Birding in Our Own Backyard: Discover Southern Arizona.
People travel from across the country to Southern Arizona hoping to catch sight of birds they may never see at home. For those of us who live here, some of the country's most remarkable birding destinations are right in our own backyard.
Sierra Vista has earned a reputation as one of Arizona’s standout birding destinations. According to Visit Arizona, Ramsey Canyon Preserve is particularly well known for its hummingbirds. In fact, this corner of Southern Arizona is often referred to as the “Hummingbird Capital of the United States.”
And while there are birds to discover throughout the year, fall brings its own opportunities. Fall migration in Southeastern Arizona typically peaks from late August through September, with some tropical species remaining into October before heading south.
Keep an Eye Out for the Coppery-tailed Trogon
One colorful visitor birders hope to spot is the Coppery-tailed Trogon. With its bright red belly, green coloring, and distinctive call, it’s easy to understand why seeing one has become something of a prize for birders visiting Southern Arizona.
According to Audubon’s Field Guide, most Coppery-tailed Trogons arrive in Arizona during April and May and leave during September and October—meaning early October may still offer a chance to spot one before they head south.
In Arizona, these birds regularly breed in only four mountain ranges: the Atascosa, Chiricahua, Huachuca, and Santa Rita Mountains.
A little local birding history: Coppery-tailed Trogons were first documented in Arizona’s Huachuca Mountains in 1885. A nest was later discovered in Madera Canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains in 1939.
If the name Coppery-tailed Trogon doesn't sound familiar, there's a reason. Until recently, these birds were known as Elegant Trogons. In 2025, ornithologists recognized the populations found from Arizona through southern Mexico as a separate species and gave them the Coppery-tailed Trogon name.
Two Places to Start Close to Home
Tucked into the Huachuca Mountains, Ramsey Canyon offers everything from hummingbird watching to more adventurous hiking.
You don't have to tackle the entire trail to enjoy the canyon. The lower area near the visitor center offers shade, benches, hummingbird viewing areas, restrooms, and water. Those wanting to explore farther should know that the trails become steeper, rockier, and more uneven as they climb into the canyon.
It's a place where you can choose your own pace—whether that means heading up the trail or simply finding a quiet place to watch the feeders.
For a gentler outing, the area surrounding San Pedro House offers another way to experience Southern Arizona's birdlife. The terrain around the house is generally flatter, with shorter walking options, accessible parking, restrooms, covered picnic areas, gardens, and the towering cottonwoods along the San Pedro River.
You don't have to walk far to start looking and listening.
And if you've never explored the area before, October gives you a great opportunity.
The City of Sierra Vista lists several San Pedro walks throughout October, offering opportunities to explore the area with others while learning more about the plants, wildlife, and natural surroundings along the San Pedro.
Oct 14 — San Pedro Bird Walk7:00 a.m.
Oct 17 — San Pedro Nature Walk9:00 a.m.
Oct 28 — San Pedro Bird Walk7:00 a.m.
New to Birding? Keep It Simple.
You don't need to know every bird call or own expensive equipment to give birding a try.
Start early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and birds are more active. Bring plenty of water—dehydration in Arizona is no joke—along with sun protection and comfortable walking shoes. Binoculars are helpful if you have them, and a camera can be fun to bring along.
Before heading out, you can also familiarize yourself with a few birds you might encounter. Apps such as Merlin Bird ID, created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, can help identify birds by their appearance or even their sounds.
Once you're there, slow down. Listen. Look into the trees instead of only straight ahead. Give wildlife plenty of space and remember that sometimes the best part isn't identifying everything you see.
Sometimes it's simply noticing it.
Get Out and See What's in Our Backyard
One of the wonderful things about living in Southern Arizona is that an adventure doesn't have to mean traveling very far. It can be an early morning walk under the cottonwoods, sitting quietly near a hummingbird feeder, spotting something colorful in the trees, or sharing the experience with a spouse, friend, family member, or companion.
You may even discover that you're a birder after all.
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