What Makes Cochise County A Birdwatching Paradise?

One of the best birding locations in the world!

Cochise County is no stranger to bird watching. Home to over 140 species of birds and 14 types of hummingbirds, it's no wonder Cochise County has become such a hotspot for bird enthusiasts. As winter turns to spring, and bird migration becomes a big deal, what does that mean for Cochise County? What events are going on? And most importantly, where are the best bird-watching spots?

hummingbird. / Photo by anish lakkapragada on Unsplash

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Best Bird Watching Spots in Cochise County

Cochise County has received a number of nicknames such as the hummingbird capital of the US, and one of the top bird watching spots in the world according to Explore Cochise! With a legacy of wildlife, there are many places in this community you can go to enjoy a flighty atmosphere.

Ramsey Canyon Preserve is home to some of the most diverse bird species in
Arizona! It is a part of The Coronado National Forest, and houses over a dozen types of hummingbirds! Hiking trails are open to the public, and those under 17 get in for free!

San Pedro River is also home to lots of beautiful birds! With trails available that follow along the San Pedro River, you can see a variety of plants and animals thriving in the damp habitat. Over 250 species of birds come and go in this area, such as the Broad-tailed Hummingbird, the Green Kingfisher, and several species of owl.

Green Kingfisher. / Photo by Joanna Borkowska on Unsplash

Wings over Wilcox

Wings over Wilcox is an annual event that kicks off every January. This festival has been around for over 30 years. With seminars and days' worth of activities, Wings Over Wilcox is an annual event perfect for everyone.

This Nature and Birding Festival highlights birds in southern Arizona. People have the opportunity to learn about the basics of birdwatching and will have the chance to see animals like sandhill cranes up close. This event brings in special guests from all over the world, so make sure to look into it when the season comes!

Photo by JC Cervantes on Unsplash

Return of the Turkey Vulture celebration in Bisbee

One of the feathery friends Cochise County is home to is the Turkey Vulture. Every year during the beginning of March, Bisbee holds a city-wide celebration to cheer for the Turkey Vulture's as they make their landing in our community.

This celebration has been around since 1991, and as years go on so do the events! With lots of things to do such as watching live vultures, kids' games, costumes, and a parade, any bird lover would be at home at The Return of the Turkey festival!

Turkey Vulture. / Photo by Steve Adams on Unsplash

With all these events and numbers in mind, it is not a shock that hundreds of bird watchers visit Cochise County every year! So, go see te beauty of this community for yourself and check out some of the numerous hiking trails, and nature related events and festivals!

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