roadside rest

Stopped by this place because of trip advisor recommendations. Not really worth the stop. Go to the Nature Conservancy.

Who knows, but the birds sure do. Follow the directions and you'll be treated to some special sites. As always, sit still for a bit and you'll start to see a variety...you never know what's going to fly by, but you'll like it.

Past reviews show this is a good birding spot. We heard lots of birds but had little luck spotting them during our early afternoon stop. Maybe it was just too hot, and the leaves just too dense after the monsoon rains.

I read the review about the site being too close to the road and laughed! By definition, a roadside rest stop is near the road, and yes, there will be traffic noise. The complaining reviewer clearly does not know the history of this site, its value as a birding site, and its place among the annals of birding."Patagonia Rest Stop Effect" is a phrase well-known among birders. Many very rare birds have been found here, and the "effect" aspect is that when many birders show to see one rarity, often another (or more) will be found at the site.This site is valuable because of the easily accessible habitats along the shallow loop off the highway. When the highway was redesigned a few years ago, AZ DOT was planning to eliminate it. Birders from around the country responded to the plan and the site remains.There is limited access along the creek on the opposite side of the road (across from the end nearer to Patagonia). Access is limited to between the road and the fence because beyond the fence is private land--the Circle Z Ranch. Owners do not think kindly toward birders because of trespass problems, especially when one rare bird, Rose-throated Becard was first found nesting nearby.

Too many semis and cars too close to birding and too few birds. Wish there was an access below the road along the creek.

The sole point of the Roadside Rest, as far as I know, is to see what interesting birds have turned up there this year. There were jays, phoebes, hummingbirds, and a hawk or two. Always worth at least a quick stop.

Map location is not even close. Easy to find with online research though.