Prairie Falcon locations in Arizona

Falco mexicanus

Prairie Falcons are some of the most spectacular and rewarding raptors to find in Arizona, but also notoriously difficult to photograph.  They are often seen from the back, as they fly away from you at ground level, pursuing prey at high speeds!  Along the Santa Cruz and Rillito rivers in Tucson Prairie falcons are about as common as they can get.  Try any open space with plenty of prey, like agricultural regions of Marana and the Sulfur Springs Valley [a great way to get acquainted with the wonderful winter raptors of Sulfur Spring Valley is to go on a Hawk Stalk tour offered by the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory]. The picture on the left was taken along Sandario road, traveling from Marana to west Tucson.  Also try around any Starling or pigeon flock around the outskirts of town. 

Website and all images copyright 1999-2004 Peter and Amanda Lewis.