Overview

The San Pedro riparian corridor runs north-south through the dry desert region north of the Mexican border, providing a well-vegetated corridor for breeding birds and migrants passing through on their annual journeys. Cottonwood trees grow densely along the river, a 40-mile stretch of which is in the San Pedro Riparian Conservation Area, and grasslands beyond the trees provide additional habitat. Some 350 species of birds have been seen in the area.

Nearby, the Sierra Vista Environmental Operations Park offers a viewing platform over a man-made wetland that is worth a look for birders with a little extra time after visiting San Pedro.

Link to Map.

Description

The San Pedro River flows north from the Mexican border to the Gila River through the broad San Pedro Valley between the Mule and Huachuca Mountains. The riparian corridor is quite narrow, but it is densely vegetated with cottonwood and other trees, and it stands in stark contrast to the grasslands beyond the river and the desert scrub on the hills. This north-south oriented band of prime riparian habitat provides a migratory corridor for birds moving north and south during their annual journeys between breeding and wintering grounds. Over 100 species breed in the riparian corridor, and others winter here using the trees and grasslands for food and shelter.

There are several places to access the riparian areas. Two good places are the San Pedro House and Hereford Bridge. In addition, the Sierra Vista sewage treatment plant offers opportunities (before 3pm) to find waterfowl and other birds associated with ponds and cattail marshes.

San Pedro House, an historic ranch house, has been restored by the Friends of the San Pedro River and is used as a bookstore and visitor center. From the house, trails run through grasslands and mesquite thickets to the river, and then along the river to abandoned agricultural fields, intersecting washes, and several ponds.

Hereford Crossing is a 1-lane bridge over the San Pedro River near the town of Hereford. There is a parking area on the southwest side of the river with trails to the river. The riparian area here is narrower than at the San Pedro House. There are grasslands northeast of the bridge where Cassin's and Botteri's Sparrow can be found during the summer monsoon season (July to September). The fields are good during winter for finches and sparrows too.

Sierra Vista Environmental Operation Park is a typical sewage treatment plant with secondary and tertiary ponds with marsh vegetation. Shade structures and picnic tables on an elevated ridge provide an overview of the area, but the gate closes at 3pm.

Location

San Pedro House. The San Pedro House is located about 7 miles east of Sierra Vista, just west of the river. From Highway 92, drive east on Highway 90 for 6.9 miles. Watch for a sign and a right-turn-only lane. Turn right onto the access road, which leads south to the parking area.

Hereford Crossing. Hereford Crossing is located about 16 miles southeast of Sierra Vista. From Highway 90 in Sierra Vista, drive south on Highway 92 for 8.2 miles to Nicksville. In Nicksville, turn east on Hereford Road and drive 8.3 miles out to the river. The official parking area is just before the bridge on the south side of the road. Watch for signs.

Sierra Vista Environmental Operation Park (EOP). The sewage treatment plant is located north of Highway 90 on Kino Rd (watch for Animal Shelter signs). From Sierra Vista, drive east on Highway 90 for 3.0 miles to Kino Rd. Turn left towards the animal shelter, but then continue straight north following the paved road and signs north and then around to the right and into the parking area.

Hours

San Pedro House and Hereford Crossing: Open during daylight hours. A sign says the gate is locked at dusk.

Hereford Crossing. Alway open, but probably should be considered day-use only.

Sierra Vista EOP: Seems to be open Monday through Friday during working hours at the plant. The gate is closed at 3pm, and it is too far to walk on hot afternoons. Vandalism has caused a reduction in hours.

Fees

None.

Specialties

Gray Hawk and neotropical migrants. Thirty-six species of raptors (including Mississippi Kite, Common Black Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, and Crested Caracara) have been seen here. Other species include Green Kingfisher, Northern-beardless Tyrannulet, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Neotropic Cormorant, Wild Turkey, Montezuma Quail, Scaled Quail, Gambel's Quail, Black Swift, Plain-capped Starthroat, Elegant Trogon, Thick-billed Kingbird, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Rufous-backed Robin, Baird's Sparrow, Cassins's Sparrow, Rusty Blackbird, Orchard Oriole, and lots of warblers.

Watch for rattlesnakes too.

For More Information

Visitor information is available at San Pedro House or call the Sierra Vista Convention & Visitors Bureau (800) 288-3861, (520) 458-6940 for to a free Birding Guide. The BLM maintains an informative website.