Lovely bird with blue-green back, gray wings, red belly, yellow bill and distinct eye ring at nest hole in sycamore tree Courtesy of Laura Paulson
The Southwestern Research Station is located in the heart of the beautiful Chiricahua Mountains and is famous for its close proximity to nesting Elegant Trogons, a large diversity of hummingbirds, and other spectacular bird migrants from Central and South America.

Enjoy comfortable accommodations, cafeteria dining, our hummingbird area and nature shop, and a multitude of hiking trails within walking distance or a short drive.

While our mission is to provide accommodations to researchers, we also welcome birders, naturalists, and other non-researchers; however, non-researcher reservations are taken only two weeks in advance of the desired dates of stay, based on availability. While this only applied to our busy summer season in the past, we have had to extend the policy year-round due to increased demand from researchers. There is a two night minimum stay for visiting non-researchers.

All rates include three full meals (vegetarian and no red meat options available) in our cafeteria where you have the opportunity to chat with other visitors and share birding experiences. On those days you wish to travel to more distant areas to bird watch, you can arrange in advance for an early cold breakfast and sack lunch.

Article Wildlife Wildlife at the Southwestern Research Station and surrounding area draws many to visit for study and recreational purposes. Visitor Information Accommodations Lodging, meals, classroom and lab facilities are available for researchers and visitors to the Southwestern Research Station. Tour Birding and Nature Tours See spectacular southeastern Arizona birds in the Chiricahua Mountains. Lodging and meals at SWRS and skilled guide included! Visitor Information Directions & Climate Directions to the Southwestern Research Station, located at ~5400' elevation in the Chiricahua Mountains. Visitor Information Nature Shop Gifts and memories from the Chiricahuas. Visitor Information Not all Research and Work There are many fun things to do at SWRS and the neighboring communities of Portal, Arizona and Rodeo, New Mexico