A Paradise for Birdwatchers and Nature Lovers
Submitted: April 21, 2011
Stayed: April 2011
Our stay at the “Cottage by the Creek” in Patagonia was one of the best vacations we ever had. The cottage was perfect for us! The comfortable bed, the big TV, the kitchen appliances, the bathroom with a big shower, everything was there and brand new. The washer and dryer came in especially handy, since the airline lost our luggage. The homeowner was very friendly and even helped us get our suitcase four days later.
The cottage backs right onto Sonoita Creek, and we could watch the birds right from our patio while sitting in the comfortable chairs with a cup of coffee. The main reason we picked this cottage was our interest in wild birds, especially hummingbirds. The Paton family in Patagonia is well known among bird watchers. They opened their backyard with hummingbird feeders to visitors from all over the world. We had seen the hummingbirds there before, and now we were only a short walk away. If we wanted to know where to find a special bird, like the elegant trogon, we would just go there and ask!
I placed my own hummingbird feeders around the cottage, and the tiny birds arrived within minutes. We got Broad-billed, Annas, Blackchinned, Broad-tailed, Costa’s and Rufous. Especially thrilling was the rare Violet Crowned and the Calliope, the smallest bird nesting in the US. I had window feeders on two sides of the cottage, and the tiny birds were coming and going constantly!
Hummingbirds weren’t the only wild birds around the cottage. Vermillion Flycatchers are in the neighbourhood, Gray Hawks, warblers and quail too. Turkey vultures roost in the trees at the creek at night. A pair of Gila woodpeckers and orioles came to feed from our hummingbird feeders. The trees in the yard and in the neighbourhood are full of birds.
The Cottage by the Creek has Wifi internet, and that made planning day trips very easy for us. Ramsay Canyon and Madeira Canyon are close and always worth a visit for bird lovers. Even closer is the Nature Conservancy and Patagonia State Lake Park. Tucson and Nogales are easy to get to.
Patagonia is a small town that offers a lot. Going for a walk, you see the mountains in the back against the blue sky. We found everything from art to organic food and lots of friendly people. The library is amazing. There even was a small market on Sunday.
Anybody interested in trying a raw organic food diet can combine a stay at the cottage with meals at the Tree of Life Rejuvenation Centre.
We hope to be able to return for another visit.
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Pet-friendly,
Adventure Seekers,
Girls Getaway,
Sightseeing,
Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: Thanks for coming and thanks for all of the information! It was wonderful of you to help me get acquainted with so many of the birds in my neighborhood. Will look forward to your next visit.
Helpful votes: 2/2
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