TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) – Governor Doug Ducey on Wednesday, May 12, signed legislation to designate Sierra Vista as the official Hummingbird Capital of Arizona.
”Arizona attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year,” said Ducey. “They come for our amazing weather, limitless recreation opportunities, our stunning landscapes and they come in droves to places like Sierra Vista to bird watch. Birding is an integral part of Arizona’s thriving tourism industry and this legislation acknowledges Sierra Vista’s unique role in this sector of our economy. I’d like to thank Representative Gail Griffin for leading this effort.”
Birders can observe nearly 15 species of hummingbirds and more than 300 other bird species in the canyons, forests, and riverbanks in and around Sierra Vista, the largest community in Cochise County. This activity has garnered wide attention from birders around the world. Southeastern Arizona has for years been a birding hotspot.
”Our local, national and international bird-watching communities have had the opportunity to observe some of this beautiful wildlife in Sierra Vista, where countless hummingbirds and other species make their way every year,” Ducey said. “Rep. Griffin’s legislation celebrates this exciting fact, and adds another reason to why Arizona is the best state in the country to visit and live.”
House Bill 2807 passed both chambers of the Arizona Legislature with large bipartisan majorities.
“Not only does Arizona have a good economy, a great place to work, it also provides a wide range of activities for the bird watching community,” said Representative Gail Griffin. “Sierra Vista (and surrounding areas) is home to a variety of beautiful bird species and wildlife. This legislation highlights and celebrates our beautiful community and all it has to offer our citizens and visitors.”
Sierra Vista, and more precisely Ramsey Canyon Preserve, is known by many as the “Hummingbird Capital of the World.” It is owned and operated by the Nature Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving land and water around the globe.
Ducey’s signing of the legislation was welcomed by Debbie Johnson, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism.
”Arizona is home to wondrous beauty, bountiful wildlife and an agreeable climate that beckons many travelers to our state each year,” said Johnson. “The designation of Sierra Vista as the hummingbird capital of Arizona is another great distinguishing feature in our state’s travel offerings!”
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