Discover Benson’s Birding Hotspots
Southern Arizona has some of the best bird-watching regions in the country, and people come here from all over the world to see many rare species. Within a relatively small region, you can find the Sonoran Desert, oak woodlands, high-elevation conifer forests, and riparian areas. Eventually, every serious birder must-visit Southern Arizona because of its high birding appeal.
The Benson area has its share of popular birding hot spots, including riparian areas, grasslands, and deserts. Listed below are six Benson area birding hot spots and links to other popular birding locations in Southern Arizona.
Discover Benson Area Birding Hotspots
Holy Trinity Monastery
248 Species Recorded including Vermilion Flycatchers
The award-winning Trinity Wild Bird Sanctuary Trail is a 1.3 mile trail that runs along the boundary of the property and the San Pedro River. Spirit Lake, also part of the bird sanctuary, is one of the larger ponds on the property. It is overlooked by the Cloister and circled by a trail with benches for sitting and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
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Kartchner Caverns State Park
170 Species Recorded including Ladder-Backed Woodpeckers
The park has a variety of Arizona wildlife species that are common to the Arizonan deserts and may be found around the park. The proximity of the canyons and arroyos of the Whetstone Mountains, Sonoran and Chihuahuan Desert terrain, and the riparian areas of the San Pedro River creates a unique opportunity to see species found in each of these habitats.
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Benson STP
246 Species Recorded including Great Egrets
Benson STP (Sewage Treatment Plant – Wastewater Facilities) has several holding ponds that attract a number of species. The north pond usually has more water and attracts waterfowl in winter. The southern pond has lower water levels and is attractive to waders. Terns and gulls commonly visit the ponds. Other desert birds also frequent the area. the ponds are fenced . . . bring your binoculars.
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San Pedro Golf Course – Patio
197 Species Recorded including Red-tailed Hawks
The San Pedro Golf Course offers a comfortable alternative to birding in the desert. Stay in the shade, enjoy a meal and a drink, and observe the grounds with your binoculars. The Benson City Grille’s observation patio, is a favorite hot spot for birders. The landscaped setting along the San Pedro River is frequented by water birds, raptors, flycatchers, wrens, and many other species.
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Mescal Road – RR Tracks to Mile 6.4
111 Species Recorded including Swainson’s Hawks
Mescal Road is a scenic drive that is the backdrop to many of your favorite Western movies. Raptures, owls, flycatchers, quail, and others frequent the high desert. The drive passes several washes that create temporary ponds after rain, which attract both desert species and waterfowl stopping for a drink. The road is maintained. A four-wheel vehicle is not needed.
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Amerind Foundation
112 Species Recorded including Wilson’s Warblers
Amerind opened a walking trail that ends at the bird pond. Surrounded by willow trees, walnut, hackberry, and mesquite, the pond attracts quite a number of birds each day. Enjoy the shade surrounding the pond. Kick back on one of the six park benches and listen to the birds. The trail is moderate and has very little shade. It will be a one-mile round-trip hike.
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Recommended Regional Birding Hotspots
Twin Lakes Golf Course / Lake Cochise
336 Species Recorded including Blue Herons
Mescal Road is a scenic drive that is the backdrop to many of your favorite Western movies. Raptures, owls, flycatchers, quail, and others frequent the high desert. The drive passes several washes that create temporary ponds after rain, which attract both desert species and waterfowl stopping for a drink. The road is maintained. A four-wheel vehicle is not needed.
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Patagonia Lake State Park
335 Species Recorded including Black-Crowned Night herons
Amerind opened a walking trail that ends at the bird pond. Surrounded by willow trees, walnut, hackberry, and mesquite, the pond attracts quite a number of birds each day. Enjoy the shade surrounding the pond. Kick back on one of the six park benches and listen to the birds. The trail is moderate and has very little shade. It will be a one-mile round-trip hike.
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San Pedro House
310 Species Recorded including Black-tailed Gnatcatchers
Mescal Road is a scenic drive that is the backdrop to many of your favorite Western movies. Raptures, owls, flycatchers, quail, and others frequent the high desert. The drive passes several washes that create temporary ponds after rain, which attract both desert species and waterfowl stopping for a drink. The road is maintained. A four-wheel vehicle is not needed.
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Las Cienegas – Empire Ranch
237 Species Recorded including Harris Hawks
Amerind opened a walking trail that ends at the bird pond. Surrounded by willow trees, walnut, hackberry, and mesquite, the pond attracts quite a number of birds each day. Enjoy the shade surrounding the pond. Kick back on one of the six park benches and listen to the birds. The trail is moderate and has very little shade. It will be a one-mile round-trip hike.
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Ramsey Canyon Preserve
224 Species Recorded including Elegant Trogons
Mescal Road is a scenic drive that is the backdrop to many of your favorite Western movies. Raptures, owls, flycatchers, quail, and others frequent the high desert. The drive passes several washes that create temporary ponds after rain, which attract both desert species and waterfowl stopping for a drink. The road is maintained. A four-wheel vehicle is not needed.
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Madera Canyon – Santa Rita Lodge
199 Species Recorded including Broad-billed Hummingbirds
Amerind opened a walking trail that ends at the bird pond. Surrounded by willow trees, walnut, hackberry, and mesquite, the pond attracts quite a number of birds each day. Enjoy the shade surrounding the pond. Kick back on one of the six park benches and listen to the birds. The trail is moderate and has very little shade. It will be a one-mile round-trip hike.
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