasher and Common
Black Hawk, with rare Yuma Clapper Rail detections.
Migration: Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Cordilleran
Flycatcher, Virginia’s Warbler and MacGillivray’s Warbler.
Winter: The over-wintering waterfowl numbers can exceed 1000 birds at Peck’s Lake, species in
notable numbers include Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal,
Canvasback, and Ring-necked Duck. Bald Eagles, Osprey and Great Blue Heron are known to winter
along the Verde River. The surrounding sedge and grassland habitat support hundreds of over-wintering
sparrows, notably the Brewer’s Sparrow in huge numbers
Conservation Concerns: Water quality of Peck’s Lake is not meeting Arizona
Department of Water Quality standards, past mining activities is believed to be the cause. In
an attempt to meet water quality standards the Verde River water is diverted into Peck’s Lake.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park by Jason Shultz; Gadwall by Len Blumin; Virginia Rail by Mike Baird; Virginias Warbler by Jerry Oldenettel
Upper Little Colorado River Watershed IBA
Visiting this IBA: There are two main public
American Traveler
access points. The Lakeview Trail is a one mile loop
following the western edge of Becker Lake to an
observation platform overlooking the southern marshy
end of the lake where waterfowl and shorebirds can easily
be seen The Lakeview Trail access is two miles west of the traffic light in
Springerville on U.S. Highway 60; turn south into the main Becker Lake area,
designated with signage. The River Walk Trail access is one mile west of the
traffic light on Highway 60; turn south into the parking area just before crossing the bridge over the Little
Colorado River.
Site Description: This IBA encompasses approximately 27 miles of the Little Colorado River
from its headwaters on Mount Baldy flowing northeast to the 355-acre Wenima Wildlife Area and
includes the tributaries of Hall Creek, Benny Creek, Rosy Creek, Butler Canyon, the East Fork,
West Fork and South Fork of the Little Colorado River as well as some adjoining uplands. Lee Valley
Reservoir, White Mountain Reservoir, River Reservoir, Tunnel Reservoir, Bunch Reservoir, and Becker
Lake are also included in the IBA.
Ownership: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona Game and Fish, Private and State Trust
Birds: This riparian corridor contains a significant amount of intact, diverse, high elevation habitat.
Breeding: The area is important nesting habitat for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher and includes
most of the high elevation nest sites documented in the state. The upper watershed includes seven
Mexican Spotted Owl territories and three Northern Goshawk territories, and one
Peregrine Falcon eyrie. The lower stretch of the river holds the majority of known
Gray Catbird breeding sites in the state, and at least one Yellow-billed Cuckoo
territory. Other breeding species include: Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Belted
Kingfisher, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Western Wood-Pewee,
Orange-crowned Warbler, Western Tanager and Green-tailed Towhee.
Migration: The riparian corridor also supports a diversity of migrant passerines
that includes large numbers of MacGillivray’s Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, Nashville
Warbler, Rufous Hummingbird, and Calliope Hummingbird.
Winter: Bald Eagles are present, both Mountain and Western Bluebirds are found in the junipers in winter.
American Kestrel / Ananda Debnath; MacGillivrays Warbler / David Hofmann; Gray Catbird / Gerhard Hofmann
Conservation Concerns: Although most of this riparian corridor represents intact
habitat, serious habitat degradation has occurred due to cattle grazing and agricultural activities
along portions of the river, particularly in the Springerville area.
Upper Santa Cruz River IBA
Visiting this IBA: Walking on the Anza Trail in Tubac is a
John Hoffman
great place to see birds. From Tucson take the I-19 south to the
Tubac Exit (Exit 34), make a left under the freeway then another
left (north) at the frontage road. Drive 0.4 mile north to Plaza Road
and follow the signs to the Tubac Presidio State Park, just before the
park entrance there is a sign reading “Anza Trailhead,” go right and park by the fence.
Site Description: The Upper Santa Cruz River IBA is presently the 9.5 linear km riparian corridor
from Tumacacori National Historical Park downstream (northward) through the Tucson Audubon held
conservation easement at Esperanza Ranch. This reach of river has the highest groundwater levels
and perennial river flow, primarily treated wastewater, but with some groundwater seep augmentation.
