Birding Around Las Vegas, Favorite Places Far Away
 Downtown Portal, Arizona (view S) |
Overview Portal is the town at the base of the mountains on the east side of the Chiricahua Mountains. The people who live there have a good thing going, and some of them even share it with the rest of us. Walk the main road (S Rock House Road) south through town birding the trees and yards, but stay on the public road. Be sure to follow the dirt road beyond the post office, as some homeowners down there put out seed and nectar, making this a great place to see hummingbirds. Just east of downtown on Portal Road, the road crosses Cave Creek Wash. The bridge can be a good area to spot desert birds. Stop to eat at the Portal Store (2358 S Rock House Rd, Portal, AZ 85632) where they have good food and wifi for patrons (ask for the password). The library provides free wifi. At night, listen for Elf Owls and watch for them on telephone wires in town. Link to Portal Town Map. |
 Portal Store - Cafe and Lodge (view SE) |
 Outside seating at the Portal Store (view NW) |
 Portal Store front door |
 Portal Store hours (April 2024) |
 When looking for Elf Owls, watch for Javelina too |
 Starting to walk down S Rock House Road (view S) |
 S Rock House Road (view SW) |
 S Rock House Road stays left (view SW) |
 S Rock House Road (view SW) |
 S Rock House Road approaching the Post Office (view SW) |
 Library (left) and Post Office (right) (view NW) |
 Library (left), Post Office (right), and trees with birds |
 S Rock House Road becomes dirt past the Post Office (view SW) |
 Sign at start of dirt S Rock House Road; "Walkers Welcome" |
 Yard with feeders past post office |
 Yard with feeders past post office |
 Yard with feeders past post office |
 Broad-billed Hummingbird at feeder |
 Bullock's Oriole at nectar feeder |
 Yard with feeders past post office |
 Curve-billed Thrasher at seed feeder |
 Lazuli Bunting and Curve-billed Thrasher at seed feeder |
 Bud and Debb's Bird Haven near the end of the public road |
 Bud and Debb's Bird Haven Place |
 Bird Haven backyard |
 Feeders at Bird Haven |
 Seed Fund box. $5 seems to be the going rate. |
 Lesser Goldfinch and Pine Siskin on thistle feeder |
 Blue-throated Mountain-gem at nectar feeder |
 Scott's Oriole at jelly feeder |
 Hooded Oriole at jelly feeder |
 Lesser Goldfinch at jelly feeder |
 Lesser Goldfinch and Pine Siskin on drinker |
 Bird Haven front yard with nectar feeders |
Happy birding! All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
; Last updated 240608
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