The Black Phoebe

The west side of the Santa Rita Mountains offers great cool weather hiking. With little shade, this side is not as popular, but if you want to avoid the crowds, try the trail to the Quantrell Mine or follow the Elephant Head Bike Trail all the way to Madera Canyon Road. Have someone pick you up there is better than walking this round trip. The Nature Trail is a popular hike in Madera Canyon, as the walk is easy and affords you plenty of opportunities to see wildlife and views as you climb gradually up from the parking area. All facilities in Madera Canyon have a five dollar use fee; the campground charges an additional fee for camping. View the list »
Hiking in Madera Canyon this time of year is perfect, as temperatures are moderate and the creeks are full of melted snow. Try the Proctor Trail for the most accessibility both in walking and wheelchair access, but to Madera Creek as the trail takes you creekside and over the creek across numerous footbridges.

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The Black Phoebe is a resident of the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson. This is a medium sized flycatcher, found not only in Arizona, but also in Northern California and the tropics.

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This bird is mostly black, dressed somewhat like a penguin, with a white stomach. The outer tail feathers also have white. The legs, feet and beak are all black. The Black Phoebe prefers insects, but in areas where fishing is possible, they are known to snatch a fish or two.

The male of the species does the house hunting, hovering over a potential nesting site to seek the approval of the female. If she likes his choice, she will build the nest herself. These birds are very territorial, and will nest in the same area year after year.

Since the Black Phoebe prefers being near water, in the Santa Rita Mountains you would probably see this bird in Madera Canyon or other parts of the range where creeks run most of the year.

Reference: The Nature of Madera Canyon by Douglas W. Moore, Friends of Madera, 1999; whatbird.com

View the list
  • Hiking in Madera Canyon this time of year is perfect, as temperatures are moderate and the creeks are full of melted snow. Try the Proctor Trail for the most accessibility both in walking and wheelchair access, but to Madera Creek as the trail takes you creekside and over the creek across numerous footbridges.
  • The Nature Trail is a popular hike in Madera Canyon, as the walk is easy and affords you plenty of opportunities to see wildlife and views as you climb gradually up from the parking area. All facilities in Madera Canyon have a five dollar use fee; the campground charges an additional fee for camping. 
  • The west side of the Santa Rita Mountains offers great cool weather hiking. With little shade, this side is not as popular, but if you want to avoid the crowds, try the trail to the Quantrell Mine or follow the Elephant Head Bike Trail all the way to Madera Canyon Road. Have someone pick you up there is better than walking this round trip. 
View the list

, Santa Rita Mountains Outdoor Recreation Examiner

Ms. Strader is 40-year resident of Southern Arizona. She began her Forest Service career as a fire fighter in the Santa Rita Mountains which was the beginning of her dedication to learning as much as she could about the mountains she used to protect. ...

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