"Sierra Vista: The West's best kept secret!" Sierra Vista by kinjockity

Following my first visit...I decided to move here!

Small town living, friendly people...with all the amenities and a lot less stress and traffic.

The temperature is ideal year round: 350 days of sunshine and a perfect place to retire or raise a family.

"The Hummingbird Capital of the U.S."

Located at the center of one of the finest birding areas in the United States, Sierra Vista is often referred to as "The Hummingbird Capital of the U.S." The mild climate, proximity to Mexico and diverse habitats, including 9,000-foot mountains and the magnificent San Pedro River Valley, make southeastern Arizona a major hot spot for rare and unusual species of birds.

The best times to see tropical species such as hummingbirds, trogans, warblers and flycatchers is from mid-April through September. Spring Migration peaks between late April and early May, as tens of thousands of colorful songbirds make their way north. Late summer is also an excellent time to observe both resident and migrant birds. Spectacular thunderstorms in July and August bring cooler temperatures and create a "second Spring;" blooming wildflowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, while flocks of migrating birds feast on the bounty of seeds, fruits and insects.

Winter birding has its own special appeal. The Sierra Vista (Ramsey Canyon) Christmas Bird Count regularly has one of the highest inland species totals in the U.S., with over 150 species. Lowland sites such as the San Pedro River and Sulphur Springs Valley support the greatest variety of wintering birds. Within a two-hour drive of Sierra Vista's 1700 + hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, and 85 + restaurants are habitats ranging from mesquite shrub land, desert grassland and lowland riparian (streamside), to high mountains with Douglas Fir and Quaking Aspen. As your "home base," Sierra Vista allows you to take day trips throughout southeastern Arizona and explore to your heart's content, always knowing you have cozy accommodations waiting for you at day's end.

For further info and travel planning, be sure to check out:

www.arizonasunshinetours.com

www.visitsierravista.com

www.sabo.org

www.explorecochise.com