We camped at Patagonia Lake State Park for two weeks recently. This wasn’t our first stay, in fact we have camped in this beautiful, arid area many times. If you enjoying being in a dry desert environment then you would like Patagonia Lake.
The park is well known for its birding trails, and the number of different species that are attracted to the area. Birders from all over the world are attracted to this area in hopes of sighting a new bird to add to their birding list. Patagonia Lake is also a big attraction for people, that love fishing and boating. Patagonia Lake State Park is located between Patagonia and Nogales, AZ.
Of all places to see a new bird. It was flitting around the mesquite trees near the Gift Shop in the RV campground. This tiny flycatcher is known to hang out in riparian stands of mesquite trees mixed with cottonwoods, sycamores or oats. I was truly lucky to see this tiny bird, because its range is Mexico and the lower south western areas of Arizona and Texas.
I’am happy to add number 430 to my Birding Life List.
~December, 2022 Catalina State Park, Oro Valley, AZ
They are so fun to watch, postering to defend they territory.Looking tough!
When the light hits their head and throat it is a gorgeous sight. I saw my first Anna’s on January 3, 2009 at Catalina State Park.
Like the Rufous Hummingbird, Anna’s are pugnacious and well known for its territorial behavior. Males fiercely defend feeding areas and chase away other male hummingbirds and even large insects such as bumblebees and hawk moths that try to feed there. They are known to eat more insects than any other hummingbird. They can live up to eight and half years.
From the flowers and insects they feed on, to the trees and bushes they rest and nest in, to their brilliant colors and strengths – all astonishing examples of nature’s creations.
~Catalina State Park in Oro Valley, AZ – End of 2022
I don’t believe there is anything negative I could say about this park. It is a “gem” of an Arizona state park. It is so well loved that it is hard to get reservations during the winter months.
Catalina State Park is located at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains. It is home to nearly 5,000 saguaros and desert plants. There are 5,500 acres of foothills and canyons that offer opportunities for camping, hiking, and bird watching. The park is home to more than 150 species.
If you get tired of bird watching you can ride your horse or your bike. Right outside the park you can connect to the walking/riding trail system called The Loop and ride or walk for miles and miles. I believe The Loop is 131 miles long.
~December 22, 2018, Catalina State Park, Oro Valley, AZ
A lovely walk, at sunset, on the Romero Ruin Loop Trail.
Howard at the beginning of the Romero Ruin Trail in Catalina State Park (6:15pm)The mountains are gorgeous with the beginning of the evening sunlight shining on them. (6:16pm)Shadows add to the drama taking place.(6:20pm) Sunlight kissing the Saguaro Cacti.(6:22pm) The evening sunlight turns these mountains into a fiery, gorgeous sight.(6:30pm) Looking west.(6:31pm) A different view(6:32pm)(6:33pm)(6:34pm)(6:37pm)(6:48pm)
The Romero Ruin Trail Loop is one of my very favorite trails. The views, from atop this hill of the Catalina Mountains are spectacular, the foliage diverse, and the birding rewarding. At sunset, the scene is peaceful and breathtaking.
Earlier in the day, on the same trail:
Curved-billed Thrasher
A list of all the other birds I observed while visiting Catalina State Park:
Northern Harrier, Cooper’s Hawk(new), Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Prairie Falcon, Mourning Dove, Greater Roadrunner, Anna’s Hummingbird, Gilded Flicker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Gila Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Say’s Phoebe, Common Raven, Western Scrub-Jay, White-crowned Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Canyon Towhee, Pyrrhuloxia, House Finch, Cassin’s Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow.
Gila Woodpecker.
Abert’s Towhee.
Wolf Song Blog 