Hoping a Southeast AZ birder can help me with directions to the Granites. Never heard of them before today and understand I might be able to see Black-chinned Sparrows there.
I understand the location is on the west side of the Swisshelm (?) mountain range. I saw something about them being 7 miles due east of Elfrida.
Hoping I can get some better directions pinned down. I would be coming from Bisbee.
Thanks, Lisa
Hi Lisa,
This is an excellent area. I was going to go there today until I got waylaid by finding a couple of rarities
It's the rocky part of the Swisshelm Mountains, a small range along the western flank of the Chiricahuas. It's on the very edge of the Elfrida Christmas Bird Count circle, which allows us to add many more species to the list as it's a completely different habitat to the rest of the count area.
To get there, take Jefferson Rd east from Elfrida, and continue until you're near the base of the mountains. I can't remember if it's paved up to this point or if it's already turned into a dirt road by then. Anyway, it's definitely dirt roads after you encounter a gate across the road, and it deteriorates soon after you go through the gate. A small SUV and a positive attitude should be all you need to make it.
Go through the gate, and if I remember correctly, you take a rough dirt road soon after on the right. Follow this until you get to the very base of the rocky slope. The road drops down into a nice little oak canyon with an unofficial campground.
From there you can explore the rocky slopes and surrounding area on foot, looking for Black-chinned Sparrow (one of the most reliable sites I know, but rarely easy), Golden Eagle (overhead), Montezuma Quail (rare), etc. I've seen White-nosed Coatis there as well. It's a very beautiful place.