WhereAZ.com

-  Madera Canyon is a valley in the Santa Rita Mountains of Arizona, located in the Coronado National Forest - The canyon is north-facing and has an elevation of 4,911 feet - The canyon is home to a variety of plants and animals, including cactus-covered desert in the lower reaches, aspen and fir forests on Mount Wrightson (one of the "Sky Islands" of southern Arizona) - A wide range of bird species can be found here ... the canyon is also a major resting place for migrating species - The best time to see a variety of birds is during migration season in the spring, but some species can be spotted year-round ... night birding can add more variety to the experience - The canyon's woodlands include mesquite, juniper-oak, and pine forests, with riparian woodland along an intermittent stream - The main riparian tree species are Fremont Cottonwood, Arizona Sycamore, Velvet Ash, Gooding's Willow, and Netleaf Hackberry - Not unusual to see wild turkeys and black bears here Ma...