Rodrigues Feeders: enter through the public gate |
Overview
The Rodrigues Feeders, or Rodrigues' Feeders, are a gift from the landowner to birders of the world. The previous owner (The Jasper Family) started these feeders years ago, and the new owners have graciously maintained the tradition. Open hours are 6:30am to 7:30pm.
From Portal Town, drive east on Portal Road for 0.75 miles to a left turn onto Foothills Road. Leaving downtown Portal eastbound, there is a fenced field on the right. When the fence ends, Foothills Road is on the left.
Drive north on Foothills Road for 0.5 miles. The road dips to cross Cave Creek Wash, and before entirely climbing out of the wash, the parking area is on the right (2275 Foothills Rd, Portal, AZ 85632).
Park, walk through the public gate on the right, and follow the trail around to the right. Chairs and a table are arranged under a shady tree. Be careful when exiting the parking area because visibility on the road isn't the best. |
Rodrigues House -- don't block their driveway |
The feeders are good for lots of desert species, and this is the epicenter of Crissal Thrasher and Abert's Towhee sightings in the area.
Also watch for various hummingbirds, Gambel's Quail, Northern Cardinal, Pyrrhuloxia, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, House Finch, Cactus Wren, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Hooded Oriole, Scott's Oriole, Lesser Goldfinch, Verdin, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, White-winged Dove, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, and Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
Also watch for Harris' Antelope Squirrel, and based on the fencing, it looks like they have trouble with coati.
Link to Portal Town Map. |