Where desert valleys rise into oak–pine sky islands and rivers carve green ribbons through arid country, southeastern Arizona offers some of the richest birding in North America. The region’s dramatic landscapes create a convergence of Sonoran, Chihuahuan, and Madrean influences, producing an exceptional mix of habitats. Seasonal rhythms bring waves of migrants through desert washes and riparian corridors, dazzling summer arrivals from the tropics, and concentrations of raptors, sparrows, and waterfowl in winter. This crossroads of habitats and flyways has long made the area a premier destination, where birders can explore diverse ecosystems within short distances and experience a year-round blend of resident rarities, seasonal spectacles, and the enduring beauty of the borderlands.