Spring News  

Portal had decent rain and snow at the beginning of January, and the creek is running.  Central and Northern Arizona had excellent winter rains, and the desert wildflowers are expected to be abundant in March and April.

Bird life at the Ranch is poised between winter and spring; the Yellow-eyed Juncos and Painted Redstarts are still present, but will soon move up canyon.  The resident Arizona Woodpeckers and Blue-throated and Magnificent Hummingbirds will be joined in a few weeks by the early migrants.  The Elf Owls will start returning in the middle of March.

The weather has become spring-like, and the grasses are greening up. Tony and Shela gave the pond its annual cleaning, and the fish seem happy.  A coatimundi, bobcats, the herd of deer, and javalinas are still regular visitors.

We still have openings in early March and late May if you’re planning a spring trip our way, but don’t hesitate to call for other times as there may be a cancellation.

If you are in the area but can’t stay with us, day visitors are welcome from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and donations to help feed the birds are appreciated. Please check in at the office and we can tell you what is being seen. For groups of more than four people, we ask that you give us advance notice by calling 520-558-2334.

Click Here for Weather Forecast for Portal, AZ

NOTE:  Portal weather forecasts are extrapolated from forecasts for Willcox, Arizona.  Adjustments are made for elevation, distance, and direction.  Portal is the little red square on the right-hand side of the map.