Ownership: Private Land and the Tumacacori National Monument
Birds: The IBA’s identified importance to regional bird populations is most evident in the substantial
numbers and density of riparian obligate avian species present in this habitat. Species of special
conservation status and interest that use the habitats within this IBA are in bold:
Breeding: Gray Hawk, Western Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Lucy’s Warbler, Bell’s Vireo, Abert’s Towhee,
Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Varied Bunting, Rufous-winged Sparrow, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Summer Tanager, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat. Rare nesting species include Lazuli Bunting,
Indigo Buntings, and Tropical Kingbird.
Migration: Hammond’s Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, Cassin’s
Vireo, Hutton’s Vireo, Tree Swallow, Swainson’s Thrush, Nashville Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, Wilson’s
Warbler and Lark Bunting.
Winter: Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Blackthroated Gray Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Brewer’s Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Lincon’s
Sparrow and White-crowned Sparrow.
eBird it! When you visit this IBA you can help with the monitoring of this habitat by counting how many
of the listed eBird focus species you see and reporting your sightings on www.ebird.org. It’s free, fun and
easy!
eBird focus species: Gray Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Tropical Kingbird, Northern Beardless
Tyrannulet, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Abert’s Towhee, Rufous-winged Sparrow, Varied Bunting.
Conservation Issues: Residential encroachment into the floodplain and riparian
(mesquite bosque habitat) and groundwater pumping causing reduced river flow. Strategies:
Santa Cruz River Conservation Plan.
Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet / James Prudente; Rufous-winged Sparrow / Mark Sharon
Upper Verde River State Wildlife Area IBA
(USFS 635) approximately 1 mile. Make sharp right, cross railroad tracks and make
sharp left. Take very first right and go south approximately 3 miles to enter the main parcel
of the property.
Site Description: This IBA is located approximately eight miles north of Chino Valley in Yavapai
County, Arizona.. This IBA’s riparian vegetation is characterized as mixed broadleaf deciduous,
dominated by Arizona ash boxelder, Arizona walnut and netleaf hackberry. Goodding’s willow, red
willow and Fremont cottonwood are also present. South of the Colorado River, the Verde River
represents the most significant perennial waterway in the northern 1/3 of the state.
Pinyon Jay / Ted Parowan.
Identified: 06/2008
Visiting this IBA: From Hwy. 89 in Paulden, take Chino Ranch Road East
Ownership: Ownership of this site is shared between Arizona Game and Fish, the Prescott
National Forest, Private Land and State Trust Land
this IBA is an important stopover and/or wintering grounds for a host of
migratory birds.
Breeding: The Upper Verde River Wildlife Area IBA contains the
headwaters of the Verde River which provides breeding habitat for
species of special conservation status including: Western Yellow-billed
Cuckoo, Common Black Hawk, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Yellow
Warbler, and Lucy’s Warbler, all of which occur in significant numbers
within the IBA. There is possibly one breeding pair of Golden Eagles and
White-throated Swifts and Cinnamon Teal have also been found here in the
breeding season.
Migration: Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (some also breed here), Lucy’s Warbler and MacGillivray’s
Warbler.
Winter: This IBA is particularly important as a wintering area for many Arizona breeding species
of higher elevations including American Robin, Mountain Chickadee, Cedar Waxwing, Red-naped
Sapsucker, Townsend’s Solitaire, Western Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird, Brown Creeper, and Dark-eyed
Junco. Other wintering species include: Bald Eagle, Ferruginous Hawk, and Sage Thrasher. This area
also contains Pinyon-Juniper vegetation, providing foraging habitat for Pinyon Jays and Juniper Titmice.
Summer Tanager / Syd Phillips
Birds: Aside from supporting rare or priority riparian breeding species,
Conservation Concerns: The primary issue is unauthorized grazing. Under AZGFD
ownership the habitat has improved dramatically, but grazing continues to impact through loss
of seasonal vegetation cover and increased bank erosion.
Watson and Willow Lakes Ecosystem IBA
Visiting this IBA: Willow Lake: From the Courthouse
Plaza in downtown Prescott AZ, drive north on Montezuma
Street which will curve west and become Whipple Street.
Then turn north in Willow Creek Road for about 4 mile
to Willow Park. Watson Lake: An easy 4 mile drive from
downtown Prescott AZ. Drive east form Courthouse Plaza on
Gurley Street for about 1.2 miles. Turn north Highway 89 and
proceed about 3,5 miles. Enter the traffic circle, take the first
right into the park.
Ownership: Managed by the Town of Prescott as
recreational lakes and natural areas.
