The San Pedro River flows north from the mountains of northern Sonora, Mexico providing a highway for millions of migrating birds every spring and fall.
[1][2] Banding sessions are open to the public, which has allowed thousands of visitors to observe research in progress and learn more about hummingbirds, other migratory birds, the ecological significance of the San Pedro River, and other conservation issues.
In November 2020, SABO assumed ownership and management of Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary, on the southeastern slope of the Huachuca Mountains in Sierra Vista Southeast in southwestern Cochise County, Arizona.
The property lies in the transition zone (ecotone) between desert grassland and Madrean pine–oak woodlands and includes portions of a ciénega, a rare wetland type unique to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Over 200 species of birds have been recorded at the site, including lucifer sheartail, plain-capped starthroat, elegant trogon, Montezuma quail, and rufous-winged sparrow.