The Eastern Phoebe

The Florida Trail will get you to the Crest Trail in the shortest distance. Once you reach Florida Saddle, turn right and join the Crest Trail to head toward Baldy Saddle. You can take a side jaunt down to Armour Spring. This formerly lush area was severely damaged after the Florida Fire of 2005.The Old Baldy Trail is one option to access the Crest Trail. Take this steep route all the way to Baldy Saddle and turn left. The best way to enjoy hiking the Crest Trail is to have someone pick you up either in Florida Canyon, or on the scenic east side of Gardner Canyon or Temporal Gulch. View the list »
The Santa Rita Mountains are known for their steep trails, and although there are a few that are less steep than others, most require at least some elevation gain. The Crest Trail is an easy hike once you are on the trail itself, as just like the name implies, it follows the crest and is easy going. You can access the crest trail from just about every trail in the range. 

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It may seem odd, but the Eastern Phoebe is an Arizona resident, at least in the winter months. Look for this species in the Santa Rita Mountains at higher elevations.

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This is a small flycatcher, with dark gray to brown on the upperpart, and pale brown to olive underneath. The tail is dark gray to black, as are the wings. Occasionally there will be a tinge of yellow on the breast or sides.

The Eastern Phoebe has the honors of being the first bird to be banded to study their migration habits. Back in the early 1800’s, John Audubon used a silver thread to identify birds later.

The name “phoebe” comes from the sound it makes, and of the three species of phoebes, this is the only one where the call matches the name almost perfectly.

The Eastern Phoebe dines on insects, berries and fruits. Occasionally it will catch fish if the option is available.

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

View the list
  • The Santa Rita Mountains are known for their steep trails, and although there are a few that are less steep than others, most require at least some elevation gain. The Crest Trail is an easy hike once you are on the trail itself, as just like the name implies, it follows the crest and is easy going. You can access the crest trail from just about every trail in the range. 
  • The Old Baldy Trail is one option to access the Crest Trail. Take this steep route all the way to Baldy Saddle and turn left. The best way to enjoy hiking the Crest Trail is to have someone pick you up either in Florida Canyon, or on the scenic east side of Gardner Canyon or Temporal Gulch. 
  • The Florida Trail will get you to the Crest Trail in the shortest distance. Once you reach Florida Saddle, turn right and join the Crest Trail to head toward Baldy Saddle. You can take a side jaunt down to Armour Spring. This formerly lush area was severely damaged after the Florida Fire of 2005.
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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