Watson Lake / rwarrin (top)
and Willow Lake / Michael Wilson
Site Description: This Important Bird Area (IBA) is located within the city limits of Prescott, AZ and
occurs in two sections, Watson Lake and Willow Lake. The IBA also includes the immediate surrounding
uplands and 2 miles of Granite Creek flowing into Watson Lake. There are no other comparable lake
systems within a distance of 200-300 miles east and west, and 60 to 150 miles north and south, thus
indicating the importance of the lakes ecosystem as stop-over feeding and resting site for migrants.
Birds: These lakes are particularly important to large numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds during the fall
migration. In wet years waterfowl numbers can exceed 5000 birds at one time.
Breeding: Wood Duck (approximately 50 pairs) are notable breeders within the ecosystem. There are
Great Blue Heron and Double-crested Cormorant rookeries as well. The riparian area is small, and supports
breeding Yellow Warbler in abundance, breeding Lucy’s Warblers, and nesting Green Heron.
Migration: Notably abundant are Northern Pintail, Northern Shovler, and American Widgeon. Shorebird
numbers in the fall can exceed 300 birds on a given day, including Black-necked Stilts and American
Avocets. White-faced Ibis and Forester’s Tern also regularly occur in the fall, and Marbled Godwits occur in
spring migration.
Winter: Ruddy Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks and Common Merganser over-winter in large numbers.
Wintering Bald Eagles and resident Peregrine Falcons find available prey among the waterfowl flocks.
Conservation Concerns: The City of Prescott has implemented regulations regarding
recreational use of the two lakes, most notably a “no wake” regulation on Watson Lake with limited
horsepower motors. Kayaking is the only boating allowed on Willow Lake. Kayakers do
disturb the waterfowl in the winter, but this is intermittent, and the birds seem to stay in spite
of these disturbances. Visit www.prescottcreeks.org for more information.
Whitewater Draw State Wildlife Area IBA
Lady Cliff
Visit this IBA: From U.S. Hwy. 191 at McNeal, drive west on Davis Road for
3 miles to Coffman Road. Turn south on Coffman Road and follow the signs for 2
miles; turn west into parking area and trailhead. Winter is the best time to visit.
Ownership: This IBA is entirely owned and managed by Arizona Game and Fish.
Site Description: The Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area IBA lies within the Chihuahuan desert
grassland habitat type. Past land uses of the property included farming and ranching with about 30%
of the property being irrigated farmland. Much of this is being returned to native grasslands through
rest and active reseeding projects. 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 such species as Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese.
Birds: This IBA is of state and regional significance as the primary
wintering area for Sandhill Cranes in Arizona, and includes both
the Lesser (most numerous) and Greater subspecies. Counts
of Sandhill Cranes in early January have steadily climbed
from 4,000 in 1991 to over 22,000 in 2008 at Whitewater
Draw. The Greater subspecies breeds in the northern
states of the continental U.S., and the Lesser subspecies
Year-round: Bendire’s Thrasher, Cassin’s Sparrow,
Loggerhead Shrike and Scaled Quail.
Migration: Long-billed Curlew, Mountain Bluebird, Orangecrowned Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler and MacGillivray’s
Warbler.
Winter: This area conspicuously provides wintering habitat for
Sandhill Crane, Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese. Other birds that
winter here include: Mountain Plover, Greater White-fronted Goose, Bald Eagle,
Ferruginous Hawk, Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, Gadawall, Northern Pintail, Bufflehead, Ring-necked
Duck and various sparrow species including Brewer’s, Vesper, Lark, Savannah, Grasshopper and Lark
Buntings.
Long-billed Curlew / Mike Baird
Global IBA for Sandhill Crane
Scaled Quail / patries71
Conservation Concern: The most serious conservation issue is climate change
induced increased drought and the loss (or diminishment) of a seasonal winter flooded wetland.
There have also been issues recently with less water than in the past being pumped into the
area to create loafing sites for Sandhill Cranes.
Willcox Playa/Cochise Lakes IBA
Global IBA for Sandhill Crane
Visiting this IBA: Much of this IBA is not open to the
public, but birders can visit Cochise Lake which can be excellent
for shorebirds. From Tucson, take I-10 east to Willcox and get off exit 340 and
follow the signs to AZ 186. Cross the railroad tracks and continue 0.5 mile to the
sign on the right for Twin Lakes Golf Course at Rex Allen Jr. Drive. Take this road 1.1 miles to the
cattleguard at the entry to the lake. You can drive around the lake.
