- BIRDWATCHERS PARADISE
Two wildlife preserves are located just south of Blythe, California, each bordering the Colorado River and teeming with wildlife and a vast variety of birds, to birdwatchers’ delight.
Location: Cibola can be reached from the California side of the Colorado River, just south of Blythe, or on the Arizona side, south of Quartzsite.
The Cibola National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1964 as mitigation for dam construction on the Colorado River in the 1930’s and 1940’s. It provides important habitat for migratory birds, wintering waterfowl and resident species. The refuge contains several miles of historic river channels and several backwaters that provide key habitats in a changed environment.
About 240 species of birds use the refuge during the year. Several endangered or threatened species, including the willow flycatcher, brown pelican, peregrine falcon, bald eagle, Yuma clapper rail, bonytail chub and razorback sucker use the refuge. Other resident bird species include Gambel’s quail, kestrel, Harris’ hawk, roadrunner, phainopepla, and burrowing owl.
Mule deer, coyote, and bobcat are common among the other animals on the refuge. Visitors occasionally spot mountain lion, kit fox, or gray fox, and badger as well. Many species of reptiles and amphibians, including the western diamondback rattlesnake and sidewinder, also call the refuge home.
Location: Kofa is located 30 miles east of Blythe in S. Arizona south of Interstate 10 off Arizona Highway 95.
Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is a pristine desert environment home to the unique desert bighorn sheep and the Californa fan palm, the only native palm in Arizona. Kofa Mountain barberry (a rare plant found only in SW Arizona) also occurs on this refuge. Other notable wildlife species found in the area include white-winged dove, desert tortoise and desert kit fox.
Water is always scarce in the desert. Natural water sources are highly variable and may not last until seasonal changes can refresh them. By enlarging natural water holes, shading them to reduce evaporation, and blasting artificial basins in areas previously without a water supply, refuge managers have greatly increased availability to the teeming wildlife making the refuge their home or temporary stop-over. Bighorn sheep have responded to this assistance by producing a larger, healthier herd. Up to 1,000 sheep live here.
Palm Canyon, in the west end of the Kofa Mountains, is well known for its native palms. Though less than 100 in number, this handful of trees plus one or two other groves around the state, are the only places these native palms can be seen. This is a beautiful, although slightly difficult climb, but the reward is well worth the effort!
General George Patton trained desert troops in this area during World War II.
Information on these and other areas are available at The Blythe Area Chamber of Commerce.