The Cordilleran Flycatcher

The trail to Agua Caliente Saddle in the Santa Rita Mountains starts on the west side. Although you can access it from Madera Canyon, it’s worth trying the other approach if you don’t want to see a lot of other hikers. This is a steep, rocky trail, but worth the challenge for the solitude. The Kent Spring Loop Trail is a steep hike if you use the old Forest Service fire road, but the trail itself is easier. This trail takes you past several springs, making it a joy to hike. Do not drink the water, however, without purifying. At one time the springs probably were safe to drink, but these days it’s not worth the risk. View the list »
The Old Baldy Trail is the steeper of the two hikes to Mt. Wrightson, but that also means you may see fewer people. At Josephine Saddle you can detour off the main route and head down the trail to Temporal Gulch, or Josephine Canyon. Both of these trails are low in use, so you will probably see more wildlife than people. 

Outdoor Rec & Adventure newsletter

Cordilleran Flycatcher is another one of many flycatcher species that visit or make their home in the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson.

Related topics

Advertisement

This is a small species of flycatcher, with olive to brown on the upper body, and a yellow throat and stomach. The breast is olive-gray. The eye ring is oval and elongated. The beak is long and wide and bi-colored. The top is black, while the bottom is bright yellow.

This flycatcher breeds from Canada all the was into southeastern Arizona, migrating to Mexico during the winter months.

In the Santa Rita Mountains, you would most likely see these species in Madera Canyon, or other canyons in this range that are heavily vegetated as this is their favorite habitat type.

Trails abound in the Santa Ritas, so if you are off for a bird watching hike, you can choose from varying levels of difficulty. The Old Baldy Trail is quite popular to the top of Wrightson and a good choice even if you don’t trek the whole 5.5 miles. The Kent Springs Loop Trail is steep, but worth the trip. Try a trail on the west side if you don’t want a lot of company.

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

View the list
  • The Old Baldy Trail is the steeper of the two hikes to Mt. Wrightson, but that also means you may see fewer people. At Josephine Saddle you can detour off the main route and head down the trail to Temporal Gulch, or Josephine Canyon. Both of these trails are low in use, so you will probably see more wildlife than people. 
  • The Kent Spring Loop Trail is a steep hike if you use the old Forest Service fire road, but the trail itself is easier. This trail takes you past several springs, making it a joy to hike. Do not drink the water, however, without purifying. At one time the springs probably were safe to drink, but these days it’s not worth the risk. 
  • The trail to Agua Caliente Saddle in the Santa Rita Mountains starts on the west side. Although you can access it from Madera Canyon, it’s worth trying the other approach if you don’t want to see a lot of other hikers. This is a steep, rocky trail, but worth the challenge for the solitude. 
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. ...

Advertisement

Today's top buzz...