The Brown Canyon Trail in the Coronado National Forest is great for both birding and butterflying. It begins 1.5 miles up Ramsey Canyon Road from Hwy 92, where the grassland meets the oaks on the north side of the road; watch for the Forest Service trail sign. From the trailhead interconnecting paths wind through oak savanna and classic Madrean oak woodland, eventually climbing up through pine-oak forest to the ridge separating Brown Canyon from Ramsey Canyon. A side route leads to a picturesque “box canyon” with a seasonal waterfall. Resident birds of the canyon include Mexican Jay, Bridled Titmouse, Spotted Towhee, Canyon Wren, and even the elusive Montezuma Quail. Elegant Trogon, Painted Redstart, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, and Scott’s Oriole are among the many species that summer in the canyon, while Black-chinned Sparrow and Townsend’s Warbler may linger into winter some years. A small pond at the historic Brown Canyon Ranch site often attracts water-loving species such as Black Phoebe. During the late summer rainy season over 50 species of butterflies, including the beautiful and charming California Sister, can be found in a day.