On Wednesday, legislation sponsored by Rep. Gail Griffin, was signed into law that designates Sierra Vista as the official Hummingbird Capital of Arizona. Griffin’s House Bill 2807 passed both chambers of the Arizona Legislature with large bipartisan majorities.
Southern Arizona is a birders paradise, home to nearly 15 species of hummingbirds and more than 300 other bird species. The plethora of plumed creatures has garnered wide attention from birders around the world.
“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,” said Governor Ducey, upon signing the bill. “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.”
“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.”
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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 Arizona Office of Tourism Director Debbie Johnson. “The designation of Sierra Vista as the hummingbird capital of Arizona is another great distinguishing feature in our state’s travel offerings!”