Ownership: Department of Defense on the Playa (a former bombing range) the Wildlife Area on the
northern end of the IBA is managed by Arizona Game and Fish.
Site Description: The heart of this IBA is the massive Willcox Playa, a broad alkaline lakebed
fringed with semi-desert grassland (primarily saltgrass and sacaton) and mesquite. The playa is
seasonally flooded to a shallow depth. Outlying this playa are the satellite lakes/wetlands of Cochise
Lakes (or aka Lake Cochise), alkali flats, and Willcox Playa Wildlife Area containing Crane Lake. The
Playa itself is a former bombing range and is not managed in anyway, and is posted no trespassing.
Birds: Willcox Playa and Crane Lake, within the northern portion of the Sulphur Springs Valley
of Southeast Arizona, supports the second largest over-wintering concentration
of Sandhill Cranes in Arizona.
Breeding: Some shorebirds occasionally breed within the IBA, including
American Avocet and rarely Snowy Plover.
Migration: Both in spring and late summer shorebirds can stop-over
in very substantial numbers at both the playa and along Cochise
Lakes including: Wilson’s Phalarope, Willet, Least Sandpiper, Western
Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet.
Large numbers of waterfowl pass through and use Cochise Lakes,
including: Ruddy Duck, Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, and Cinnamon
Teal.
Winter: Besides Sandhill Cranes, many ducks over-winter on the lakes in large flocks, primarily
composed of American Wigeon, Northern Shovelor, and Green-winged Teal.
Conservation Concerns: The primary threat to the value of this site for Sandhill Crane roosting
habitat is loss of the adjacent corn agriculture that is the forage for the cranes. Another threat
is urban/suburban development surrounding the playa and the resulting concurrent increase
in groundwater pumpage leading to declining groundwater levels. This would impact the taller
riparian vegetation, potentially leading to die-offs of native riparian trees.
Sandhill Crane / Glenn Seplak; Red-necked Phalarope / Jamie Chavez; American Avocet / S Fitzgerald; Spotted Sandpiper / Brent Myers
Cover photo credits
Front cover photos (L to R) Row 1: Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch of National Audubon; Willow Flycatcher /
Syd Phillips; Blue River / Kevin Dooley; Mexican Spotted Owl / Lincoln Wildlife. Row 2: Clapper Rail / Len Blumin;
Lake Havasu / Mispahn; Lower Colorado River / Alan Stark. Row 3: Arivaca-Cienega / Matt Griffiths; Pinyon Jay / Ted
Parowan; Lower San Pedro / Matt Griffiths. Row 4: Yellow-billed Cuckoo / Steve Baranoff; Huachucas / RPC Raleigh;
Red Rock State Park / Arizona State Parks; Costa’s Hummingbird / John Kennedy. Row 5: Patagonia Mountains; Gray
Hawk / Khyri; Gilbert Riparian Preserves / Johnida Dockens.
Back cover photos (L to R) Row 1: Boyce Thompson Arboretum and Arnett-Queen Creeks / GarryWilmore; Whiskered
Screech-Owl / Len Blumin; Cave Creek / Take A Hike AZ; Gilded Flickers / Jim Burns. Row 2: Virginia’s Warbler / Jerry
Oldenettle; Lake Havasu / Chris Austin; Bill Williams River / FWS. Row 3: Grand Canyon / Jeremy Wilburn; Montezuma
Quail / Jerry Oldenettle; Huachuca Mounttains / Simplifies. Row 4: Sandhill Crane / Matthew Paulson; Upper Verde
River SWA; Lower Oak Creek / Outdoor PDF; Blue Grosbeak / Blake Matheson. Row 5: San Rafael Grasslands / Jennie
MacFarland; Western Grebes / Mark Watson; Marble Canyon / Arizona Traveler.
Clockwise from top Left: Lower Oak Creek / Midiman; Sabino Canyon / SearchNetMedia; Sabino Canyon / Roger Smith
The purpose of the Important Bird Areas program is
to identify a global network of sites that maintains the
long-term viability of wild bird populations while engaging
the public to conserve areas of critical habitat.
The Arizona Important Bird Area program
is made possible by the generous support
of Arizona Game & Fish Commission
and Department through the Arizona
Bird Conservation Initiative. Thank You!

here - Arizona Important Bird Areas Program

Transcription

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Want to work at the Ballpark for Arizona Diamondbacks Home Games?

Birds of Lands End - Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy