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Birding in Arizona: Sedona and the Verde Valley

A foremost bird expert shares his favorite Arizona birding spots in Sedona and the Verde Valley.

Birding in Arizona: Sedona and the Verde Valley

Arizona birder Richard Cachor Taylor not only penned Birding in Arizona — a must-have pocket guide for birders of all skill levels — he’s also the world’s leading expert on the Elegant Trogon, a tropical, migratory species. His evolution from childhood curious birdwatcher to a bird expert and professional guide is an interesting one.

Taylor’s book packs a punch with detailed descriptions and photographs of 500 species of birds found in Arizona — large or small, rare or common — and all are given equal prominence, from vultures and eagles to sparrows and warblers.

Here, Taylor shares his birding knowledge about birding in Northern Arizona.

Birds Found in This Region

Common Black Hawk, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay, Juniper Titmouse, Canyon Wren, Bullock’s Oriole

Most Popular Birding Location

Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood

Hidden Gem Birding Spot

West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona

Don’t-Miss Birding Events

Sedona Hummingbird Festival, Sedona
Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival, Cottonwood

Birding in Arizona: Sedona and the Verde Valley
Black Chinned Hummingbird. Credit: Fred Forssell, Courtesy of R W Morse Company.

Buy the Book

From Yuma to the Four Corners, Birds of Arizona (published by R.W. Morse, 2022) by Richard Cachor Taylor encompasses all the regularly occurring birds within Arizona and is available for sale on Amazon.

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A foremost bird expert shares his favorite Arizona birding spots in Tucson and Southern Arizona.

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Birding in Arizona: A Guide to Northern Arizona

A foremost bird expert shares his favorite Arizona birding spots in Northern Arizona.

About the Author

Headshot of a man with white/gray hair and a mustache

Iain Lundy

Iain Lundy spent 40 years as a newspaper and magazine journalist in his native Scotland. Now relocated to Arizona, he works as a content writer, editor and genealogist. He enjoys the great outdoors, family history and, like a true Scot, good beer and a fine malt whiskey. Read more of his bio and work at lundyink.com.

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From the abundance of Saguaro cactuses and unique wildlife in the Sonoran Desert to the high country and forests of the White Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona’s regions are full of experiences that don’t disappoint.